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Demographic Analysis of Ruston, Louisiana: Racial Composition and Income Trends from 2013 to 2022
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Ruston, Louisiana exhibits demographic stability with minor shifts over the past decade. As of 2022, the city is classified as "Moderate Diversity," with a White plurality of 50% and a Black population of 40%. The median income in 2022 was $39,401, indicating a lower-middle-income community. The population of 26,967 is distributed across 21.21 square miles.
Over the past decade, Ruston has maintained its "Moderate Diversity" classification, but with observable changes. The White population has remained stable at approximately 49-51%, while the Black population has decreased slightly from 43% in 2014 to 40% in 2022. The Hispanic population has increased from 2% to 3%, and those identifying as two or more races have risen from 1% to 3%. These changes indicate a trend towards increased diversity at a gradual pace.
The median income in Ruston has shown an overall upward trend, increasing from $33,059 in 2013 to $39,401 in 2022, a rise of about 19%. This growth has not been consistent, with some years showing declines. A significant increase in median income occurred between 2020 and 2021, from $37,719 to $41,311, followed by a slight decrease in 2022.
The population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 26,000 and 27,000 throughout the decade. This stability, combined with the gradual increase in median income, suggests a slowly improving economic situation that may be attracting a more diverse population.
Ruston's demographic composition and economic trends are consistent with those of mid-sized Southern cities. The gradual increase in diversity, particularly in Hispanic and multiracial populations, aligns with national trends. The city's median income, while growing, remains below the national median, which was approximately $70,000 in 2022.
Based on observed trends, Ruston is likely to continue its slow progression towards increased diversity. It is expected that there will be a continued gradual increase in Hispanic and multiracial populations. A potential shift towards "High Diversity" may occur in the next 10-15 years if current trends accelerate. Continued growth in median income is anticipated, potentially reaching or surpassing $45,000 within the next 5 years. The overall population is expected to remain stable or experience slight growth, maintaining the city's current size and density.
These predictions suggest that Ruston may be slowly evolving into a more diverse and economically robust community, though significant changes are likely to occur over a longer time horizon. The city's ability to attract and retain a diverse population while growing its economic base will be crucial in determining whether it can transition to a "High Diversity" category in the coming decades.
