Updated 2026 · Based on median market data for Ruston, LA
Ruston sits in the South with a population of 50,000 growing at 0.3% annually. The median home costs $215,000 while rents average $1,050/mo, producing an estimated cap rate of 4.13%. This is a moderate market that rewards careful deal sourcing.
Ruston works best for experienced investors with a clear strategy — Section 8, student housing, or deep value-add rehabs. The 4.13% cap rate at median prices is tight, so success depends on buying below market, forcing appreciation through renovation, or accessing above-market rent streams through niche tenant bases.
Target properties priced 15-25% below the $215,000 median — around $172,000 or less. At this price point with $1,050/mo rents, your cap rate improves to roughly 5.5%. Factor in 0.54% property taxes ($1,161/yr), budget 5% of gross rent for maintenance, and underwrite to a 6.7% vacancy rate. On a 20% down conventional loan at 7%, monthly PITI will run approximately $1,341.
Every deal should be evaluated individually using our calculator tools. Median data provides a starting point; actual returns depend on the specific property, financing, and your management approach.
Run the numbers on a specific Ruston property using our cap rate calculator (pre-filled with Ruston data). Compare Ruston against similar markets in the South region. If you're considering a value-add approach, try our BRRRR calculator to model a rehab scenario.
Ruston vs Louisiana state average and national average across key investment metrics. Ruston beats the national average but trails the Louisiana average on cap rate.