Median Income
$59,063
21% lower than US avg
Home Value
$161,500
43% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
192/100K
50% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.6%
27% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$708
39% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
45.0%
40% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.4%
61% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.5%
48% lower than US avg
How Ripon Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population7,803
Median Age43.3 yrs
Density1,545/mi²
Male / Female47% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans4.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$59,063
Per Capita$35,347
Unemployment1.4%
Poverty6.5%
County GDP$904M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$161,500
Rent$708
Ownership63.4%
Zillow$221,444
Housing Units3,298
Rent Burden29.5%
Crime
F
Violent192/100K
Property870/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault51/100K
Burglary141/100K
Health
Obesity45.0%
Uninsured9.3%
Smoking16.0%
Depression26.2%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain31.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation932 ft (284 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.6%
High School+91.9%
Graduate+6.2%
School Score5.60
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 31%
Commute18 min
Broadband91.8%
EV Stations3
Libraries5
Is Ripon a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ripon receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Ripon offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ripon is $59,063, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.4%. Only 6.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ripon is $161,500, 43% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $708 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Ripon is below the national average at 192 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 870 per 100,000, 56% below the national average.
Education
24.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Ripon has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 31.5 inches, including 37.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Ripon has a population of 7,803 with a density of 1,545 people per square mile, spread across 5.0 square miles. The median age is 43.3 years, 11% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.5% female and 46.5% male. The city is predominantly White (92.6%), with 1.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.3% of residents. 4.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 16.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.3yrs
Median Age
11% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.3%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.7%
87% below US avg
The median household income in Ripon is $59,063, which is 21% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,347. The average weekly wage is $952, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 534 business establishments, including 50 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 13.2% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $59,063 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,347 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $952 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,664 |
| Gini Index | 0.414 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.4% |
| 61% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.5% |
| 48% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 534 |
| County GDP | $904M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 50 |
| Healthcare | 46 |
| Retail | 68 |
| Manufacturing | 32 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,577 |
| 88% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.07% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 13.2% |
The median home value in Ripon is $161,500, 43% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $221,444, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 93% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $708 (39% 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. 63.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 3,298 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1966. The average annual property tax is $6,577 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $161,500 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $221,444 |
| Median List Price | $295,400 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $295,400 |
| $/Sq Ft | $172 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 93.0% |
| Price Drops | 8.0% |
| Inventory | 25 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $708 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 63.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 63.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 36.6% |
| Housing Units | 3,298 |
| Median Year Built | 1966 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,577 |
| 88% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.07% |
In Ripon, 45.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 30.0% have high blood pressure. 16.0% are current smokers. 20.6% report binge drinking. 29.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.5% experience frequent mental distress. 9.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,202. The dentist ratio is 1:1,747. 65.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ripon vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 45.0% |
| 40% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.0% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.0% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.1% |
| Depression | 26.2% |
| Mental Distress | 17.5% |
| Physical Distress | 13.3% |
| Short Sleep | 31.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.0% |
| Uninsured | 9.3% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,202 |
| Dentists | 1:1,747 |
| Mental Health | 1:967 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.6% |
| Dental Visits | 66.1% |
| Premature Death | 8,058/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 46 |
Ripon has a violent crime rate of 192 per 100,000 residents, 50% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 51.2 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 140.7. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 870 per 100,000, 56% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 703, burglary at 141, vehicle theft at 26 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Ripon receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ripon vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 191.8/100K |
| 50% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 140.7/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 51.2/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 869.6/100K |
| 56% below US avg |
| Burglary | 140.7/100K |
| Theft | 703.3/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 25.6/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ripon has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 31.5 inches. The area receives 37.6 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 932 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 45.1°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 932 ft (284 m) |
| Area | 5.0 sq mi (13.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,545/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.8436°N, 88.8379°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Green Lake County County |
| Nearest Airport | Wittman Regional (OSH)
16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.5"
17% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.86"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 58.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 86.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 77.9 / 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 |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
530 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 33 fatalities, 485 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 18, 1996 |
EF5 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1994 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF4 |
27 km |
1 |
| Apr 4, 1981 |
EF4 |
69 km |
3 |
| Apr 21, 1974 |
EF4 |
10 km |
0 |
| Aug 22, 1964 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
14 km |
7 |
| Sep 26, 1951 |
EF4 |
53 km |
1 |
| Sep 26, 1951 |
EF4 |
66 km |
6 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
21 km |
1 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
91 km |
2 |
| Aug 29, 1992 |
EF3 |
60 km |
1 |
| Jun 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1977 |
EF3 |
9 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1975 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1974 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
10 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: COTTONVILLE INCIDENT (3,466 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
COTTONVILLE INCIDENT |
3,466 |
78 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,524 |
40 km |
| 2010 |
RX BURN |
1,236 |
40 km |
| 1994 |
SOMMERS |
938 |
34 km |
| 1988 |
PEACHY RD |
812 |
36 km |
| 2018 |
2018 BADGER RX BURNS |
659 |
90 km |
| 2019 |
2019 BADGER RX BURNS |
627 |
90 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
612 |
31 km |
| 2007 |
TOWER RD 2 |
592 |
36 km |
| 2024 |
RX-HWY Y - SOUTH |
553 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
35°F (1°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.5 in |
|
Ripon has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 17°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.6 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Ripon. 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 Ripon
What is the population of Ripon?
Ripon has a population of 7,803 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 1,545 people per square mile, spread across 5.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.5% female and 46.5% male.
Is Ripon expensive to live in?
Ripon 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 $59,063, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $161,500 (43% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $708 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ripon safe?
Ripon is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 192 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 870 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Ripon receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ripon?
Ripon has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 31.5 inches, with 37.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Ripon?
The job market in Ripon is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $952. There are 534 business establishments in the area, including 50 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 13.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ripon?
The median home value in Ripon is $161,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $221,444. For renters, the median monthly rent is $708. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 63.4%. The average annual property tax is $6,577.
How are the schools in Ripon?
Schools in Ripon score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.6% of adults in Ripon hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.9% have completed high school. 6.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ripon?
The obesity rate in Ripon is 45.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.0% of adults are smokers. 29.1% are physically inactive. 26.2% of residents report depression. 9.3% lack health insurance. 65.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,202.
What is transportation like in Ripon?
The average commute in Ripon is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 72.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 13.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ripon?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ripon is 92.6% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino. 98.3% of residents speak only English at home. 4.7% of the population are military veterans. 16.1% of residents have a disability. 97.0% have health insurance coverage.
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