Mesquite, TX vs Ruston, LA
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Mesquite
71.8
#958 nationally
Ruston
72.3
#911 nationally
Ruston leads in average commute (13.9 min vs 32.1 min). Mesquite leads in median household income ($69,649 vs $32,877). Mesquite leads in walk score (35 vs 25).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Mesquite, TX | Ruston, LA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 71.8 (#958) | 72.3 (#911) |
| Population | 147,317 | 22,233 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $261,109 | $229,937 |
| Median Household Income | $69,649 | $32,877 |
| Average Commute | 32.1 min | 13.9 min |
| Walk Score | 35 | 25 |
| Crime Level | 13.7 | 11.7 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 98 | 95 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+22.2 | R+25.4 |
C-
71.8 Score
Mesquite, TX
Mid-size Texas city with community character
Median Home
$261,109
Population
147,317
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
35
Southwest
View Mesquite, TX →
C-
72.3 Score
Ruston, LA
Small Louisiana city with local appeal
Median Home
$229,937
Population
22,233
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
25
Southeast
View Ruston, LA →