Median Income
$53,542
29% lower than US avg
Home Value
$218,800
22% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
134/100K
65% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.7%
62% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.2%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
10.0%
178% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.6%
55% lower than US avg
How Fort Ripley Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population63
Median Age59.5 yrs
Density49/mi²
Male / Female65% / 35%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans56.0%
Economy
C+
Median Income$53,542
Per Capita$35,306
Unemployment10.0%
Poverty5.6%
County GDP$1,501M
Commute20 min
Housing
A
Home Value$218,800
Ownership90.3%
Zillow$373,636
Housing Units36
Rent Burden23.7%
Crime
F
Violent134/100K
Property1,805/100K
Health
Obesity37.2%
Uninsured7.4%
Smoking15.9%
Depression24.6%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain27.2 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,156 ft (352 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+12.7%
High School+98.2%
Graduate+7.9%
School Score5.82
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 21%
Commute20 min
Broadband31.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries5
Is Fort Ripley a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fort Ripley receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Fort Ripley has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fort Ripley is $53,542, 29% below the national average of $75,149. At 10.0%, unemployment is notably high. Only 5.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fort Ripley is $218,800, 22% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 4.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Fort Ripley is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 134 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,805 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
12.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Fort Ripley has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 27.2 inches, including 52.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Fort Ripley has a population of 63 with a density of 49 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 59.5 years, 53% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 34.9% female and 65.1% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 56.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 7.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
59.5yrs
Median Age
53% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Fort Ripley 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
Fort Ripley vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Fort Ripley is $53,542, which is 29% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,306. The average weekly wage is $909, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 10.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 5.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,122 business establishments, including 94 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 11.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Fort Ripley vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,542 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,306 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $909 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,404 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 10.0% |
| 178% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.6% |
| 55% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,122 |
| County GDP | $1,501M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 94 |
| Healthcare | 101 |
| Retail | 130 |
| Manufacturing | 55 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,307 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.51% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 11.1% |
The median home value in Fort Ripley is $218,800, 22% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $373,636, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 90.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 36 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1978. The average annual property tax is $3,307. 23.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.1x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $218,800 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $373,636 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 90.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 90.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 9.7% |
| Housing Units | 36 |
| Median Year Built | 1978 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,307 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.51% |
In Fort Ripley, 37.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 28.8% have high blood pressure. 15.9% are current smokers. 22.2% report binge drinking. 21.9% are physically inactive. 24.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.6% experience frequent mental distress. 7.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,789. The dentist ratio is 1:2,634. 46.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fort Ripley vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.8% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.9% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.9% |
| Depression | 24.6% |
| Mental Distress | 16.6% |
| Physical Distress | 11.1% |
| Short Sleep | 30.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.4% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,789 |
| Dentists | 1:2,634 |
| Mental Health | 1:745 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.2% |
| Dental Visits | 69.0% |
| Premature Death | 7,367/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 46.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 101 |
Fort Ripley has a violent crime rate of 134 per 100,000 residents, 65% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,805 per 100,000, 8% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Fort Ripley receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Fort Ripley vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 134.2/100K |
| 65% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,805.3/100K |
| 8% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 84 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Fort Ripley has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 276 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 27.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 52.8 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,156 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 44.9°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,156 ft (352 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 49/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.1665°N, 94.3650°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Morrison County County |
| Nearest Airport | Brainerd Lakes Regional (BRD)
20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
27.2"
28% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 66.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 24.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 93.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| 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
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 29, 2011.
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
139 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
92 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
276 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 21 fatalities, 214 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
83 km |
1 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF4 |
69 km |
12 |
| Jun 11, 1966 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF3 |
27 km |
1 |
| Jul 5, 1991 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
72 km |
1 |
| Aug 26, 1977 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1973 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1968 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (9,055 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
9,055 |
8 km |
| 2009 |
CENTER TANK RANGE |
6,131 |
6 km |
| 2002 |
UNIT 4 |
5,887 |
87 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 37 38 39 A |
4,879 |
93 km |
| 1998 |
UNITS 1617 |
4,649 |
89 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,475 |
6 km |
| 2005 |
RX HFR 05 |
4,253 |
89 km |
| 2009 |
BU9 |
4,112 |
86 km |
| 2007 |
WUI 07 - UNIT 36 |
4,025 |
95 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
3,642 |
30 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 25 |
3,412 |
94 km |
| 2009 |
BU11 |
3,242 |
89 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
2,998 |
92 km |
| 1997 |
BIG |
2,987 |
92 km |
| 2009 |
HENDRICKSON IMPACT AREA |
2,757 |
11 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 34 33 W |
2,637 |
94 km |
| 2024 |
UNIT 8E RX |
2,551 |
88 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
2,512 |
93 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,486 |
98 km |
| 1992 |
SHARPTAIL |
2,288 |
94 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Fort Ripley has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 14°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Fort Ripley. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$247 ($148-$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197-$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99-$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789-$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74-$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148-$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25-$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49-$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148-$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20-$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394-$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99-$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59-$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49-$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148-$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944-$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394-$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423-$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493-$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930-$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972-$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789-$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197-$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986-$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15-$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30-$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74-$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15-$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25-$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49-$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96-$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47-$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47-$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96-$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94-$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59-$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79-$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30-$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39-$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39-$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30-$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49-$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74-$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183-$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30-$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89-$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30-$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15-$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592-$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493-$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197-$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25-$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394-$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930-$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30-$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49-$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30-$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20-$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148-$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99-$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $697 |
| Preschool | $637 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $534 |
| Toddler | $541 |
| Preschool | $541 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Ripley
What is the population of Fort Ripley?
Fort Ripley has a population of 63 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 49 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 59.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 34.9% female and 65.1% male.
Is Fort Ripley expensive to live in?
Fort Ripley has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $53,542, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $218,800 (22% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 4.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Fort Ripley safe?
Fort Ripley is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 134 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,805 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Fort Ripley receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Fort Ripley?
Fort Ripley has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 27.2 inches, with 52.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Fort Ripley?
The job market in Fort Ripley faces challenges, with unemployment at 10.0% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $909. There are 1,122 business establishments in the area, including 94 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 11.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fort Ripley?
The median home value in Fort Ripley is $218,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $373,636. The homeownership rate is 90.3%. The average annual property tax is $3,307.
How are the schools in Fort Ripley?
Schools in Fort Ripley score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.7% of adults in Fort Ripley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.2% have completed high school. 7.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fort Ripley?
The obesity rate in Fort Ripley is 37.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.9% of adults are smokers. 21.9% are physically inactive. 24.6% of residents report depression. 7.4% lack health insurance. 46.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,789.
What is transportation like in Fort Ripley?
The average commute in Fort Ripley is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fort Ripley?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fort Ripley is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 56.0% of the population are military veterans. 7.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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