Median Income
$95,000
26% higher than US avg
Home Value
$305,000
8% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
406/100K
7% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
34.7%
3% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.0%
3% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.7%
58% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.8%
69% lower than US avg
How Ridgeway Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,174
Median Age54.0 yrs
Density129/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans5.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$95,000
Per Capita$45,478
Unemployment5.7%
Poverty3.8%
County GDP$3,590M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$305,000
Ownership72.7%
Zillow$349,681
Housing Units1,261
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent406/100K
Property4,175/100K
Health
Obesity33.0%
Uninsured10.4%
Smoking17.3%
Depression21.3%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp36°F (2°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Rain18.3 in/yr
Sunny Days274/yr
Elevation206 ft (63 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+34.7%
High School+95.9%
Graduate+11.6%
School Score6.01
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute17 min
Broadband82.6%
EV Stations4
Libraries11
Is Ridgeway a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ridgeway receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Ridgeway offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ridgeway is $95,000, 26% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The unemployment rate of 5.7% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 3.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ridgeway is $305,000, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. A price-to-income ratio of 3.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 406 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,175 per 100,000, 113% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 34.7% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 95.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Ridgeway has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 36°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 56°F in July. With 274 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 18.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.
Ridgeway has a population of 2,174 with a density of 129 people per square mile, spread across 17.7 square miles. The median age is 54.0 years, 39% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.7% female and 53.3% male. The city is predominantly White (88.8%), with 9.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99% of residents. 5.1% of the population are veterans. 14.3% of residents have a disability. 95.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
54.0yrs
Median Age
39% above 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 Ridgeway is $95,000, which is 26% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $45,478 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,200, 16% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 3.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,368 business establishments, including 314 restaurants. The cost of living index is 102.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 25.6% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $95,000 |
| 26% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $45,478 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,200 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $85,064 |
| Gini Index | 0.454 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.7% |
| 58% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.8% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,368 |
| County GDP | $3,590M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 314 |
| Healthcare | 271 |
| Retail | 270 |
| Manufacturing | 71 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,008 |
| 43% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.64% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 60.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 25.6% |
The median home value in Ridgeway is $305,000, 8% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $349,681, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,194 for a one-bedroom to $1,467 for a two-bedroom apartment. 72.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,261 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1989. The average annual property tax is $5,008 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $305,000 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $349,681 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,061 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,194 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,467 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,941 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,304 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.3% |
| Housing Units | 1,261 |
| Median Year Built | 1989 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,008 |
| 43% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.64% |
In Ridgeway, 33.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 31.3% have high blood pressure. 17.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.0% report binge drinking. 21.5% are physically inactive. 21.3% report depression. 16.7% experience frequent mental distress. 10.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,245. The dentist ratio is 1:1,349. 72.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ridgeway vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.0% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.3% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.3% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.5% |
| Depression | 21.3% |
| Mental Distress | 16.7% |
| Physical Distress | 13.6% |
| Short Sleep | 30.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.9% |
| Uninsured | 10.4% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,245 |
| Dentists | 1:1,349 |
| Mental Health | 1:245 |
| Checkup Rate | 62.4% |
| Dental Visits | 61.6% |
| Premature Death | 8,874/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 72.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 271 |
Ridgeway has a violent crime rate of 406 per 100,000 residents, 7% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,175 per 100,000, 113% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 13 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Ridgeway receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ridgeway vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 406.2/100K |
| 7% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,175.1/100K |
| 113% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 13 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ridgeway has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 36°F (2°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 56°F in July. The area gets 274 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 18.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21 / among the cleanest air in the country. The city sits at an elevation of 206 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-10°C)
56°F Jul (13°C)
| Annual Average | 35.6°F |
| 34% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 56°F (13°C) |
| Sunny Days | 274 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 206 ft (63 m) |
| Area | 17.7 sq mi (45.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 129/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 60.5308°N, 151.0521°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Kenai Peninsula Borough County |
| Nearest Airport | Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)
57 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
18.3"
52% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 21.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 93.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 47.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 6.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively High |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
No Rating |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
| Tsunami |
Relatively Moderate |
| Volcano |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
10,499 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M6.4. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 30, 2025.
| Jul 29, 2015 |
52 km ENE of Pedro Bay, Alaska |
M6.4 |
138 km |
| Jul 9, 1998 |
73 km WNW of Ninilchik, Alaska |
M6.1 |
98 km |
| Nov 20, 1993 |
66 km ENE of Pedro Bay, Alaska |
M5.9 |
122 km |
| Jun 24, 2015 |
46 km SW of Skwentna, Alaska |
M5.8 |
135 km |
| Dec 4, 2012 |
20 km ENE of Beluga, Alaska |
M5.8 |
80 km |
| May 10, 2014 |
23 km WNW of Happy Valley, Alaska |
M5.8 |
83 km |
| May 5, 1999 |
30 km ESE of Port Graham, Alaska |
M5.7 |
145 km |
| Mar 2, 2017 |
48 km WNW of Nanwalek, Alaska |
M5.6 |
138 km |
| Aug 13, 1990 |
13 km NW of Happy Valley, Alaska |
M5.5 |
74 km |
| Jan 25, 2001 |
39 km WNW of Ninilchik, Alaska |
M5.5 |
84 km |
| May 24, 1995 |
26 km SSW of Anchorage, Alaska |
M5.5 |
73 km |
| Feb 10, 2004 |
6 km WNW of Nanwalek, Alaska |
M5.5 |
140 km |
| Mar 19, 2023 |
19 km SSW of Anchor Point, Alaska |
M5.4 |
113 km |
| May 19, 2005 |
54 km W of Happy Valley, Alaska |
M5.4 |
107 km |
| Apr 25, 1994 |
19 km NE of Nikiski, Alaska |
M5.4 |
32 km |
| Dec 2, 1992 |
29 km WNW of Susitna, Alaska |
M5.4 |
128 km |
| Oct 17, 1996 |
70 km WNW of Happy Valley, Alaska |
M5.4 |
115 km |
| Jul 4, 1996 |
33 km ESE of Skwentna, Alaska |
M5.4 |
147 km |
| Feb 27, 2021 |
5 km SSE of Point MacKenzie, Alaska |
M5.3 |
107 km |
| Jul 22, 1999 |
13 km ESE of Eagle River, Alaska |
M5.3 |
126 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tsunami History
3 tsunamis recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 60.0 m (197 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1967 |
GREWINGK, AK |
Meteorological |
60.0 m |
— |
101 km |
| 2024 |
PEDERSEN LAGOON, AK |
Meteorological |
17.0 m |
— |
97 km |
| 2022 |
RESURRECTION BAY, AK |
Meteorological |
0.1 m |
— |
101 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
3 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Spurr (107 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Spurr |
Stratovolcano |
3,374 m (11,070 ft) |
1992 |
107 km |
| Iliamna |
Stratovolcano |
3,053 m (10,016 ft) |
1876 |
125 km |
| Augustine |
Lava dome(s) |
1,252 m (4,108 ft) |
2006 |
185 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
17 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FUNNY RIVER (193,798 ac, 2014).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2014 |
FUNNY RIVER |
193,798 |
27 km |
| 2019 |
SWAN LAKE |
164,801 |
47 km |
| 2007 |
CARIBOU HILLS |
46,686 |
57 km |
| 2005 |
FOX CREEK WFU |
25,577 |
42 km |
| 2009 |
SHANTA CREEK |
14,474 |
22 km |
| 2005 |
KING COUNTY CREEK |
10,124 |
31 km |
| 1991 |
POTHOLE |
8,769 |
58 km |
| 2015 |
CARD STREET |
7,366 |
28 km |
| 2005 |
TRACY AVE |
5,416 |
89 km |
| 2004 |
GLACIER CREEK |
5,230 |
51 km |
| 2001 |
KENAI LAKE |
3,319 |
88 km |
| 1994 |
WINDY POINT |
2,689 |
48 km |
| 1987 |
SKILAK 2 |
2,365 |
36 km |
| 2007 |
SWAN LAKE |
1,986 |
37 km |
| 2014 |
TYONEK |
1,668 |
63 km |
| 2017 |
EAST FORK |
1,104 |
31 km |
| 2005 |
IRISH CHANNEL |
1,067 |
51 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-10°C) |
2.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
17°F (-8°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| March |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
36°F (2°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| May |
45°F (7°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| June |
52°F (11°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| July |
56°F (13°C) |
1.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
55°F (13°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
48°F (9°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| October |
35°F (2°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| November |
22°F (-6°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
3.0 in |
|
Ridgeway has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 15°F in January to 56°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.7 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.5") and April the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Ridgeway. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$256 ($154–$410) |
| Specialist Visit |
$358 ($205–$563) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$205 ($102–$358) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,253 ($819–$5,120) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$133 ($77–$205) |
| Dental Filling |
$256 ($154–$410) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$46 ($26–$77) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$77 ($51–$123) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$307 ($154–$512) |
| Tire Rotation |
$41 ($20–$77) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$614 ($410–$1,024) |
| Battery Replacement |
$205 ($102–$358) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$102 ($61–$154) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$92 ($51–$143) |
| HVAC Repair |
$410 ($154–$819) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,168 ($4,096–$12,288) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,024 ($410–$2,048) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,216 ($5,632–$15,360) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,536 ($512–$3,584) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,360 ($5,120–$30,720) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,120 ($2,048–$10,240) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,536 ($819–$3,072) |
| Will Preparation |
$512 ($205–$1,024) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,560 ($1,024–$5,120) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($15–$46) |
| Women's Haircut |
$56 ($31–$102) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$154 ($77–$256) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($15–$46) |
| Pedicure |
$41 ($26–$67) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$82 ($51–$133) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.20 ($3.07–$5.63) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.58 ($2.56–$5.12) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.89 ($2.56–$5.63) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.61 ($3.07–$6.66) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.63 ($4.10–$7.68) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.02 ($0.61–$1.84) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$143 ($82–$256) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$154) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$123) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$102) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$67 ($31–$102) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$87 ($51–$154) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$205 ($77–$512) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,048 ($1,229–$3,584) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$133) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.19–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$102 ($31–$256) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($15–$77) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,229 ($614–$2,560) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,024 ($512–$2,048) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$410 ($205–$717) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$51 ($26–$102) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,024 ($410–$2,560) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,800 ($5,120–$30,720) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$61 ($31–$102) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$102 ($51–$205) |
| Dog Grooming |
$61 ($31–$102) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$41 ($20–$77) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$307 ($154–$512) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$205 ($102–$410) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $941 |
| Preschool | $840 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,089 |
| Toddler | $1,056 |
| Preschool | $973 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ridgeway
What is the population of Ridgeway?
Ridgeway has a population of 2,174 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 129 people per square mile, spread across 17.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 54.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.7% female and 53.3% male.
Is Ridgeway expensive to live in?
Ridgeway has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 102.4 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $95,000, 26% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $305,000 (8% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ridgeway safe?
The violent crime rate in Ridgeway is 406 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,175 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Ridgeway receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ridgeway?
Ridgeway has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 36°F (2°C). Winter temperatures average 15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 56°F in July. The area receives 274 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 18.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.
How is the job market in Ridgeway?
The unemployment rate in Ridgeway is 5.7%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,200. There are 2,368 business establishments in the area, including 314 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 25.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ridgeway?
The median home value in Ridgeway is $305,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $349,681. The homeownership rate is 72.7%. The average annual property tax is $5,008.
How are the schools in Ridgeway?
Schools in Ridgeway score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 34.7% of adults in Ridgeway hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 95.9% have completed high school. 11.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ridgeway?
The obesity rate in Ridgeway is 33.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.3% of adults are smokers. 21.5% are physically inactive. 21.3% of residents report depression. 10.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 72.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,245.
What is transportation like in Ridgeway?
The average commute in Ridgeway is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 60.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 25.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ridgeway?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ridgeway is 88.8% White, 9.2% Hispanic or Latino. 99% of residents speak only English at home. 5.1% of the population are military veterans. 14.3% of residents have a disability. 95.9% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
