Ruston, LA vs Salisbury, NC
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
Salisbury
66.6
#1526 nationally
Ruston leads in crime level (11.7 vs 26.3). Ruston leads in average commute (13.9 min vs 21.8 min). Salisbury leads in median household income ($48,888 vs $32,877).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Ruston, LA | Salisbury, NC |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 72.3 (#911) | 66.6 (#1526) |
| Population | 22,233 | 36,319 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $229,937 | $284,346 |
| Median Household Income | $32,877 | $48,888 |
| Average Commute | 13.9 min | 21.8 min |
| Walk Score | 25 | 27 |
| Crime Level | 11.7 | 26.3 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 95 | 94 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+25.4 | R+35.9 |
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 →
D
66.6 Score
Salisbury, NC
Small North Carolina city with local appeal
Median Home
$284,346
Population
36,319
Crime
Very High
Walk Score
27
Southeast
View Salisbury, NC →