Cost of Living in Rusk, TX
Population 5,332 · Texas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Rusk is a smaller Texas community of around 5000 residents, where median household incomes of $60,119 and housing costs ($154,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 12.4% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Geographically, Rusk is about 35 miles south of Tyler, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 29% lower than Tyler's $216,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Rusk
The median home value in Rusk is $153,500 — 50% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $876/month, 33% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $60,119/year is 19% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 12.4%, above the national average of 4.8%. Texas charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 77.3°F and lows of 53.9°F. Overall, Rusk has a cost of living index of 57 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 43% less expensive.
Rusk has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 59 | 63 | 70 | 77 | 84 | 90 | 94 | 95 | 89 | 80 | 68 | 60 |
| Low °F | 35 | 39 | 45 | 53 | 62 | 69 | 72 | 71 | 65 | 54 | 44 | 37 |
| Precip" | 4.05 | 3.87 | 4.11 | 4.13 | 4.32 | 4.50 | 2.57 | 3.66 | 3.31 | 4.23 | 3.85 | 4.20 |
| Snow" | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Rusk, TX?
Rusk has a cost index of 57 (100 = national average). It is 43% below the national average.
What is average rent in Rusk, TX?
The median gross rent in Rusk is $876 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Rusk?
The median home value in Rusk is $153,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Rusk?
The median household income in Rusk is $60,119 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Rusk, TX?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Rusk is 8.2%. Texas has no state income tax.
Is Rusk, TX affordable?
Yes, Rusk is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 57 — about 43% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Rusk?
Rusk has average high temperatures of 77.3°F and average lows of 53.9°F. Annual precipitation is 46.8". Average annual snowfall is 0.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Rusk at a Glance
- Population
- 5,332
- Median Income
- $60,119
- Home Value
- $153,500
- Median Rent
- $876/mo
- Unemployment
- 12.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 77.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.2%
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Texas Rankings
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