Ruston, LA vs Waltham, MA

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.

Ruston

72.3

#911 nationally

vs

Waltham

66.7

#1517 nationally

Waltham leads in median household income ($113,443 vs $32,877). Waltham leads in walk score (57 vs 25). Ruston leads in average commute (13.9 min vs 24.6 min).

Metric-by-Metric Breakdown

Metric Ruston, LA Waltham, MA
WhereAtHome Score 72.3 (#911) 66.7 (#1517)
Population 22,233 64,477
Typical Home Value (ZHVI) $229,937 $831,292
Median Household Income $32,877 $113,443
Average Commute 13.9 min 24.6 min
Walk Score 25 57
Crime Level 11.7 6.9
School Rating N/A N/A
Cost of Living Index 95 164
Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored R+25.4 D+39.5
Ruston, LA
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 →
Waltham, MA
D
66.7 Score

Waltham, MA

Massachusetts community balancing growth and livability

Median Home

$831,292

Population

64,477

Crime

Moderate

Walk Score

57

Northeast View Waltham, MA →

Try a different matchup

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Swap Waltham for:

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