Median Income
$71,563
5% lower than US avg
Home Value
$175,500
38% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
404/100K
6% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
25.5%
24% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$903
22% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.4%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.9%
47% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.3%
25% lower than US avg
How Ridgeway Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population599
Median Age41.3 yrs
Density468/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans11.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$71,563
Per Capita$30,321
Unemployment1.9%
Poverty9.3%
County GDP$2,497M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$175,500
Rent$903
Ownership81.6%
Zillow$323,166
Housing Units271
Rent Burden21.5%
Crime
F
Violent404/100K
Property1,131/100K
Health
Obesity37.4%
Uninsured6.7%
Smoking12.8%
Depression24.6%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (9°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain39.7 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,138 ft (347 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.5%
High School+94.6%
Graduate+2.2%
School Score6.21
Community
2024 VoteR 49% / D 50%
Commute28 min
Broadband88.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Ridgeway a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ridgeway receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. 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 $71,563, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.9%. 9.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ridgeway is $175,500, 38% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $903 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 404 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,131 per 100,000, 42% below the national average.
Education
25.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Ridgeway experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.7 inches, including 41.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Ridgeway has a population of 599 with a density of 468 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 41.3 years, 6% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.7% female and 55.3% male. The city is predominantly White (92%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.5% of residents. 11.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 95.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.3yrs
Median Age
6% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.5%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.5%
96% below US avg
The median household income in Ridgeway is $71,563, which is 5% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,321 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $989, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,156 business establishments, including 102 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 8.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $71,563 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,321 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $989 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,781 |
| Gini Index | 0.415 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.9% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.3% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,156 |
| County GDP | $2,497M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 102 |
| Healthcare | 81 |
| Retail | 143 |
| Manufacturing | 76 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,464 |
| 85% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.68% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.6% |
The median home value in Ridgeway is $175,500, 38% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $323,166, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $903 (22% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $872 for a one-bedroom to $1,097 for a two-bedroom apartment. 81.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 271 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $6,464 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 21.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $175,500 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $323,166 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $903 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 81.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.4% |
| Housing Units | 271 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,464 |
| 85% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.68% |
In Ridgeway, 37.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 26.4% have high blood pressure. 12.8% are current smokers. 22.1% report binge drinking. 25.1% are physically inactive. 24.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.3% experience frequent mental distress. 6.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,370. The dentist ratio is 1:1,938. 67.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ridgeway vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.3% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.4% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 4.9% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.1% |
| Depression | 24.6% |
| Mental Distress | 16.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.3% |
| Short Sleep | 33.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.4% |
| Uninsured | 6.7% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,370 |
| Dentists | 1:1,938 |
| Mental Health | 1:660 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.0% |
| Dental Visits | 69.2% |
| Premature Death | 5,852/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 67.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 81 |
Ridgeway has a violent crime rate of 404 per 100,000 residents, 6% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,131 per 100,000, 42% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 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 | 403.9/100K |
| 6% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,130.9/100K |
| 42% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ridgeway experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (9°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 39.7 inches. The area receives 41.5 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,138 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.3°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,138 ft (347 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 468/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.9984°N, 89.9926°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Green County County |
| Nearest Airport | Tri-County Regional (LNR)
18 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.7"
5% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 46.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 17.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 81.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M3.5 on Sep 2, 1999.
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
149 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
485 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 21 fatalities, 532 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF5 |
3 km |
9 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
12 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1957 |
EF4 |
98 km |
1 |
| Sep 26, 1951 |
EF4 |
80 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF3 |
47 km |
1 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1992 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1975 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Sep 9, 1970 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1967 |
EF3 |
46 km |
2 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1964 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1963 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1963 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: 2018 BADGER RX BURNS (659 ac, 2018).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2018 |
2018 BADGER RX BURNS |
659 |
46 km |
| 2019 |
2019 BADGER RX BURNS |
627 |
46 km |
| 2009 |
COLD SPRINGS |
552 |
47 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.7 in |
|
Ridgeway has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 19°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.4 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.2") and January the driest (1.1").
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) |
$235 ($141–$376) |
| Specialist Visit |
$329 ($188–$518) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$188 ($94–$329) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,070 ($753–$4,705) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($71–$188) |
| Dental Filling |
$235 ($141–$376) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$565 ($376–$941) |
| Battery Replacement |
$188 ($94–$329) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$376 ($141–$753) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,587 ($3,764–$11,292) |
| Roof Repair |
$941 ($376–$1,882) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,469 ($5,176–$14,115) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,412 ($471–$3,294) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,115 ($4,705–$28,230) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,705 ($1,882–$9,410) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,412 ($753–$2,823) |
| Will Preparation |
$471 ($188–$941) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,353 ($941–$4,705) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$235) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.86 ($2.82–$5.18) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.29 ($2.35–$4.71) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.35–$5.18) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.23 ($2.82–$6.12) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.18 ($3.76–$7.06) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56–$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$235) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$188 ($71–$471) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,882 ($1,129–$3,294) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.53–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$235) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,129 ($565–$2,353) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$941 ($471–$1,882) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$376 ($188–$659) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$941 ($376–$2,353) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,763 ($4,705–$28,230) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$188) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$188 ($94–$376) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $909 |
| Toddler | $823 |
| Preschool | $823 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $650 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ridgeway
What is the population of Ridgeway?
Ridgeway has a population of 599 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 468 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.7% female and 55.3% male.
Is Ridgeway expensive to live in?
Ridgeway is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $71,563, 5% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $175,500 (38% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $903 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ridgeway safe?
The violent crime rate in Ridgeway is 404 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 1,131 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 47°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.7 inches, with 41.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Ridgeway?
The job market in Ridgeway is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $989. There are 1,156 business establishments in the area, including 102 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 8.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ridgeway?
The median home value in Ridgeway is $175,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $323,166. For renters, the median monthly rent is $903. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 81.6%. The average annual property tax is $6,464.
How are the schools in Ridgeway?
Schools in Ridgeway score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 25.5% of adults in Ridgeway hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.6% have completed high school. 2.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ridgeway?
The obesity rate in Ridgeway is 37.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.8% of adults are smokers. 25.1% are physically inactive. 24.6% of residents report depression. 6.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 67.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,370.
What is transportation like in Ridgeway?
The average commute in Ridgeway is 28 minutes. 82.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ridgeway?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ridgeway is 92% White. 99.5% of residents speak only English at home. 11.0% of the population are military veterans. 10.1% of residents have a disability. 95.4% have health insurance coverage.
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