Median Income
$45,652
39% lower than US avg
Home Value
$109,100
61% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
236/100K
38% 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%
Veterans6.2%
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
Ownership57.8%
Zillow$178,608
Housing Units870
Rent Burden25.5%
Crime
F
Violent236/100K
Property767/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault177/100K
Burglary118/100K
Health
Obesity43.2%
Uninsured10.1%
Smoking22.5%
Depression29.8%
Heart Disease7.4%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain48.3 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation555 ft (169 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.5%
High School+81.9%
Graduate+7.2%
School Score5.90
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 27%
Commute34 min
Broadband85.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Ripley a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ripley receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Ripley has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
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.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Ripley is below the national average at 236 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 767 per 100,000, 61% below the national average.
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. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. 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, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age is 36.1 years, 7% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.2% female and 50.8% male. The city is predominantly White (81.6%), with 3.9% Hispanic, 3.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.2% of residents. 6.2% of the population are veterans. 15.0% of residents have a disability. 93.8% have health insurance coverage.
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. Per capita income is $26,552 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $964, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 19.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 717 business establishments, including 49 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 4.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $45,652 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,552 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $964 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,514 |
| Gini Index | 0.544 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
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 |
| Cost of Living | 92.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.76% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 33.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.2% |
The median home value in Ripley is $109,100, 61% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $178,608, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $733 (37% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $873 for a one-bedroom to $1,092 for a two-bedroom apartment. 57.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 870 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1946. The average annual property tax is $3,010. 25.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
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 |
| Rent Burden | 25.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $873 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,092 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,388 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 57.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 57.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 42.2% |
| Housing Units | 870 |
| Median Year Built | 1946 |
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 national rate of 32.1%. 13.0% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.4% of residents, above the national average. 38.3% have high blood pressure. 22.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.1% report binge drinking. 35.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 29.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.9% experience frequent mental distress. 10.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,881. The dentist ratio is 1:1,209. 65.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.
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% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 22.5% |
| 61% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 35.6% |
| Depression | 29.8% |
| Mental Distress | 21.9% |
| Physical Distress | 16.3% |
| Short Sleep | 42.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.8% |
| Uninsured | 10.1% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,881 |
| Dentists | 1:1,209 |
| Mental Health | 1:203 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.9% |
| Dental Visits | 53.9% |
| Premature Death | 12,340/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 59 |
Ripley has a violent crime rate of 236 per 100,000 residents, 38% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 177.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 59.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 767 per 100,000, 61% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 590, burglary at 118, vehicle theft at 59 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 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 | 236.0/100K |
| 38% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 59.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 177.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 767.0/100K |
| 61% below US avg |
| Burglary | 118.0/100K |
| Theft | 590.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 59.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ripley experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 293 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 48.3 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 555 feet.
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) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
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 |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Mason County County |
| Nearest Airport | Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International (CVG)
50 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
48.3"
27% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.72"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 39.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 71.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 77.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
21 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.8 on May 11, 2025.
| Feb 19, 1995 |
8 km SSE of Rocky Fork Point, Ohio |
M3.6 |
54 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
7 km ENE of Rio Grande, Ohio |
M3.4 |
134 km |
| May 24, 2017 |
1 km S of McArthur, Ohio |
M3.4 |
130 km |
| Sep 8, 1990 |
5 km N of Owingsville, Kentucky |
M3.3 |
60 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
2 km NNW of Oak Hill, Ohio |
M3.1 |
110 km |
| Apr 25, 2020 |
2 km SE of South Shore, Kentucky |
M2.9 |
78 km |
| Aug 20, 2015 |
6 km SE of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky |
M2.8 |
120 km |
| Mar 17, 1999 |
2 km NNE of Ripley, Ohio |
M2.8 |
3 km |
| May 11, 2025 |
11 km SE of High Bridge, Kentucky |
M2.8 |
128 km |
| Jan 12, 2023 |
4 km E of Burgin, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
133 km |
| Aug 4, 2023 |
11 km ENE of Lancaster, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
131 km |
| May 11, 2015 |
5 km ESE of Maysville, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
18 km |
| Feb 11, 2015 |
8 km SE of Richmond Dale, Ohio |
M2.6 |
106 km |
| Jul 23, 2013 |
6 km NNE of Germantown, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
10 km |
| Mar 8, 2016 |
0 km N of Thurman, Ohio |
M2.6 |
122 km |
| Jan 21, 2018 |
8 km SSE of High Bridge, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
130 km |
| Jan 28, 2024 |
3 km SW of Old Washington, Kentucky |
M2.5 |
15 km |
| Sep 27, 2009 |
22 km NNW of Hindman, Kentucky |
M2.5 |
150 km |
| Jan 4, 1999 |
9 km WNW of Mount Sterling, Kentucky |
M2.5 |
75 km |
| Mar 20, 2023 |
13 km SSW of Rio Grande, Ohio |
M2.5 |
122 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
346 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 51 fatalities, 1,499 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
95 km |
3 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF5 |
90 km |
7 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF4 |
70 km |
4 |
| Apr 9, 1999 |
EF4 |
72 km |
4 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
75 km |
2 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF4 |
47 km |
6 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF4 |
56 km |
1 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
94 km |
10 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
47 km |
3 |
| May 27, 2004 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
16 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1993 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1977 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
23 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1970 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 1969 |
EF3 |
81 km |
4 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (3,259 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
3,259 |
53 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,683 |
96 km |
| 2003 |
PEACH ORCHARD |
1,043 |
67 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
528 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (0°C) |
2.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
33°F (0°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
35°F (2°C) |
3.5 in |
|
Ripley has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 32°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (2.8").
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) |
$232 ($139–$371) |
| Specialist Visit |
$325 ($186–$510) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$186 ($93–$325) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,042 ($742–$4,640) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$186) |
| Dental Filling |
$232 ($139–$371) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($46–$111) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$557 ($371–$928) |
| Battery Replacement |
$186 ($93–$325) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$139) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($46–$130) |
| HVAC Repair |
$371 ($139–$742) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,496 ($3,712–$11,136) |
| Roof Repair |
$928 ($371–$1,856) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,352 ($5,104–$13,920) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,392 ($464–$3,248) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,920 ($4,640–$27,840) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,640 ($1,856–$9,280) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,392 ($742–$2,784) |
| Will Preparation |
$464 ($186–$928) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,320 ($928–$4,640) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$139 ($70–$232) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.80 ($2.78–$5.10) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.25 ($2.32–$4.64) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.53 ($2.32–$5.10) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.18 ($2.78–$6.03) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.10 ($3.71–$6.96) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.67) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$130 ($74–$232) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$139) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$111) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($46–$139) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$186 ($70–$464) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,856 ($1,114–$3,248) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.42–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$232) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,114 ($557–$2,320) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$928 ($464–$1,856) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$371 ($186–$650) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$928 ($371–$2,320) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,600 ($4,640–$27,840) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($46–$186) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$186 ($93–$371) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $464 |
| Preschool | $464 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $359 |
| Toddler | $359 |
| Preschool | $359 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ripley
What is the population of Ripley?
Ripley has a population of 1,626 residents and is located in Ohio. The population density is 817 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.2% female and 50.8% male.
Is Ripley expensive to live in?
Ripley is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $45,652, 39% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $109,100 (61% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $733 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ripley safe?
Ripley is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 236 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 767 per 100,000 (below 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 four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 48.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Ripley?
The unemployment rate in Ripley is 7.9%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $964. There are 717 business establishments in the area, including 49 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 34 minutes, and 4.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ripley?
The median home value in Ripley is $109,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $178,608. For renters, the median monthly rent is $733. Fair market rent is $873 for a 1-bedroom and $1,092 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 57.8%. The average annual property tax is $3,010.
How are the schools in Ripley?
Schools in Ripley score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.5% of adults in Ripley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.9% have completed high school. 7.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ripley?
The obesity rate in Ripley is 43.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.5% of adults are smokers. 35.6% are physically inactive. 29.8% of residents report depression. 10.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 65.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,881.
What is transportation like in Ripley?
The average commute in Ripley is 34 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ripley?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ripley is 81.6% White, 3.7% Black or African American, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino. 99.2% of residents speak only English at home. 6.2% of the population are military veterans. 15.0% of residents have a disability. 93.8% have health insurance coverage.
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