Ripley County, MO demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
10,708
-0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$42,037/yr
-4.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
5,168
-0.4% year-over-year change

Ripley County population

How many people live in Ripley County

Ripley County is home to 10,708 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.4% of Ripley County locals are male, and 49.6% are female.

Total population
10,708
-0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.4%
5,401
Female
49.6%
5,307
Value Percent YoY change
Male 5,401 50.4% 0.9%
Female 5,307 49.6% -1.8%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Ripley County is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.2% are children under 15, then 10.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23% of the population, while another 26.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.2%
15 to 24
10.8%
25 to 44
23%
45 to 64
26.1%
Over 65
19.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,161 20.2% 2.4%
15 to 24 1,155 10.8% 2.5%
25 to 44 2,459 23% -1.3%
45 to 64 2,799 26.1% -2.0%
Over 65 2,134 19.9% -1.6%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Ripley County, 98.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 92.6% of locals are Caucasian, 0.3% are African American and 0.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1%
Non-citizens
0.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 10,538 98.4% -0.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 102 1% 9.7%
Non-citizens 68 0.6% 6.2%
Racial breakdown
White
92.6%
Black or African American
0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
0.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.2%
Other
0.5%
Value Percent
White 9,921 92.6%
Black or African American 34 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 12 0.1%
Asian 30 0.3%
Two or more races 662 6.2%
Other 49 0.5%

Households in Ripley County

A peek inside Ripley County households

Ripley County has 4,002 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 65.9% are families, while the remaining 34.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
4,002
-0.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
1,364
Family households
2,638
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,364 34.1% 4.2%
Family households 2,638 65.9% -3.0%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Ripley County

The housing landscape of Ripley County

Ripley County's housing consists of 5,168 units, with 73.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.4% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 20.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
5,168
-0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,810 73.7%
1 unit, attached 19 0.4%
2 units 51 1%
3 or 4 units 123 2.4%
5 to 9 units 54 1%
10 to 19 units 51 1%
Mobile home 1,060 20.5%
Homes built since 2020
105
26.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Ripley County

In Ripley County, the median construction year is 1983. About 8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 15.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 412 8% 4.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 183 3.5% 11.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 371 7.2% 64.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 517 10% 7.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 897 17.4% -19.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 674 13% 0.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 850 16.4% -7.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 779 15.1% 6.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 380 7.4% -7.1%
Built in 2020 or later 105 2% 26.5%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Ripley County occupancy rates

Out of the 4,002 occupied housing units in Ripley County, 79.1% are owner-occupied, while 20.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 22.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
4,002
-0.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
836
Owner occupied
3,166
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 836 20.9% -1.8%
Owner occupied 3,166 79.1% -0.4%
Unoccupied housing units
22.6%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Ripley County housing costs

Housing costs in Ripley County come to a median of $665 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $654.

Median housing costs per month
$665/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Ripley County
$654/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Ripley County

Ripley County education at a glance

About 51.4% of the population in Ripley County went to high school, while 22.2% pursued college studies. Another 8.7% earned an associate degree and 7.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 450 5.5% 2.3%
High school diploma 4,179 51.4% 1.9%
College diploma 1,805 22.2% -7.8%
Associate degree 704 8.7% -0.1%
Bachelor's degree 638 7.8% -12.8%
Graduate degree 347 4.3% 16.4%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Ripley County

How much people earn in Ripley County

The average annual household income in Ripley County was $55,178 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -5.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $42,037, reflecting a -4.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Ripley County
$55,178/year
-5.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Ripley County
$42,037/year
-4.2% year-over-year change

Ripley County income by age

In Ripley County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $55,823. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $41,422 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $24,600, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $34,302 in earnings. Overall, 75.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $24,600 N/A
25 - 44 $55,823 -8.1%
45 - 64 $41,422 -14.2%
Over 65 $34,302 5.3%
Above poverty level
7,880
Below poverty level
2,601
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 7,880 75.2% -7.2%
Below poverty level 2,601 24.8% 25.0%

Employment in Ripley County

Workforce and job types in Ripley County

The job market in Ripley County is powered by 4,062 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 65.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 34.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 15.7% run their own businesses, 65.3% are employed by private companies, and 14.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
4,062
-3.4% year-over-year change
White collar
2,670
Blue collar
1,392
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,670 65.7% -5.1%
Blue collar 1,392 34.3% 0.0%
Employer type
Self employees
15.7%
Private companies
65.3%
Governmental workers
14.3%
Not for profit companies
4.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 639 15.7% 6.7%
Private companies 2,651 65.3% -5.4%
Governmental workers 582 14.3% -1.2%
Not for profit companies 190 4.7% -12.4%
Unemployment rate
3.7%
-23.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Ripley County stands at 3.7%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Ripley County

How people get around in Ripley County

Commuting methods vary: 85.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 3,431 85.6% -6.2%
Taxicab 24 0.6% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 15 0.4% N/A
Motorcycle 10 0.2% 66.7%
Walk 125 3.1% 60.3%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Ripley County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
63935 7,931 2,894 $42,985 $55,375
63939 963 418 $44,125 $62,125
63942 490 187 $47,250 $58,416
63943 823 366 $40,152 $48,745
63953 787 350 $32,895 $50,952
63955 64 42 $48,056 $44,914

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FAQs about Ripley County demographics 

What is the total population of Ripley County?

Ripley County has a total population of 10,708 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Ripley County?

The gender ratio in Ripley County is as follows:
  • 50.4% males (5,401 residents)
  • 49.6% females (5,307 residents)

What is the median age in Ripley County?

The median age in Ripley County is 40.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Ripley County?

The age distribution in Ripley County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.2% (2,161 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.8% (1,155 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23% (2,459 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.1% (2,799 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.9% (2,134 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Ripley County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Ripley County is as follows:
  • White: 92.6% (9,921 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.3% (34 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (12 residents)
  • Asian: 0.3% (30 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.2% (662 residents)
  • Other: 0.5% (49 residents)

What percentage of the population in Ripley County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.4% of the population in Ripley County.

How many housing units are there in Ripley County?

There are 5,168 housing units in Ripley County, reflecting a -0.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Ripley County and what is the average household size?

Ripley County has a total of 4,002 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Ripley County?

Ripley County has a median household income of $42,037, representing a -4.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Ripley County?

The employment rate is 96.3% in Ripley County, with a workforce of 4,062 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 65.7% (2,670 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 34.3% (1,392 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 15.7% (639 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.3% (2,651 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.3% (582 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.7% (190 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025