Median Income
$115,516
54% higher than US avg
Home Value
$351,300
25% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
51.4%
53% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$804
31% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.5%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
8.7%
142% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.6%
6% lower than US avg
How Lake Ripley Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,972
Median Age51.5 yrs
Density590/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans11.4%
Economy
B+
Median Income$115,516
Per Capita$51,675
Unemployment8.7%
Poverty11.6%
County GDP$4,923M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$351,300
Rent$804
Ownership85.5%
Zillow$447,116
Housing Units1,034
Rent Burden19.2%
Health
Obesity40.5%
Uninsured2.1%
Smoking13.0%
Depression24.1%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (9°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain37.0 in/yr
Elevation866 ft (264 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+51.4%
High School+97.9%
Graduate+23.2%
School Score5.88
Community
2024 VoteR 58% / D 41%
Commute27 min
Broadband86.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries7
Is Lake Ripley a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lake Ripley receives an overall livability score of 4.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, a highly educated population, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, high obesity rates. Lake Ripley stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lake Ripley is $115,516, which is significantly higher than the national average / 54% above $75,149. This places Lake Ripley among higher-income communities. At 8.7%, unemployment is notably high. 11.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lake Ripley is $351,300, 25% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $804 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
Lake Ripley is a highly educated community / 51.4% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 97.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Lake Ripley experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 37.0 inches, including 42.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Lake Ripley has a population of 1,972 with a density of 590 people per square mile, spread across 4.0 square miles. The median age is 51.5 years, 32% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.1% female and 46.9% male. The city is predominantly White (95.2%), with 2.6% Hispanic, 1.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.1% of residents. 11.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.2% of residents have a disability. 97.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,972
Total Population
2023 Census
51.5yrs
Median Age
32% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lake Ripley vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.1%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.7%
80% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Lake Ripley vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Lake Ripley is $115,516, which is 54% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $51,675 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,042, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 8.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 11.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 2,344 business establishments, including 201 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 17.1% of workers work from home.
Income: Lake Ripley vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $115,516 |
| 54% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $51,675 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,042 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,650 |
| Gini Index | 0.402 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 8.7% |
| 142% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.6% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,344 |
| County GDP | $4,923M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 201 |
| Healthcare | 218 |
| Retail | 277 |
| Manufacturing | 139 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,930 |
| 69% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.69% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 17.1% |
The median home value in Lake Ripley is $351,300, 25% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $447,116, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $430,000 with homes selling in an average of 74 days. Homes sell for 99.6% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $804 (31% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $872 for a one-bedroom to $1,097 for a two-bedroom apartment. 85.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,034 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1980. The average annual property tax is $5,930 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 19.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $351,300 |
| 25% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $447,116 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $430,000 |
| Median List Price | $315,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $430,000 |
| Median List Price | $315,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $228 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Days on Market | 74 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.6% |
| Price Drops | 33.3% |
| Inventory | 6 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $804 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 85.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.5% |
| Housing Units | 1,034 |
| Median Year Built | 1980 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,930 |
| 69% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.69% |
In Lake Ripley, 40.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 27.2% have high blood pressure. 13.0% are current smokers. 21.4% report binge drinking. 24.7% are physically inactive. 24.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.1% experience frequent mental distress. 2.1% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,574. The dentist ratio is 1:1,589. 74.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lake Ripley vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.5% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.2% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 5.3% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.0% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.7% |
| Depression | 24.1% |
| Mental Distress | 16.1% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 32.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.9% |
| Uninsured | 2.1% |
| 76% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,574 |
| Dentists | 1:1,589 |
| Mental Health | 1:841 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.4% |
| Dental Visits | 70.3% |
| Premature Death | 7,008/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 218 |
Lake Ripley experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (9°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 37.0 inches. The area receives 42.3 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. 89% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 866 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.4°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 866 ft (264 m) |
| Area | 4.0 sq mi (10.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 590/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.0086°N, 88.9903°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Jefferson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dane County Regional/Truax Field (MSN)
20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.0"
3% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.11"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 89.3% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 75.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 19.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.9 on Mar 25, 2015.
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
122 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
148 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
105 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
120 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
585 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 49 fatalities, 1,291 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 18, 1996 |
EF5 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF5 |
81 km |
9 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF4 |
51 km |
1 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 1981 |
EF4 |
79 km |
3 |
| Apr 21, 1974 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
88 km |
24 |
| Aug 22, 1964 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Sep 26, 1951 |
EF4 |
55 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF3 |
37 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
74 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1992 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1977 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
10 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,524 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,524 |
65 km |
| 2010 |
RX BURN |
1,236 |
65 km |
| 1994 |
SOMMERS |
938 |
67 km |
| 1988 |
PEACHY RD |
812 |
64 km |
| 2018 |
2018 BADGER RX BURNS |
659 |
74 km |
| 2019 |
2019 BADGER RX BURNS |
627 |
73 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
612 |
68 km |
| 2007 |
TOWER RD 2 |
592 |
64 km |
| 2024 |
RX-HWY Y - SOUTH |
553 |
20 km |
| 2009 |
COLD SPRINGS |
552 |
64 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
5.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.7 in |
|
Lake Ripley has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 19°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.1") and January the driest (1.4").
Average costs for common services in Lake Ripley. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$235 ($141-$376) |
| Specialist Visit |
$329 ($188-$518) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$188 ($94-$329) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,070 ($753-$4,705) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($71-$188) |
| Dental Filling |
$235 ($141-$376) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24-$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47-$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$282 ($141-$471) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19-$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$565 ($376-$941) |
| Battery Replacement |
$188 ($94-$329) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56-$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47-$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$376 ($141-$753) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,587 ($3,764-$11,292) |
| Roof Repair |
$941 ($376-$1,882) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,469 ($5,176-$14,115) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,412 ($471-$3,294) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,115 ($4,705-$28,230) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,705 ($1,882-$9,410) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,412 ($753-$2,823) |
| Will Preparation |
$471 ($188-$941) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,353 ($941-$4,705) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14-$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28-$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71-$235) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14-$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24-$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47-$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.86 ($2.82-$5.18) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.29 ($2.35-$4.71) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.35-$5.18) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.23 ($2.82-$6.12) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.18 ($3.76-$7.06) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56-$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75-$235) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28-$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38-$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38-$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28-$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47-$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$188 ($71-$471) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,882 ($1,129-$3,294) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28-$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.53-$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28-$235) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14-$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,129 ($565-$2,353) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$941 ($471-$1,882) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$376 ($188-$659) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24-$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$941 ($376-$2,353) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,763 ($4,705-$28,230) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28-$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47-$188) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28-$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19-$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$282 ($141-$471) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$188 ($94-$376) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,022 |
| Toddler | $909 |
| Preschool | $909 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $736 |
| Preschool | $736 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Ripley
What is the population of Lake Ripley?
Lake Ripley has a population of 1,972 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 590 people per square mile, spread across 4.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 51.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.1% female and 46.9% male.
Is Lake Ripley expensive to live in?
Lake Ripley is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $115,516, 54% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $351,300 (25% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $804 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Lake Ripley?
Lake Ripley has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 37.0 inches, with 42.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Lake Ripley?
The job market in Lake Ripley faces challenges, with unemployment at 8.7% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,042. There are 2,344 business establishments in the area, including 201 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 17.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lake Ripley?
The median home value in Lake Ripley is $351,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $447,116. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $430,000, with homes typically selling within 74 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $804. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 85.5%. The average annual property tax is $5,930.
How are the schools in Lake Ripley?
Schools in Lake Ripley score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 51.4% of adults in Lake Ripley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 97.9% have completed high school. 23.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lake Ripley?
The obesity rate in Lake Ripley is 40.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.0% of adults are smokers. 24.7% are physically inactive. 24.1% of residents report depression. 2.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 74.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,574.
What is transportation like in Lake Ripley?
The average commute in Lake Ripley is 27 minutes. 72.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 17.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lake Ripley?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lake Ripley is 95.2% White, 1.7% Black or African American, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino. 98.1% of residents speak only English at home. 11.4% of the population are military veterans. 15.2% of residents have a disability. 97.9% have health insurance coverage.