Question 1

Is Opelousas, LA or Ruston, LA safer?

Accepted Answer

Ruston, LA scores higher on safety. Opelousas, LA has violent crime rated High and property crime rated High. Ruston, LA has violent crime rated Moderate and property crime rated Moderate.

Question 2

Is Opelousas, LA or Ruston, LA more walkable?

Accepted Answer

Ruston, LA is more walkable. Opelousas, LA has a Walk Score of 16/100 and Ruston, LA has a Walk Score of 35/100.

Question 3

Which has better schools, Opelousas, LA or Ruston, LA?

Accepted Answer

Opelousas, LA has higher-rated schools. Opelousas, LA has a school rating of 6.9/10 and Ruston, LA has a rating of 6.2/10.

Question 4

Should I live in Opelousas, LA or Ruston, LA?

Accepted Answer

Both neighborhoods have distinct trade-offs — review the data above to find your best fit.

Category	Opelousas, LA	Ruston, LA
Housing
Verdict	Think twice	Think twice
Median Price	N/A	$209K
Median Rent	N/A	$814
Median Income	N/A	$37K
Price Volatility	Moderate	Low ✓ More stable
Getting Around
Walk Score	16/100	35/100 ✓ More walkable
Transit Score	Minimal transit	Minimal transit ✓ Better transit
Bike Score	N/A	44/100 ✓ More bikeable
Commute	N/A	45 min
Safety & Environment
Safety Grade	F	D+ ✓ Safer
Violent Crime	High	Moderate ✓ Lower risk
Property Crime	High	Moderate ✓ Lower risk
Flood Risk	Low	Low
Air Quality	Moderate	Good ✓ Cleaner air
Community
Schools	6.9/10 ✓ Better schools	6.2/10
Best for	familiesstudentsretirees	familiesstudentsaffordable buyers

Opelousas, LA vs Ruston, LA

Bottom line