Median Income
$45,652
39% lower than US avg
Home Value
$109,100
61% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.5%
66% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$733
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.2%
35% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.9%
119% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
19.2%
55% higher than US avg
How Ripley Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,626
Median Age36.1 yrs
Density817/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 82%
Economy
C
Median Income$45,652
Per Capita$26,552
Unemployment7.9%
Poverty19.2%
County GDP$1,543M
Commute34 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$109,100
Rent$733
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$178,608
Health
Obesity43.2%
UninsuredN/A
Depression29.8%
Heart Disease7.4%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F
AQI43 (Good)
Rain48.3 in/yr
Elevation555 ft
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.5%
High School+81.9%
School Score5.90
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 27%
Commute34 min
Libraries1
Is Ripley a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ripley receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Ripley offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ripley is $45,652, 39% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.9% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 19.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ripley is $109,100, 61% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $733 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.
Education
11.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Ripley experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 48.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Ripley has a population of 1,626 with a density of 817 people per square mile. The median age is 36.1 years, 7% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (81.6%), with 3.9% Hispanic, 3.7% Black.
Population
36.1yrs
Median Age
7% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 99.2% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Spanish | 0.8% |
| 94% below US avg |
The median household income in Ripley is $45,652, which is 39% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 7.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 19.2% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $45,652 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,552 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $964 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,514 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.9% |
| 119% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 19.2% |
| 55% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 717 |
| County GDP | $1,543M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 49 |
| Healthcare | 59 |
| Retail | 89 |
| Manufacturing | 19 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,010 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.76% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 33.5 min |
| Work from Home | 4.2% |
The median home value in Ripley is $109,100, 61% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $733 (37% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $178,608.
Home Values
| Census Median | $109,100 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $178,608 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $733 |
| 37% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $873 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,092 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,388 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,010 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.76% |
In Ripley, 43.2% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 29.8% report depression. 35.6% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Ripley vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.2% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.0% |
| Heart Disease | 7.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.3% |
| Asthma | 12.2% |
| COPD | 10.0% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 16.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 35.6% |
| Depression | 29.8% |
| Mental Distress | 21.9% |
| Physical Distress | 16.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.8% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 77.9% |
| Premature Death | 12,340/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 59 |
Crime Rates: Ripley vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
Safety Score
Ripley has an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation is 48.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Temperature
32°F Jan (0°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 54.7°F |
| 1% above US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 48.3 inches |
| 27% above US avg |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 555 ft (169 m) |
| Area | 2.0 sq mi (5.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 817/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.7308°N, 83.8329°W |
| County FIPS | 21161 |