Median Income
$24,412
68% lower than US avg
Home Value
$74,500
74% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
914/100K
141% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.0%
61% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$571
51% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
46.1%
44% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.7%
25% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
48.1%
288% higher than US avg
How Ridgely Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,723
Median Age34.9 yrs
Density870/mi²
Male / Female41% / 59%
Largest GroupWhite 70%
Veterans3.5%
Economy
C
Median Income$24,412
Per Capita$17,923
Unemployment2.7%
Poverty48.1%
County GDP$151M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$74,500
Rent$571
Ownership37.9%
Zillow$107,158
Housing Units671
Rent Burden24.9%
Crime
F
Violent914/100K
Property1,158/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault792/100K
Burglary61/100K
Health
Obesity46.1%
Uninsured18.5%
Smoking28.8%
Depression33.3%
Heart Disease8.4%
Climate
Avg Temp58°F (14°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain53.2 in/yr
Sunny Days299/yr
Elevation291 ft (89 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.0%
High School+63.2%
Graduate+4.6%
School Score3.73
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute19 min
Broadband73.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Ridgely a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ridgely receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Ridgely has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ridgely is $24,412, 68% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.7%. The poverty rate of 48.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ridgely is $74,500, 74% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $571 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
With 914 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 1,158 per 100,000, 41% below the national average.
Education
13.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 63.2% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.7/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Ridgely enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 299 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 53.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Ridgely has a population of 1,723 with a density of 870 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age is 34.9 years, 10% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 59% female and 41% male. The city is predominantly White (69.8%), with 2.8% Hispanic, 22.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99% of residents. 3.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 27.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.9yrs
Median Age
10% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.0%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.0%
93% below US avg
The median household income in Ridgely is $24,412, which is 68% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $17,923 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $926, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 48.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 114 business establishments, including 9 restaurants. The cost of living index is 91.9, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $24,412 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $17,923 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $926 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $45,085 |
| Gini Index | 0.569 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.7% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 48.1% |
| 288% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 114 |
| County GDP | $151M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 9 |
| Healthcare | 10 |
| Retail | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 91.90 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.8% |
The median home value in Ridgely is $74,500, 74% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $107,158, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $571 (51% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $924 for a one-bedroom to $1,118 for a two-bedroom apartment. 37.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 671 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. 24.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $74,500 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $107,158 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $571 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $882 |
| 1 Bedroom | $924 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,118 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,445 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,644 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 37.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 37.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 62.1% |
| Housing Units | 671 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
In Ridgely, 46.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.7% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.4% of residents, above the national average. 44.0% have high blood pressure. 28.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 13.2% report binge drinking. 38.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 33.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 25.5% experience frequent mental distress. 18.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The dentist ratio is 1:6,507. 22.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ridgely vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 46.1% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.7% |
| Heart Disease | 8.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 44.0% |
| Asthma | 13.0% |
| COPD | 13.4% |
| Cancer | 6.7% |
| Stroke | 5.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 28.8% |
| 106% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 13.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 38.5% |
| Depression | 33.3% |
| Mental Distress | 25.5% |
| Physical Distress | 20.5% |
| Short Sleep | 42.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.9% |
| Uninsured | 18.5% |
| 115% above US avg |
| Dentists | 1:6,507 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,116 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.5% |
| Dental Visits | 48.5% |
| Premature Death | 13,425/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 22.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 10 |
Ridgely has a violent crime rate of 914 per 100,000 residents, 141% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 792.2 per 100,000, robbery at 60.9, rape at 60.9. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,158 per 100,000, 41% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,036, burglary at 61, vehicle theft at 61 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Ridgely receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ridgely vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 914.1/100K |
| 141% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 60.9/100K |
| Robbery | 60.9/100K |
| Assault | 792.2/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,157.8/100K |
| 41% below US avg |
| Burglary | 60.9/100K |
| Theft | 1,036.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 60.9/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ridgely enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 299 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 53.2 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 291 feet.
Temperature
35°F Jan (2°C)
78°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 57.8°F |
| 7% above US avg |
| January Average | 35°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 299 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 291 ft (89 m) |
| Area | 2.0 sq mi (5.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 870/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.2632°N, 89.4806°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lake County County |
| Nearest Airport | Everett-Stewart Regional (UCY)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
53.2"
40% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
5.04"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 47.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 95.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 46.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
398 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M3.1 on Aug 1, 2025.
| Sep 26, 1990 |
4 km SE of Chaffee, Missouri |
M4.8 |
100 km |
| May 4, 1991 |
2 km NNW of Risco, Missouri |
M4.5 |
46 km |
| May 1, 2005 |
5 km SSE of Manila, Arkansas |
M4.2 |
77 km |
| Feb 5, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Dongola, Illinois |
M4.2 |
126 km |
| Feb 10, 2005 |
3 km NNW of Etowah, Arkansas |
M4.1 |
89 km |
| Jun 6, 2003 |
1 km NE of Bardwell, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
81 km |
| Jun 2, 2005 |
12 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M4.0 |
13 km |
| Apr 30, 2003 |
1 km N of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M4.0 |
53 km |
| Aug 22, 2000 |
19 km WNW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
147 km |
| Oct 21, 1999 |
9 km NW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
136 km |
| Feb 21, 2012 |
4 km SSE of Bertrand, Missouri |
M3.9 |
68 km |
| Nov 29, 1996 |
1 km W of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
55 km |
| Sep 17, 1997 |
2 km E of Trumann, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
111 km |
| May 16, 2024 |
6 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
7 km |
| Feb 23, 2013 |
7 km SW of Trumann, Arkansas |
M3.7 |
120 km |
| Mar 2, 2010 |
2 km ENE of East Prairie, Missouri |
M3.7 |
59 km |
| Apr 24, 2019 |
12 km NNW of Dyersburg, Tennessee |
M3.7 |
15 km |
| Jan 16, 2018 |
4 km SW of Caruthersville, Missouri |
M3.6 |
22 km |
| Oct 15, 2017 |
6 km SE of Manila, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
75 km |
| Apr 2, 2015 |
1 km WNW of Cooter, Missouri |
M3.6 |
39 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
592 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 182 fatalities, 1,732 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF4 |
39 km |
57 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
92 km |
11 |
| Jan 21, 1999 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jan 17, 1999 |
EF4 |
93 km |
6 |
| Apr 16, 1998 |
EF4 |
77 km |
2 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
33 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
39 km |
1 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1981 |
EF4 |
92 km |
1 |
| May 7, 1971 |
EF4 |
67 km |
3 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
37 km |
2 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
39 km |
17 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
26 km |
4 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
95 km |
1 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2016 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF3 |
95 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1811 |
AR: NE - NEW MADRID EARTHQUAKES |
Eruption + Earthquake |
— |
— |
111 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
35°F (2°C) |
3.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
39°F (4°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| March |
49°F (10°C) |
5.0 in |
Wettest |
| April |
59°F (15°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| May |
68°F (20°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| June |
76°F (25°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
78°F (25°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| September |
72°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
60°F (16°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| November |
49°F (10°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| December |
40°F (4°C) |
5.0 in |
|
Ridgely has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 35°F in January to 78°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 50.6 inches, with March being the wettest month (5.0") and August the driest (3.2").
Average costs for common services in Ridgely. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$230 ($138–$368) |
| Specialist Visit |
$322 ($184–$505) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$184 ($92–$322) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,022 ($735–$4,595) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$119 ($69–$184) |
| Dental Filling |
$230 ($138–$368) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$69) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$69 ($46–$110) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$276 ($138–$460) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($18–$69) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$551 ($368–$919) |
| Battery Replacement |
$184 ($92–$322) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$92 ($55–$138) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$83 ($46–$129) |
| HVAC Repair |
$368 ($138–$735) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,433 ($3,676–$11,028) |
| Roof Repair |
$919 ($368–$1,838) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,271 ($5,055–$13,785) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,379 ($460–$3,217) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,785 ($4,595–$27,570) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,595 ($1,838–$9,190) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,379 ($735–$2,757) |
| Will Preparation |
$460 ($184–$919) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,298 ($919–$4,595) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$92) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$138 ($69–$230) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46–$119) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.77 ($2.76–$5.05) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.22 ($2.30–$4.60) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.49 ($2.30–$5.05) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.14 ($2.76–$5.97) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.05 ($3.68–$6.89) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.92 ($0.55–$1.65) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$129 ($74–$230) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($28–$138) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($37–$110) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($37–$92) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28–$92) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$78 ($46–$138) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$184 ($69–$460) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,838 ($1,103–$3,217) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($28–$119) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.35–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$92 ($28–$230) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$69) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,103 ($551–$2,298) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$919 ($460–$1,838) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$368 ($184–$643) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23–$92) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$919 ($368–$2,298) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,488 ($4,595–$27,570) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$55 ($28–$92) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$92 ($46–$184) |
| Dog Grooming |
$55 ($28–$92) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($18–$69) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$276 ($138–$460) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$184 ($92–$368) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $567 |
| Toddler | $476 |
| Preschool | $476 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $393 |
| Toddler | $422 |
| Preschool | $422 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ridgely
What is the population of Ridgely?
Ridgely has a population of 1,723 residents and is located in Tennessee. The population density is 870 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 59% female and 41% male.
Is Ridgely expensive to live in?
Ridgely is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 91.9 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $24,412, 68% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $74,500 (74% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $571 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ridgely safe?
Public safety is a concern in Ridgely, with a violent crime rate of 914 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 1,158 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Ridgely receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ridgely?
Ridgely enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 35°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 299 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 53.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Ridgely?
The job market in Ridgely is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $926. There are 114 business establishments in the area, including 9 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 0.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ridgely?
The median home value in Ridgely is $74,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $107,158. For renters, the median monthly rent is $571. Fair market rent is $924 for a 1-bedroom and $1,118 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 37.9%.
How are the schools in Ridgely?
Schools in Ridgely have an average test score of 3.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 13.0% of adults in Ridgely hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 63.2% have completed high school. 4.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ridgely?
The obesity rate in Ridgely is 46.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 28.8% of adults are smokers. 38.5% are physically inactive. 33.3% of residents report depression. 18.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 22.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Ridgely?
The average commute in Ridgely is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ridgely?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ridgely is 69.8% White, 22.7% Black or African American, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino. 99% of residents speak only English at home. 3.5% of the population are military veterans. 27.2% of residents have a disability. 88.9% have health insurance coverage.
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