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
6.1%
69% higher 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
Unemployment6.1%
Poverty27.4%
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$65,700
Rent$713
Ownership59.9%
Zillow$127,395
Housing Units224
Rent Burden24.2%
Health
Obesity41.1%
Uninsured8.0%
Smoking23.1%
Depression28.0%
Heart Disease7.1%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
Rain39.1 in/yr
Elevation1,056 ft (322 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.8%
High School+88.2%
Graduate+3.1%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute15 min
Broadband73.5%
EV Stations2
Is Ridgeway a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ridgeway receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Ridgeway has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ridgeway is $37,188, 51% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.1% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 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 52°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 39.1 inches, including 21.2 inches of snow.
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%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.8% of residents. 9.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
525
Total Population
2023 Census
40.5yrs
Median Age
4% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.8%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.6%
96% below US avg
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 6.1% (above 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
| Median HH Income | $37,188 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,702 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.1% |
| 69% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 27.4% |
| 121% above US avg |
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% |
The median home value in Ridgeway is $65,700, 77% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $127,395, higher than the Census estimate. 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. 59.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. 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 Values
| Census Median | $65,700 |
| 77% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $127,395 |
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
| Homeownership | 59.9% |
| 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. 8.0% of residents lack health insurance.
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 | 92.0% |
| Uninsured | 8.0% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 75.5% |
| Dental Visits | 50.9% |
Food & Exercise
Ridgeway experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 39.1 inches. The area receives 21.2 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,056 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
76°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 51.8°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (25°C) |
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 |
| Nearest Airport | Kirksville Regional (IRK)
76 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.1"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.53"
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M2.5 on Jul 15, 2025.
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
139 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
87 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
146 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
3 km W of Hale, Missouri |
M2.5 |
99 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
449 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 19 fatalities, 195 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
98 km |
6 |
| May 29, 2004 |
EF4 |
61 km |
3 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF4 |
9 km |
3 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF4 |
27 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1975 |
EF4 |
75 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1973 |
EF4 |
33 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1959 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
78 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 2001 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: HIGHWAY E (897 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
HIGHWAY E |
897 |
93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
5.5 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| July |
76°F (25°C) |
5.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.7 in |
|
Ridgeway has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 25°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.5") and January the driest (1.0").
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) |
$227 ($136-$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182-$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91-$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726-$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68-$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136-$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23-$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45-$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136-$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363-$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91-$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54-$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45-$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136-$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632-$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363-$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994-$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454-$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540-$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816-$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726-$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182-$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908-$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27-$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68-$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23-$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45-$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72-$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27-$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27-$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72-$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63-$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54-$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73-$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27-$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36-$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36-$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27-$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45-$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68-$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090-$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27-$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27-$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14-$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545-$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454-$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182-$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23-$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363-$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540-$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27-$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45-$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27-$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136-$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91-$363) |
View all 9 services
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 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 39.1 inches, with 21.2 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Ridgeway?
The unemployment rate in Ridgeway is 6.1%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. 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. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $127,395. For renters, the median monthly rent is $713. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 59.9%.
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. 8.0% lack health insurance.
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, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 98.8% of residents speak only English at home. 9.9% of the population are military veterans. 21.7% of residents have a disability. 92.0% have health insurance coverage.