Median Income
$56,500
25% lower than US avg
Home Value
$136,600
52% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
77/100K
80% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.1%
40% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$637
45% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.4%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.2%
11% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.4%
73% lower than US avg
How Ridgeway Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population266
Median Age29.8 yrs
Density350/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans4.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$56,500
Per Capita$35,451
Unemployment3.2%
Poverty3.4%
County GDP$1,354M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$136,600
Rent$637
Ownership45.9%
Zillow$323,126
Housing Units126
Rent Burden15.4%
Crime
F
Violent77/100K
Property1,468/100K
Health
Obesity36.4%
Uninsured7.8%
Smoking13.7%
Depression19.6%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.6 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,221 ft (372 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.1%
High School+97.9%
Graduate+3.8%
School Score6.70
Community
2024 VoteR 54% / D 45%
Commute24 min
Broadband90.4%
EV Stations2
Libraries5
Is Ridgeway a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ridgeway receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. 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 $56,500, 25% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.2%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 3.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ridgeway is $136,600, 52% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $637 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Ridgeway is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 77 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,468 per 100,000, 25% below the national average.
Education
20.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.7/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Ridgeway experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.6 inches, including 37.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Ridgeway has a population of 266 with a density of 350 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 29.8 years, 23% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.3% female and 47.7% male. The city is predominantly White (97.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.4% of residents. 4.6% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 9.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 98.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
29.8yrs
Median Age
23% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.4%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.6%
66% below US avg
The median household income in Ridgeway is $56,500, which is 25% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,451. The average weekly wage is $989, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 767 business establishments, including 60 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 1.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $56,500 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,451 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $989 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $79,419 |
| Gini Index | 0.440 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.2% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.4% |
| 73% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 767 |
| County GDP | $1,354M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 60 |
| Healthcare | 59 |
| Retail | 96 |
| Manufacturing | 30 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,702 |
| 34% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.44% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.1% |
The median home value in Ridgeway is $136,600, 52% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $323,126, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $637 (45% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 45.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 126 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1968. The average annual property tax is $4,702 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 15.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $136,600 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $323,126 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $637 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 15.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 45.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 45.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 54.1% |
| Housing Units | 126 |
| Median Year Built | 1968 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,702 |
| 34% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.44% |
In Ridgeway, 36.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 28.5% have high blood pressure. 13.7% are current smokers. 23.5% report binge drinking. 22.5% are physically inactive. 19.6% report depression. 16.5% experience frequent mental distress. 7.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:995. The dentist ratio is 1:1,536. 74.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ridgeway vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.4% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.6% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.5% |
| Asthma | 9.4% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.7% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.5% |
| Depression | 19.6% |
| Mental Distress | 16.5% |
| Physical Distress | 11.1% |
| Short Sleep | 30.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.4% |
| Uninsured | 7.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:995 |
| Dentists | 1:1,536 |
| Mental Health | 1:354 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.0% |
| Dental Visits | 67.8% |
| Premature Death | 4,480/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 59 |
Ridgeway has a violent crime rate of 77 per 100,000 residents, 80% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,468 per 100,000, 25% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Ridgeway receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ridgeway vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 77.3/100K |
| 80% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,467.9/100K |
| 25% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ridgeway experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 37.6 inches. The area receives 37.5 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 1,221 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.5°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,221 ft (372 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (1.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 350/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.2971°N, 91.9924°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Winneshiek County County |
| Nearest Airport | Northeast Iowa Regional (CCY)
35 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.6"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 36.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 12.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 91.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
485 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 11 fatalities, 396 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
70 km |
5 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1962 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
37 km |
2 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF3 |
62 km |
2 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1974 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
29 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1964 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BEAVER CUTOFF (982 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
BEAVER CUTOFF |
982 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
33°F (1°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Ridgeway has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 19°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.5 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (0.9").
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) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $679 |
| Toddler | $585 |
| Preschool | $585 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $458 |
| Toddler | $450 |
| Preschool | $450 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ridgeway
What is the population of Ridgeway?
Ridgeway has a population of 266 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 350 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 29.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.3% female and 47.7% male.
Is Ridgeway expensive to live in?
Ridgeway is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $56,500, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $136,600 (52% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $637 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ridgeway safe?
Ridgeway is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 77 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,468 per 100,000 (below 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 four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.6 inches, with 37.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Ridgeway?
Ridgeway has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $989. There are 767 business establishments in the area, including 60 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 1.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ridgeway?
The median home value in Ridgeway is $136,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $323,126. For renters, the median monthly rent is $637. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 45.9%. The average annual property tax is $4,702.
How are the schools in Ridgeway?
Schools in Ridgeway score 6.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.1% of adults in Ridgeway hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.9% have completed high school. 3.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ridgeway?
The obesity rate in Ridgeway is 36.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.7% of adults are smokers. 22.5% are physically inactive. 19.6% of residents report depression. 7.8% lack health insurance. 74.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:995.
What is transportation like in Ridgeway?
The average commute in Ridgeway is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ridgeway?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ridgeway is 97.7% White. 95.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.6% speak Spanish. 4.6% of the population are military veterans. 9.1% of residents have a disability. 98.4% have health insurance coverage.
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