Ruthven is a city in Palo Alto County, Iowa, United States.

[2] Ruthven had its start in the year 1878 by the building of the Milwaukee railroad through that territory.

[3] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.42 square miles (1.09 km2), all land.

There were 336 housing units at an average density of 824.3 per square mile (318.3/km2).

There were 364 housing units at an average density of 866.7 per square mile (334.6/km2).

The racial makup of the city was 99.1% White, 0.5% Native American, and 0.4% from two or more races.

There were 350 housing units at an average density of 831.1 per square mile (320.9/km2).

The racial makup of the city was 97.19% White, 0.42% Native American, 0.28% Asian, and 2.11% from two or more races.

It was a part of the Ruthven Community School District until July 1, 1983, when it merged into Ruthven-Ayrshire.