Ridgeway, MO — City Data & Statistics

Median Income $37,188

51% lower than US avg

Home Value $65,700

77% lower than US avg

Bachelor's+ 6.8%

80% lower than US avg

Median Rent $713

39% lower than US avg

Obesity Rate 41.1%

28% higher than US avg

Unemployment 2.4%

33% lower than US avg

Poverty Rate 27.4%

121% higher than US avg

How Ridgeway Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population525

Median Age40.5 yrs

Density430/mi²

Male / Female48% / 52%

Largest GroupWhite 98%

Veterans9.9%

Economy

C+

Median Income$37,188

Per Capita$22,702

Unemployment2.4%

Poverty27.4%

Commute15 min

Housing

A+

Home Value$65,700

Rent$713

OwnershipN/A

Housing Units224

Rent Burden24.2%

Health

Obesity41.1%

Uninsured11.1%

Smoking23.1%

Depression28.0%

Heart Disease7.1%

Climate

Avg Temp51°F (11°C)

AQI41 (Good)

Rain36.2 in/yr

Sunny Days270/yr

Elevation1,056 ft (322 m)

Education

Bachelor's+6.8%

High School+88.2%

Graduate+3.1%

School Score5.51

Community

2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%

Commute15 min

Broadband73.5%

Is Ridgeway a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Ridgeway receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. 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 $37,188, 51% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.4%. The poverty rate of 27.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Ridgeway is $65,700, 77% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $713 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.

Education

6.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.

Climate & Weather

Ridgeway experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.

Ridgeway has a population of 525 with a density of 430 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 40.5 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52% female and 48% male. The city is predominantly White (97.9%), with 1.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.4% of residents. 9.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 26.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.9% have health insurance coverage.

Population

525

Total Population

430

People / sq mi

40.5yrs

Median Age

4% above US avg

1.2mi²

Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 48%

Female 52%

Race & Ethnicity

Ridgeway vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only	99.4%
	27% above US avg
Spanish	0.6%
	96% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Ridgeway vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Ridgeway is $37,188, which is 51% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,702 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 2.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 27.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 — offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Ridgeway vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income	$37,188
	51% below US avg
Per Capita Income	$22,702

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment	2.4%
	33% below US avg
Poverty Rate	27.4%
	121% above US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living


Cost of Living	90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time	14.8 min
Drive Alone	76.8%
Public Transit	0.0%
Work from Home	0.0%

Walkability

The median home value in Ridgeway is $65,700, 77% below the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $713 (39% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. There are 224 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1947. 24.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median	$65,700
	77% below US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent	$713
	39% below US avg
Rent Burden	24.2%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio	$732
1 Bedroom	$775
2 Bedrooms	$970
3 Bedrooms	$1,265
4 Bedrooms	$1,457

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied	59.9%
Renter-Occupied	40.1%
Housing Units	224
Median Year Built	1947

Property Tax

In Ridgeway, 41.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 7.1% of residents, above the national average. 35.3% have high blood pressure. 23.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.0% report binge drinking. 34.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.8% experience frequent mental distress. 11.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).

Health Metrics: Ridgeway vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity	41.1%
	28% above US avg
Diabetes	12.0%
Heart Disease	7.1%
High Blood Pressure	35.3%
Asthma	11.4%
COPD	10.3%
Cancer	7.4%
Stroke	3.9%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking	23.1%
	65% above US avg
Binge Drinking	17.0%
Physical Inactivity	34.8%
Depression	28.0%
Mental Distress	21.8%
Physical Distress	16.9%
Short Sleep	44.9%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate	91.9%
Uninsured	11.1%
	29% above US avg
Checkup Rate	75.5%
Dental Visits	50.9%

Food & Exercise

Ridgeway experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 270 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 36.2 inches. The area receives 3.4 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 1,056 feet.

Temperature

23°F Jan (-5°C) 76°F Jul (25°C)

Annual Average	51.2°F
	5% below US avg
January Average	23°F (-5°C)
July Average	76°F (25°C)
Sunny Days	270 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall	36.2 inches
	5% below US avg
Snowfall	3.4 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median	41.0
Rating	Good

Geography

Elevation	1,056 ft (322 m)
Area	1.2 sq mi (3.2 km²)
Population Density	430/sq mi
Coordinates	40.3781°N, 93.9369°W
Timezone	America/Chicago

Monthly Weather

Month	Avg Temperature	Precipitation	Summary
January	23°F (-5°C)	0.9 in	Coldest, Driest
February	29°F (-2°C)	1.0 in
March	40°F (5°C)	2.4 in
April	52°F (11°C)	3.4 in
May	62°F (17°C)	4.5 in	Wettest
June	71°F (22°C)	4.1 in
July	76°F (25°C)	4.4 in	Warmest
August	74°F (23°C)	4.2 in
September	66°F (19°C)	4.3 in
October	54°F (12°C)	3.1 in
November	39°F (4°C)	2.2 in
December	28°F (-2°C)	1.5 in

Ridgeway has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F — from 23°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.2 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (0.9").

6.8% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 80% below the national average of 33.7%. 88.2% have completed high school. 3.1% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 5.5 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 76.6% of the vote, a 54.2-point margin. 73.5% of households have broadband internet access (below the 90.0% national rate). 76.8% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 76.6%

D 22.4%

Winner: Republican by 54.2 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+	6.8%
	80% below US avg
High School+	88.2%
Graduate Degree+	3.1%
School Test Score	5.51

D Education Grade (1.5/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density	430/sq mi
Total Area	1.2 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access	73.5%

Safety & Disasters

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute	14.8 min
Drive Alone	76.8%
Public Transit	0.0%
Work from Home	0.0%

Frequently Asked Questions About Ridgeway

What is the population of Ridgeway?

Ridgeway has a population of 525 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 430 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.5 years. The population is 52% female and 48% male.

Is Ridgeway expensive to live in?

Ridgeway is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 — below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $37,188, 51% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $65,700 (77% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $713 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

What is the weather like in Ridgeway?

Ridgeway has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.2 inches, with 3.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.

How is the job market in Ridgeway?

The job market in Ridgeway is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.4% — well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Ridgeway?

The median home value in Ridgeway is $65,700. For renters, the median monthly rent is $713. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

How are the schools in Ridgeway?

Schools in Ridgeway score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.8% of adults in Ridgeway hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.2% have completed high school. 3.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Ridgeway?

The obesity rate in Ridgeway is 41.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 23.1% of adults are smokers. 34.8% are physically inactive. 28.0% of residents report depression. 11.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate).

What is transportation like in Ridgeway?

The average commute in Ridgeway is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.

What are the demographics of Ridgeway?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Ridgeway is 97.9% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino. 99.4% of residents speak only English at home. 9.9% of the population are military veterans. 26.0% of residents have a disability. 91.9% have health insurance coverage.

Nearby Cities

Bethany, MO 3,164 pop · 9.0 mi Lamoni, IA 2,121 pop · 16.7 mi Princeton, MO 1,434 pop · 18.8 mi Albany, MO 1,855 pop · 22.7 mi Trenton, MO 5,542 pop · 26.7 mi Leon, IA 1,795 pop · 26.8 mi Mount Ayr, IA 1,739 pop · 28.1 mi Gallatin, MO 1,722 pop · 32.0 mi Stanberry, MO 1,190 pop · 33.9 mi Maysville, MO 1,106 pop · 40.5 mi Corydon, IA 1,566 pop · 41.8 mi Hamilton, MO 1,909 pop · 44.0 mi Milan, MO 1,883 pop · 44.5 mi Chillicothe, MO 9,129 pop · 45.1 mi

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