Median Income
$133,454
78% higher than US avg
Home Value
$265,400
6% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
129/100K
66% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
71.7%
113% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.3%
1% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Ridgefield Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population218
Median Age34.5 yrs
Density419/mi²
Male / Female28% / 72%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$133,454
Per Capita$38,193
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$15,983M
Commute48 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$265,400
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$367,174
Housing Units103
Rent Burden30.3%
Crime
F
Violent129/100K
Property2,090/100K
Health
Obesity32.3%
Uninsured7.0%
Smoking11.4%
Depression24.6%
Heart Disease4.7%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.4 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation936 ft (285 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+71.7%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+22.7%
School Score6.18
Community
2024 VoteR 52% / D 47%
Commute48 min
Broadband65.0%
EV Stations7
Libraries13
Is Ridgefield a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ridgefield receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. Areas to be aware of include long commute times. Ridgefield stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ridgefield is $133,454, which is significantly higher than the national average / 78% above $75,149. This places Ridgefield among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 48 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ridgefield is $265,400, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Ridgefield is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 129 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,090 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Ridgefield is a highly educated community / 71.7% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Ridgefield experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.4 inches, including 35.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Ridgefield has a population of 218 with a density of 419 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 34.5 years, 11% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 71.6% female and 28.4% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.3% of residents. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 35.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.5yrs
Median Age
11% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Ridgefield vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.3%
21% above US avg
Spanish
4.7%
65% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Ridgefield vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Ridgefield is $133,454, which is 78% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $38,193. The average weekly wage is $1,060, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below 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 7,928 business establishments, including 645 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 48 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 21.0% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Ridgefield vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $133,454 |
| 78% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $38,193 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,060 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $93,804 |
| Gini Index | 0.411 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 7,928 |
| County GDP | $15,983M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 645 |
| Healthcare | 846 |
| Retail | 816 |
| Manufacturing | 432 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,712 |
| 149% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.28% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 47.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 59.7% |
| Public Transit | 19.3% |
| Work from Home | 21.0% |
The median home value in Ridgefield is $265,400, 6% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $367,174, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 103 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $8,712 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $265,400 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $367,174 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 103 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,712 |
| 149% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.28% |
In Ridgefield, 32.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.7% of residents, below the national average. 29.3% have high blood pressure. 11.4% are current smokers. 20.1% report binge drinking. 19.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.4% experience frequent mental distress. 7.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,222. The dentist ratio is 1:1,450. 93.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ridgefield vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.3% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.6% |
| Heart Disease | 4.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.3% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.4% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.6% |
| Depression | 24.6% |
| Mental Distress | 17.4% |
| Physical Distress | 11.1% |
| Short Sleep | 31.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,222 |
| Dentists | 1:1,450 |
| Mental Health | 1:360 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.9% |
| Dental Visits | 65.1% |
| Premature Death | 5,730/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 93.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 846 |
Ridgefield has a violent crime rate of 129 per 100,000 residents, 66% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,090 per 100,000, 7% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 18 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Ridgefield receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ridgefield vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 129.1/100K |
| 66% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,089.6/100K |
| 7% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 18 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ridgefield experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 39.4 inches. The area receives 35.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 936 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.2°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 936 ft (285 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 419/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.2707°N, 88.3620°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | McHenry County County |
| Nearest Airport | Chicago O'Hare International (ORD) 31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.4"
4% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0484 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.1 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 90.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 84.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Mar 15, 2025.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
101 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
35 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
108 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
69 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
75 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
9 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
34 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
132 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
562 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 111 fatalities, 2,296 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF5 |
66 km |
29 |
| Apr 9, 2015 |
EF4 |
90 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF4 |
79 km |
1 |
| Jun 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF4 |
73 km |
2 |
| Sep 28, 1972 |
EF4 |
41 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
15 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
46 km |
24 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
80 km |
33 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
6 km |
6 |
| Jun 20, 2021 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
80 km |
1 |
| Jun 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1963 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1954 |
MICHIGAN CITY, IN (LAKE MICHIGAN) |
Avalanche |
3.0 m |
7 |
138 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: IBSP SOUTH F1 RX (690 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
IBSP SOUTH F1 RX |
690 |
48 km |
| 2024 |
RX-HWY Y - SOUTH |
553 |
84 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
Ridgefield has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 23°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Ridgefield. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,366 |
| Toddler | $1,108 |
| Preschool | $1,217 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $900 |
| Toddler | $917 |
| Preschool | $910 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ridgefield
What is the population of Ridgefield?
Ridgefield has a population of 218 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 419 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 71.6% female and 28.4% male.
Is Ridgefield expensive to live in?
Ridgefield has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $133,454, 78% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $265,400 (6% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ridgefield safe?
Ridgefield is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 129 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,090 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Ridgefield receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ridgefield?
Ridgefield has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.4 inches, with 35.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Ridgefield?
The job market in Ridgefield is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,060. There are 7,928 business establishments in the area, including 645 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 48 minutes, and 21.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ridgefield?
The median home value in Ridgefield is $265,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $367,174. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $8,712.
How are the schools in Ridgefield?
Schools in Ridgefield score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 71.7% of adults in Ridgefield hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 22.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ridgefield?
The obesity rate in Ridgefield is 32.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 11.4% of adults are smokers. 19.6% are physically inactive. 24.6% of residents report depression. 7.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 93.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,222.
What is transportation like in Ridgefield?
The average commute in Ridgefield is 48 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 59.7% of workers drive alone to work, 19.3% use public transit, and 21.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ridgefield?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ridgefield is 100% White. 95.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.7% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 35.8% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.