Median Income
$27,957
63% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
447/100K
18% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$581
50% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.7%
36% higher than US avg
Unemployment
9.3%
158% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
26.2%
111% higher than US avg
How Ripley Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population600
Median Age28.1 yrs
Density353/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 13%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
F
Median Income$27,957
Per Capita$13,313
Unemployment9.3%
Poverty26.2%
County GDP$849M
Commute14 min
Housing
A
Rent$581
Ownership57.9%
Zillow$218,476
Housing Units274
Rent Burden33.8%
Crime
F
Violent447/100K
Property3,803/100K
Health
Obesity43.7%
Uninsured21.5%
Smoking14.8%
Depression22.8%
Climate
Avg Temp73°F (23°C)
AQI48 (Good)
Rain3.6 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation249 ft (76 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+29.9%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.69
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 28%
Commute14 min
Broadband73.2%
EV Stations15
Libraries5
Is Ripley a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ripley receives an overall livability score of 2.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Ripley has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ripley is $27,957, 63% below the national average of $75,149. At 9.3%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 26.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $581 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 447 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,803 per 100,000, 94% above the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 29.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Ripley has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 73°F. Winters average 55°F in January while summers reach 94°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 3.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
Ripley has a population of 600 with a density of 353 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age is 28.1 years, 28% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.8% female and 46.2% male. The city is predominantly Black (25%), with 12.7% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 24.8% of residents, while 75.2% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 18.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
28.1yrs
Median Age
28% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
24.8%
68% below US avg
Spanish
75.2%
461% above US avg
The median household income in Ripley is $27,957, which is 63% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $13,313 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $992, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 9.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 26.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 402 business establishments, including 74 restaurants. The cost of living index is 110.7, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 14 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 | $27,957 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $13,313 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $992 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $50,052 |
| Gini Index | 0.482 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 9.3% |
| 158% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 26.2% |
| 111% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 402 |
| County GDP | $849M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 74 |
| Healthcare | 26 |
| Retail | 87 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,768 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 110.70 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 98.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $218,476. Monthly rent averages $581 (50% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,647 for a one-bedroom to $2,053 for a two-bedroom apartment. 57.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 274 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. The average annual property tax is $3,768. 33.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $581 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 33.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,513 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,647 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,752 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,165 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 57.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 57.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 42.1% |
| Housing Units | 274 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,768 |
| 8% above US avg |
In Ripley, 43.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 15.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). 34.9% have high blood pressure. 14.8% are current smokers. 13.7% report binge drinking. 36.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 22.8% report depression. 20.0% experience frequent mental distress. 21.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,735. The dentist ratio is 1:1,651. 41.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 4.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ripley vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.7% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 15.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.9% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 4.7% |
| Stroke | 4.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 13.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 36.8% |
| Depression | 22.8% |
| Mental Distress | 20.0% |
| Physical Distress | 18.6% |
| Short Sleep | 42.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.8% |
| Uninsured | 21.5% |
| 150% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,735 |
| Dentists | 1:1,651 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,114 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.6% |
| Dental Visits | 50.6% |
| Premature Death | 23,645/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 41.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 26 |
Ripley has a violent crime rate of 447 per 100,000 residents, 18% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,803 per 100,000, 94% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Ripley receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ripley vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 447.4/100K |
| 18% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,802.9/100K |
| 94% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ripley has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 73°F (23°C). Winters average 55°F in January while summers reach 94°F in July. The area gets 330 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 3.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48. The city sits at an elevation of 249 feet.
Temperature
55°F Jan (13°C)
94°F Jul (34°C)
| Annual Average | 73.4°F |
| 36% above US avg |
| January Average | 55°F (13°C) |
| July Average | 94°F (34°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 249 ft (76 m) |
| Area | 1.7 sq mi (4.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 353/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.5238°N, 114.6530°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | La Paz County County |
| Nearest Airport | Yuma Mcas/Yuma International (YUM)
60 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
3.6"
91% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
0.67"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 48.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0500 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 2.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 83.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 94.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 0.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
No Rating |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5,173 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.8. Most recent: M3.1 on Aug 15, 2025.
| Dec 30, 2009 |
12km N of Delta, B.C., MX |
M5.8 |
128 km |
| Jun 15, 2010 |
8km ESE of Ocotillo, CA |
M5.7 |
148 km |
| Feb 22, 2002 |
13km WSW of Delta, B.C., MX |
M5.7 |
148 km |
| Apr 4, 2010 |
9km SW of Delta, B.C., MX |
M5.4 |
147 km |
| Aug 26, 2012 |
4km NNW of Brawley, CA |
M5.4 |
100 km |
| May 24, 2006 |
6km SSW of Delta, B.C., MX |
M5.4 |
146 km |
| Aug 26, 2012 |
5km NNW of Brawley, CA |
M5.3 |
101 km |
| Apr 4, 2010 |
15km SSW of Progreso, B.C., MX |
M5.3 |
150 km |
| Jun 5, 2021 |
11km W of Calipatria, CA |
M5.3 |
101 km |
| Feb 9, 2008 |
8km W of Delta, B.C., MX |
M5.1 |
142 km |
| Feb 11, 2008 |
7km WSW of Delta, B.C., MX |
M5.1 |
145 km |
| Sep 19, 2009 |
7km WNW of Delta, B.C., MX |
M5.1 |
140 km |
| Feb 19, 2008 |
14km NW of Delta, B.C., MX |
M5.0 |
136 km |
| Feb 12, 2008 |
13km SSE of Puebla, B.C., MX |
M5.0 |
135 km |
| Apr 5, 2010 |
20km ESE of Ocotillo, CA |
M5.0 |
145 km |
| Aug 27, 2012 |
5km NNE of Brawley, CA |
M4.9 |
98 km |
| Apr 5, 2010 |
19km ESE of Ocotillo, CA |
M4.9 |
144 km |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
5km WNW of Delta, B.C., MX |
M4.9 |
139 km |
| May 22, 2010 |
17km WNW of Progreso, B.C., MX |
M4.9 |
144 km |
| Aug 26, 2012 |
5km NW of Brawley, CA |
M4.9 |
102 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
15 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 16, 1973 |
EF3 |
11 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 1987 |
EF1 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1983 |
EF1 |
42 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1972 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 1966 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1965 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
| Oct 13, 2018 |
EF0 |
79 km |
0 |
| Oct 13, 2018 |
EF0 |
48 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 2015 |
EF0 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jan 21, 2010 |
EF0 |
9 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 2006 |
EF0 |
78 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 2000 |
EF0 |
70 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 1987 |
EF0 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1972 |
EF0 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1965 |
EF0 |
82 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Salton Buttes (97 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Salton Buttes |
Lava dome(s) |
-40 m (-131 ft) |
210 |
97 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
17 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: KING VALLEY (32,964 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
KING VALLEY |
32,964 |
95 km |
| 2022 |
LOST LAKE |
5,455 |
57 km |
| 2006 |
CIBOLA |
4,703 |
23 km |
| 2011 |
THREE SLASHES |
4,581 |
28 km |
| 2005 |
BOSQUE |
3,381 |
23 km |
| 1989 |
LAGUNA II |
3,042 |
77 km |
| 1995 |
LOST LAKE |
2,846 |
58 km |
| 1989 |
FERGUSON |
2,284 |
59 km |
| 1992 |
WALTERS |
2,170 |
29 km |
| 2013 |
ISLAND LAKE |
2,021 |
52 km |
| 1987 |
FERGUSONLK |
1,692 |
60 km |
| 1986 |
COLORADO 2 |
1,403 |
54 km |
| 2021 |
CLIP |
1,295 |
45 km |
| 2019 |
BERMUDA |
1,175 |
77 km |
| 2003 |
MITTRY |
1,066 |
77 km |
| 1990 |
YOCUM |
1,006 |
79 km |
| 1987 |
IMPERIAL |
1,006 |
64 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
55°F (13°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| February |
59°F (15°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
64°F (18°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| April |
70°F (21°C) |
0.1 in |
|
| May |
78°F (26°C) |
0.0 in |
Driest |
| June |
87°F (30°C) |
0.0 in |
|
| July |
94°F (34°C) |
0.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
91°F (33°C) |
0.7 in |
Wettest |
| September |
85°F (29°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| October |
73°F (23°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| November |
61°F (16°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| December |
53°F (12°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
Ripley has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 53°F in December to 94°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 3.9 inches, with August being the wettest month (0.7") and May the driest (0.0").
Average costs for common services in Ripley. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$277 ($166–$443) |
| Specialist Visit |
$387 ($221–$609) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$221 ($111–$387) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,435 ($886–$5,535) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$144 ($83–$221) |
| Dental Filling |
$277 ($166–$443) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$50 ($28–$83) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$83 ($55–$133) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$332 ($166–$554) |
| Tire Rotation |
$44 ($22–$83) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$664 ($443–$1,107) |
| Battery Replacement |
$221 ($111–$387) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$111 ($66–$166) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$100 ($55–$155) |
| HVAC Repair |
$443 ($166–$886) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,749 ($4,428–$13,284) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,107 ($443–$2,214) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,963 ($6,089–$16,605) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,661 ($554–$3,875) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,605 ($5,535–$33,210) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,535 ($2,214–$11,070) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,661 ($886–$3,321) |
| Will Preparation |
$554 ($221–$1,107) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,768 ($1,107–$5,535) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$28 ($17–$50) |
| Women's Haircut |
$61 ($33–$111) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$166 ($83–$277) |
| Manicure |
$28 ($17–$50) |
| Pedicure |
$44 ($28–$72) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$89 ($55–$144) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.54 ($3.32–$6.09) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.87 ($2.77–$5.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.21 ($2.77–$6.09) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.98 ($3.32–$7.20) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$6.09 ($4.43–$8.30) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.11 ($0.66–$1.99) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$155 ($89–$277) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$77 ($33–$166) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$77 ($44–$133) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$77 ($44–$111) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$72 ($33–$111) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$94 ($55–$166) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$221 ($83–$554) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,214 ($1,328–$3,875) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$77 ($33–$144) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$17 ($8.86–$28) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$111 ($33–$277) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$33 ($17–$83) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,328 ($664–$2,768) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,107 ($554–$2,214) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$443 ($221–$775) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$55 ($28–$111) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,107 ($443–$2,768) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,838 ($5,535–$33,210) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$66 ($33–$111) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$111 ($55–$221) |
| Dog Grooming |
$66 ($33–$111) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$44 ($22–$83) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$332 ($166–$554) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$221 ($111–$443) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $812 |
| Toddler | $671 |
| Preschool | $671 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $758 |
| Preschool | $758 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ripley
What is the population of Ripley?
Ripley has a population of 600 residents and is located in California. The population density is 353 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 28.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.8% female and 46.2% male.
Is Ripley expensive to live in?
Ripley is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 110.7 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median household income is $27,957, 63% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $581 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Ripley safe?
The violent crime rate in Ripley is 447 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 3,803 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Ripley receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ripley?
Ripley has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 73°F (23°C). Winter temperatures average 55°F in January, while summers reach an average of 94°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 3.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 48.
How is the job market in Ripley?
The job market in Ripley faces challenges, with unemployment at 9.3% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $992. There are 402 business establishments in the area, including 74 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ripley?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $581. Fair market rent is $1,647 for a 1-bedroom and $2,053 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 57.9%. The average annual property tax is $3,768.
How are the schools in Ripley?
Schools in Ripley have an average test score of 4.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 0.0% of adults in Ripley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 29.9% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ripley?
The obesity rate in Ripley is 43.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.8% of adults are smokers. 36.8% are physically inactive. 22.8% of residents report depression. 21.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 41.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,735.
What is transportation like in Ripley?
The average commute in Ripley is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 98.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ripley?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ripley is 12.7% White, 25% Black or African American. 24.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 75.2% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 18.8% of residents have a disability. 95.8% have health insurance coverage.
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