Living in Ruskin FL encourages a less fast-paced lifestyle. Its neighborhoods consist of small communities that often eat at local restaurants or enjoy water activities at nearby beaches. Ruskin is a rapidly developing unincorporated census-designated place in Hillsborough County, Florida. Its locals embrace water-related activities.
Ruskin has a small-town atmosphere yet offers plenty of outdoor activities, beaches, and local places to eat. Situated between Little Manatee River and Tampa Bay, Ruskin has spectacular sunsets, waterside dining, and many water-related activities, including kayaking on the river, sunset cruises, and deepwater fishing in the Gulf.
Moving to Ruskin, FL? You’ll need reliable movers like 2 College Brothers, who serve all of Tampa Bay and the Tampa Bay greater area. Call (813) 922-1528 for a free quote on our services today!
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Where Is Ruskin Florida?
Ruskin is located in south-central Hillsborough County, along the Little Manatee River. It’s located south of Tampa. Ruskin FL to Tampa FL is about 28 miles. It is bordered to the north by Apollo Beach, to the east by Sun City Center, to the west by Tampa Bay, and to the south by Sundance.
What County Is Ruskin FL In?
Ruskin FL is in Hillsborough County. It’s a CDP community whose closest major metro area is Tampa Bay. It’s a 31-minute drive to Tampa Bay by car and approximately 2 hours by public transport.
Ruskin FL Population & Demographics
Ruskin has grown rapidly since 2011. According to the 2026 US census, the population of Ruskin is now at 33,000, which is a 3% increase from last year.
It’s also fairly affluent. The median household income is $79,235. By comparison, the average household income in Tampa is $75,475. The racial makeup of Ruskin is 35% White, 24% Black or African American, 0.1% Native American, 2% Asian,, and 4% from 2 or more races. Latinos make up 34% of the population.
One interesting thing about Ruskin is it was home to notable people Clarence and John Anglin, who were brothers who escaped from Alcatraz Prison with two other inmates, a feat not thought possible at the time. Another famous person from Ruskin is Nick Carter, a member of The Backstreet Boys!
Ruskin demographics:
- Population density: 1,636.6/sq mi
- Median age: 35
- Sex ratio: 50% females to 50% males
- Median household income: $79,235
- Educational attainment: 87.1% high school grad or higher, 22.4% bachelor’s degree or higher
- Foreign-born population: 14%
- Veteran population: 8.8%
Is Ruskin FL Safe?
Yes, Ruskin FL is a very safe place to live in. It’s a perfect place for a growing family to settle down in. Majority of the crimes in Ruskin involve property, and even then majority of the crime that takes place in areas that can be avoided.
According to FBI crime statistics, the property crime rate is 1,764 per 100,000 citizens. This is just below the US average. The violent crime rate in Ruskin is 279 per 100,000 citizens, making it slightly higher than the US average.
Most residents report feeling that Ruskin Florida is a safe place to live. This is thanks to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, which serves Ruskin. Take a look at the Ruskin crime map for reported crimes in the area.
Ruskin Cost of Living – Is Ruskin, FL Expensive?
Good news – the cost of living in Ruskin FL is 8% lower than the US average. Groceries are the only costs above the national average but only 6%.
Thankfully, housing is affordable in Ruskin as well. The Ruskin housing market is somewhat competitive, so if you’re buying one of the houses for sale in Ruskin FL, keep that in mind!
The median median home sale price in Ruskin was $322,000, a 3.3% drop from last year, making it a good time to buy a home in Ruskin. The median sale price per square foot in Ruskin is $183, down 16.1% since last year. Check out homes for sale in Ruskin FL to get an idea of how much a home in Ruskin will cost you.
If you are planning to rent an apartment, the average rent in Ruskin for a 1-bedroom apartment is $1,745 a month. A 2-bedroom apartment averages $2,105.
Typical Ruskin, FL Living Expenses
- Meal, inexpensive restaurant: $20.00
- Domestic beer: $7
- 1 gallon of milk: $4.24
- Dozen eggs: $3.79
- 1 pound chicken: $5.28
- Average Ruskin monthly utility bill: $2071
Source: Numbeo, Tampa Metro
Best Neighborhoods in Ruskin FL
Those moving to Ruskin have some great neighborhoods to choose from. Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Ruskin, depending on what you’re looking for:
Riverbend West | New Homes in Ruskin
Riverbend West is a new Ruskin community featuring beautiful 3-6 bedroom homes, open-concept living, and resort-style amenities like a pool and cabana, a playground, a dog park, and a fire pit overlooking the lake. Home prices in Riverbend West typically run from $309,500 to $360,000.
Brookside Estates | Quiet Neighborhood with Lots of Amenities
Established in 2020, Brookside Estates offers beautiful homes that range from the $300,000s to just under $500,000. Home sizes run from about 1,500 square feet to just under 3,000 square feet. The lots are nice-sized, and the neighborhood has many ponds. Some of the many amenities that residents enjoy are a clubhouse and pool, basketball courts, a playground, walking trails, and a dog park.
Mira Bay Village | Gated Community in Ruskin
Mira Bay Village is a gated, master-planned neighborhood in Ruskin that consists of smaller 1,400 square-foot single-level homes up to larger 4,000 square-foot 2-story homes. This pet-friendly community has a community pool, a clubhouse, a kids’ playground, a basketball court, and lots of trails to walk the dog, run, or bike.
Weather in Ruskin FL
Those living in Ruskin will experience typical Florida weather. The summers are long, hot, and wet, while the winters are short, cool, and windy.
Summer lasts about five months, from early May to early October 7, with an average daily high temperature above 86°F. The hottest month of the year is July, with an average high of 90°F and a low of 77°F.
The mild winter only lasts about 2.5 months, from early December to late February, with average daily highs below 74°F. The coldest month of the year is January, with an average low of 54°F and a high of 70°F.
Things to Do in Ruskin Florida
Ruskin has a variety of activities, from parks to beaches to family fun activities. In addition, Ruskin has many local shops as well as the Plaza de Toros shopping mall for convenient shopping. Here is our list of some of the best things to do in Ruskin.
E. G. Simmons Regional Park
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E.G. Simmons Regional Park features lots of natural beauty over 258 acres, including native mangroves, open spaces, and waterways. The 200-acre mangrove swamp is reserved as a bird and wildlife sanctuary. The park also features a 700-foot beach along Tampa Bay, volleyball courts, and a fishing pier. Kids will enjoy the two playgrounds in the park.
E.G. Simmons Regional Park, 2401 19th Ave NW, Ruskin, FL 33570, (813) 675-33855
Ruskin Drive In
The Ruskin Family Drive-In Theatre has been in business in Ruskin for over 50 years since it played its first movie, “Singing in the Rain,” in 1952. Affectionately called the “Last Family Drive-in” in the U.S.A., the drive-in is a great place for families, couples, single parents, and everyone else to spend an unforgettable night at the movies.
Ruskin Family Drive-In Theatre, 5011 U.S. Hwy 41 North, Ruskin, FL, 33572, 813-645-1455
Captain Matt Santiago Fishing Charters
A fishing charter with Captain Matt is a great way to start your journey after moving to Ruskin, enjoying the weather and the water. Not only that, you can catch some big fish! The Tarpon season runs from April to September, where you’ll have the opportunity to catch tarpon that range from 80 to 160 pounds or more!
Captain Matt Santiago Fishing Charters, 3520 W Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570, (813) 205-2327
Additional Attractions in Ruskin:
Still looking for things to do in Ruskin? Ruskin has a variety of parks that feature basketball courts, baseball and softball fields, soccer fields, street hockey, walking and biking trails, playgrounds, picnic shelters, volleyball courts, fitness centers, and more.
Ruskin FL Restaurants
Ruskin has a variety of restaurants for every taste. From American fare to Mexican, Cuban, Greek, German, Asian, and more, Ruskin has you covered. Here are some of the top-rated restaurants in Ruskin.
The Hot Tomato
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The Hot Tomato offers Latin/Cuban favorites in a casual atmosphere. Every item on the menu is made daily to make sure it is fresh and delicious. A family-owned business, The Hot Tomato brings years of culinary experience to provide the best dining experience in Ruskin. Join them for lunch or dinner! This is a favorite Ruskin restaurant amongst locals.
2702 E College Ave, Ruskin, FL 33570, (813) 938-1888
Joe’s New York Diner
Joe’s New York Diner has been a favorite for decades. Open 24 hours, this Ruskin cafe is one you don’t want to miss out on. From delicious breakfasts to huge dinners, you’ll make this a weekly stop.
1010 N U.S. Hwy 41, Ruskin, FL 33570, (813) 649-1315
Los Amigos Mexican Restaurant
Los Amigos serves the best traditional Mexican street tacos this side of Mexico! They season their meats to perfection, and their corn tortillas are handmade. They pile on fresh ingredients like freshly diced onions, chopped cilantro, pico de gallo, and mouth-watering salsas.
Los Amigos Mexican Restaurant, 17 7th Ave NE, Ruskin, FL 33570, 813-419-4921
Jobs in Ruskin
Ruskin’s job market is primarily driven by logistics, healthcare, manufacturing, and local services. The area’s largest employer is Amazon, which operates a 1-million-square-foot fulfillment center—a facility roughly the size of 10 Home Depot stores—that brought nearly 3,000 jobs to the area when it opened in 2014.
Other major local employers include Aspen Dental, Titan America, and HearUSA. According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary in Ruskin is $41,340 per year (~$20/hour). This sits below Florida’s statewide average salary of approximately $51,000 per year, largely reflecting the area’s high concentration of entry-level and hourly industrial roles.
Schools in Ruskin, FL
Ruskin schools are part of the Hillsborough County Public Schools system. Schools include Thompson Elementary, Ruskin Elementary, Shields Middle, and Ruskin High School, Leonard High. LLC Academy South Bay Charter School and Ruskin Christian School are also located in Ruskin. For books and other resources, check out the free Ruskin Branch Library.
For higher education, you have the choice of 23 colleges within 50 miles of Ruskin. The closest school is the University of South Florida St. Petersburg Campus in St. Petersburg, about 13.6 miles away. The highest-rated college in the area is Florida Southern College in Lakeland. Going to college doesn’t have to be expensive! Hillsborough Community College offers the lowest tuition at $1,931 per year.
Ruskin, FL Map
Ruskin FL Statistics & Information
- County: Hillsborough
- Area: 19.53 square miles
- Ruskin zip code: 33570-33573, 33575
- Area code: 813
- Elevation: 3 feet
- Time zone: Eastern Standard Time (UTC-5)
- Closest airport: Tampa (TPA) Airport, 18.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Ruskin, FL Known For?
Ruskin Florida is known for being a small coastal community south of Tampa Bay. Historically, it’s known for tomato farming and its waterfront access. One of the most famous locations in Ruskin is Little Manatee River State Park, which has kayaking, wildlife, and hiking activities.
Does Ruskin, Florida Get Hurricanes?
Yes. Ruskin, Florida does get hurricanes. It’s on Florida’s Gulf Coast near Tampa Bay, which is vulnerable to storm surges, wind, and rain during hurricanes. Living in Ruskin FL means knowing the Hillsborough County evacuation zones and any local alerts from the Tampa Bay area to prevent life-threatening damage.
Is Ruskin, Florida, A Good Place To Retire?
Ruskin Florida is a popular retirement choice thanks to its affordable housing, warm climate, and access to major medical services in Tampa Bay. Ruskin has a quiet atmosphere surrounded by nature. Other places to retire include the adjacent 55+ community in Sun City Center.
What Are The Best Neighborhoods In Ruskin, Florida?
The master-planned community, Belmont, is one of the best neighborhoods in Ruskin Florida. It’s got newer homes, parks, and other activities compared to other locations. If you’re looking for suburban housing close to schools and malls, Hawks Landing may be a better fit for you. Meanwhile, The Little Harbor is the best for those who want waterfront access along Tampa Bay.
How Far Is Ruskin, FL From The Ocean?
Ruskin FL is just on the shores of Tampa Bay and not directly on the Gulf of Mexico. This means it’s not an oceanfront location. It would take 45 minutes to an hour to reach waterfront locations like Anna Maria Island or Fort De Soto Park.
Start Moving to Ruskin FL With 2 College Brothers Today!
With a relaxing coastal atmosphere, affordable housing, and quick access to Tampa Bay and nature, Ruskin offers a balanced lifestyle for families, yuppies, and retirees. As the region continues to grow, making the move to Ruskin means joining a friendly community that embraces the best of Florida’s outdoors.
If you’re ready to make Ruskin your new home, 2 College Brothers has the expertise and experience to get your move done right. Call our Ruskin movers today at 813-922-1528 for a free moving estimate!
