Ruso is an incorporated tiny hamlet in McLean County, North Dakota, in the USA. The population was 1 at the 2020 census, making Ruso the least populous incorporated place in North Dakota. It is tied with Monowi, Nebraska at being the least populated community in the United States that is currently inhabited. There are no longer any businesses or services in Ruso; but said to be present is a FLDS compound that has been of concern to the Attorney General of the State.

History

Ruso was founded and named on July 17, 1906 and named either after a Russian word meaning "south of us" or from the first two letters in both of the words "South Russia" by an agent who brought in immigrants from Russia. Ruso was incorporated as a city on July 7, 1909. The hamlet lost its last business in 1956. Three tornadoes struck the Ruso area on August 15, 2022, flipping over farm equipment and anhydrous tanks.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the hamlet has a total area of about 0.25 sqmi, all of which is land.

Demographics

2020 census

As of the 2020 census, there was one person, and zero families [sic] residing in the city. There were 4 housing units.

2010 census

As of the 2010 census, there were 4 people, 3 households, and 1 family residing in the city. The population density was 16.0 PD/sqmi. There were 3 housing units at an average density of 12.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 100.0% White. There were 3 households, of which one was a married couples living together and the other two single people living alone. 66.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 33.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.33 and the average family size was 2.00. The median age in the city was 58.5 years. 0.0% of residents were under the age of 18; 0.0% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 0.0% were from 25 to 44; 75% were from 45 to 64; and 25% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 75.0% male and 25.0% female.

2000 census

As of the 2000 census, there were 6 people, 3 households, and 3 families residing in the city. The population density was 23.9 people per square mile (9.3/km2). There were three housing units at an average density of 11.9 per square mile (4.6/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 100% White. There were three households, out of which none had children under the age of 18 living with them, and 100% were married couples living together. The average household size was two and the average family size was two. In the city, the population was spread out, with 33.3% from 25 to 44, 33.3% from 45 to 64, and 33.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 58 years. There were three males and three females. The median income for a household in the city was $41,250, and the median income for a family was $41,250. The per capita income for the city was $21,050. None of the population and none of the families were below the poverty line.

Education

It is within the Velva Public School District 1.