Home Value
$160,400
43% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,001/100K
163% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.4%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
15.1%
319% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Blue Ridge Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population201
Median Age45.5 yrs
Density457/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans93.0%
Economy
Per Capita$40,056
Unemployment15.1%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$2,846M
Housing
Home Value$160,400
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$219,205
Housing Units82
Rent Burden24.7%
Crime
F
Violent1,001/100K
Property2,900/100K
Health
Obesity39.4%
Smoking20.0%
Depression29.0%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain44.0 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation893 ft (272 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+89.2%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.40
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 25%
Broadband75.0%
EV Stations8
Libraries3
Is Blue Ridge a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Blue Ridge receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, high obesity rates. Blue Ridge has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
At 15.1%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Blue Ridge is $160,400, 43% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership.
Safety & Crime
With 1,001 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,900 per 100,000, 48% above the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Blue Ridge experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 44.0 inches, including 14.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Blue Ridge has a population of 201 with a density of 457 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 45.5 years, 17% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.3% female and 55.7% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 93.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.9% of residents have a disability. 89.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.5yrs
Median Age
17% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Blue Ridge vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Blue Ridge vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $40,056. The average weekly wage is $1,096, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 15.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,013 business establishments, including 84 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 4.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Blue Ridge vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $40,056 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,096 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,775 |
| Gini Index | 0.427 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 15.1% |
| 319% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,013 |
| County GDP | $2,846M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 84 |
| Healthcare | 96 |
| Retail | 124 |
| Manufacturing | 70 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,666 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.66% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 21.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.8% |
The median home value in Blue Ridge is $160,400, 43% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $219,205, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $882 for a one-bedroom to $1,096 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 82 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. The average annual property tax is $2,666 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 24.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $160,400 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $219,205 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 82 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,666 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.66% |
In Blue Ridge, 39.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 35.0% have high blood pressure. 20.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.5% report binge drinking. 26.4% are physically inactive. 29.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.9% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,815. The dentist ratio is 1:2,647. 50.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Blue Ridge vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.4% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.0% |
| Asthma | 12.1% |
| COPD | 8.8% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.0% |
| 43% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.4% |
| Depression | 29.0% |
| Mental Distress | 20.9% |
| Physical Distress | 14.8% |
| Short Sleep | 40.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.8% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:2,815 |
| Dentists | 1:2,647 |
| Mental Health | 1:905 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.9% |
| Dental Visits | 57.1% |
| Premature Death | 9,559/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 50.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 96 |
Blue Ridge has a violent crime rate of 1,001 per 100,000 residents, 163% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,900 per 100,000, 48% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 11 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Blue Ridge receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Blue Ridge vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 1,001.1/100K |
| 163% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,899.7/100K |
| 48% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 11 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Blue Ridge experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 293 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 44.0 inches. The area receives 14.6 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 893 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
74°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 52.7°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 893 ft (272 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 457/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.5212°N, 85.6379°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Shelby County County |
| Nearest Airport | Indianapolis International (IND)
37 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
44.0"
16% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.69"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 43.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 19.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 78.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.8 on Jun 17, 2021.
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
145 km |
| Sep 12, 2004 |
4 km NW of Manilla, Indiana |
M3.8 |
10 km |
| Dec 20, 1990 |
5 km S of Stilesville, Indiana |
M3.7 |
85 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
99 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
135 km |
| Apr 17, 1990 |
8 km NW of Fort Recovery, Ohio |
M3.0 |
124 km |
| Apr 4, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Minster, Ohio |
M2.9 |
144 km |
| Jan 29, 1990 |
11 km S of Paoli, Indiana |
M2.6 |
139 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
566 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 25 fatalities, 1,064 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
90 km |
3 |
| Jun 11, 1998 |
EF4 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1980 |
EF4 |
17 km |
2 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
26 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
44 km |
4 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
67 km |
1 |
| May 14, 1972 |
EF4 |
47 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 1961 |
EF4 |
15 km |
0 |
| Mar 14, 2024 |
EF3 |
85 km |
1 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
97 km |
2 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
54 km |
3 |
| May 25, 2011 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2008 |
EF3 |
8 km |
1 |
| Nov 15, 2005 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 2002 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 1999 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: JPG 09 1 (6,113 ac, 1998).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1998 |
JPG 09 1 |
6,113 |
74 km |
| 2005 |
RX BURNPLAN AREA 2-06 |
5,054 |
75 km |
| 2007 |
UNITS 8-9 2008 |
4,316 |
76 km |
| 2006 |
UNIT 19 06 WUI |
3,412 |
77 km |
| 2003 |
WUI 3 03 |
3,372 |
63 km |
| 2010 |
WUI UNIT 28K |
3,230 |
61 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
3,122 |
63 km |
| 2002 |
UNIT 8 |
2,753 |
75 km |
| 2005 |
UNIT 3 05 |
2,511 |
64 km |
| 2001 |
01 UNIT 16 |
2,361 |
76 km |
| 2011 |
WUI UNITS 0 AND 1 2011 |
2,215 |
75 km |
| 2004 |
UNIT 19 |
2,004 |
76 km |
| 2003 |
UNIT 8 03 |
1,971 |
73 km |
| 2008 |
FY 09 UNIT 42 RX FALL 2008 |
1,942 |
69 km |
| 2000 |
JPG 14 |
1,908 |
76 km |
| 2003 |
UNIT 16 03 |
1,809 |
76 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
1,547 |
70 km |
| 2002 |
UNIT 9 |
1,485 |
76 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,462 |
70 km |
| 2010 |
TRACER |
1,408 |
61 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
29°F (-1°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| March |
40°F (5°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
74°F (24°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
42°F (6°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| December |
32°F (-0°C) |
3.1 in |
|
Blue Ridge has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 28°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (2.4").
Average costs for common services in Blue Ridge. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$233 ($140–$373) |
| Specialist Visit |
$327 ($187–$513) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($93–$327) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,053 ($746–$4,665) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$233 ($140–$373) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47–$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$560 ($373–$933) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($93–$327) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$140) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47–$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$373 ($140–$746) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,531 ($3,732–$11,196) |
| Roof Repair |
$933 ($373–$1,866) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,397 ($5,132–$13,995) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,400 ($467–$3,266) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,995 ($4,665–$27,990) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,665 ($1,866–$9,330) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,400 ($746–$2,799) |
| Will Preparation |
$467 ($187–$933) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,333 ($933–$4,665) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$140 ($70–$233) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.83 ($2.80–$5.13) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.27 ($2.33–$4.67) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.55 ($2.33–$5.13) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.20 ($2.80–$6.06) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.13 ($3.73–$7.00) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.68) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75–$233) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$140) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($47–$140) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70–$467) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,866 ($1,120–$3,266) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.46–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$233) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,120 ($560–$2,333) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$933 ($467–$1,866) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$373 ($187–$653) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$933 ($373–$2,333) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,663 ($4,665–$27,990) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($47–$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($93–$373) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Blue Ridge
What is the population of Blue Ridge?
Blue Ridge has a population of 201 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 457 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.3% female and 55.7% male.
Is Blue Ridge expensive to live in?
Blue Ridge is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $160,400 (43% below the U.S. median).
Is Blue Ridge safe?
Public safety is a concern in Blue Ridge, with a violent crime rate of 1,001 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,900 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Blue Ridge receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Blue Ridge?
Blue Ridge has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 28°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 44.0 inches, with 14.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Blue Ridge?
The job market in Blue Ridge faces challenges, with unemployment at 15.1% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,096. There are 1,013 business establishments in the area, including 84 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Blue Ridge?
The median home value in Blue Ridge is $160,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $219,205. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,666.
How are the schools in Blue Ridge?
Schools in Blue Ridge score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Blue Ridge hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.2% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Blue Ridge?
The obesity rate in Blue Ridge is 39.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.0% of adults are smokers. 26.4% are physically inactive. 29.0% of residents report depression. 50.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,815.
What are the demographics of Blue Ridge?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Blue Ridge is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 93.0% of the population are military veterans. 10.9% of residents have a disability. 89.8% have health insurance coverage.
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