Rusk, Texas

Ruskis a city in and thecounty seatofCherokee County,Texas, United States.At the2020 United States census, it had a population of 5,285.
The town was established by an act of theTexas Legislatureon April 11, 1846. It was named afterThomas Jefferson Rusk, signer of theTexas Declaration of Independence.By 1850, Rusk reportedly had 355 residents. A post office was authorized on March 8, 1847.
The city of Rusk is no longerdry; a beer and wine local option election passed on May 9, 2009. Three years later, in 2012, another local option election was held, to consider liquor sales. It also passed.
As of the2020 United States census, there were 5,285 people, 1,210 households, and 866 families residing in the city.
At the2010 U.S. census, there were 5,551 people, 1,306 households, and 867 families residing in the city.The population density was 745.4 inhabitants per square mile (287.8/km). There were 1,539 housing units at an average density of 225.6 per square mile (87.1/km). The racial makeup of the city was 62.71%White, 30.01%African American, 0.18%Native American, 0.96%Asian, 5.15% fromother races, and 0.98% from two or more races.HispanicorLatinoof any race were 6.92% of the population. By 2020, the U.S. Census Bureau tabulated a population of 5,285 with a predominantlynon-Hispanic whitepopulation.
In 2010 there were 1,306 households, out of which 32.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.6% weremarried couplesliving together, 17.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.6% were non-families. 30.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 3.05. In the city, the population was spread out, with 17.3% under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 39.3% from 25 to 44, 20.6% from 45 to 64, and 13.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 154.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 168.4 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $27,370, and the median income for a family was $33,952. Males had a median income of $24,271 versus $22,438 for females. Theper capita incomefor the city was $11,688. About 16.2% of families and 21.5% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 29.4% of those under age 18 and 21.0% of those age 65 or over. At the 2020 American Community Survey, the median household income increased to $48,235 with a mean income of $63,832.
According to theUnited States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 7.3 square miles (18.8 km), of which 0.03 square miles (0.07 km), or 0.37%, is water.
Rusk is crossed by U.S. Routes69and84. US 69 leads northwest 14 miles (23 km) toJacksonville, the largest city in Cherokee County, and southeast 43 miles (69 km) toLufkin, while US 84 leads east 30 miles (48 km) toMount Enterpriseand west the same distance toPalestine. Rusk is approximately 160 miles (260 km) north ofHouston, 125 miles (201 km) southeast ofDallas, and 40 miles (64 km) south ofTyler.
Rusk is underlain byglauconite-rich sediments which, in most parts of town, have weathered to dark reddish brown fine sandy loam topsoil over dark red clay subsoil characteristic of the Nacogdoches soil series.
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters.  According to theKöppen Climate Classificationsystem, Rusk has ahumid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.
Jim Hogg Park and Rusk State Park are in Rusk.
The longest footbridge in the nation (c.1861) and the longestzip linein Texas are located in Rusk.
TheTexas State Railroadoperates between Rusk andPalestine.
The Heritage Center of Cherokee County & Cherokee Civic Theater are located in Rusk.
The city of Rusk and surrounding rural areas are served by theRusk Independent School District.
TheUnited States Postal Serviceoperates the Rusk Post Office.
TheTexas Department of State Health Servicesoperates the Rusk State Hospital in Rusk.At that site, theTexas Prison Systempreviously operated the Rusk Penitentiary.
Rusk has been home to three formergovernors,James Stephen Hogg,Thomas M. Campbell,  andJohn B. Kendrick(Governor of Wyoming). Rusk has also been the home toJim Swink,Adrian BurkandJohnny Horton.
Anthony Denman, former Notre Dame All American, Most Valuable Player and former NFL player, is from Rusk. He was the first to hail from Rusk to play in the NFL.
Cody Glenn, a former Nebraska standout and former NFL player, is from Rusk.
MLBplayerChris Jameswas born in Rusk.