Ripley, MS demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,377
-0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$55,444/yr
-2.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,629
2.8% year-over-year change

Ripley population

How many people live in Ripley

Ripley is home to 5,377 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.1% of Ripley locals are male, and 49.9% are female.

Total population
5,377
-0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.1%
2,695
Female
49.9%
2,682
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,695 50.1% 3.6%
Female 2,682 49.9% -4.7%
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 is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.9% are children under 15, then 13.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.7% of the population, while another 17.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 25.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.9%
15 to 24
13.7%
25 to 44
26.7%
45 to 64
17.8%
Over 65
25.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 855 15.9% -9.6%
15 to 24 737 13.7% -10.9%
25 to 44 1,438 26.7% 4.0%
45 to 64 956 17.8% -11.8%
Over 65 1,391 25.9% 18.3%
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, 95.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.6% of residents are non-citizens. Another 0.2% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 6.8% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 10.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1%
Non-citizens
3.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,131 95.4% 0.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 54 1% -46.0%
Non-citizens 192 3.6% -5.9%
Racial breakdown
White
66.1%
Black or African American
16.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
10.3%
Other
6.8%
Value Percent
White 3,552 66.1%
Black or African American 882 16.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 10 0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 9 0.2%
Two or more races 556 10.3%
Other 368 6.8%

Households in Ripley

A peek inside Ripley households

Ripley has 2,229 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 61.3% are families, while the remaining 38.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,229
4.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
862
Family households
1,367
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 862 38.7% 14.6%
Family households 1,367 61.3% -1.0%
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

The housing landscape of Ripley

Ripley's housing consists of 2,629 units, with 76.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 11.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,629
2.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,018 76.8%
2 units 164 6.2%
3 or 4 units 33 1.3%
20 to 49 units 76 2.9%
50 or more units 38 1.4%
Mobile home 300 11.4%
Homes built since 2020
10
-37.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Ripley

In Ripley, the median construction year is 1980. About 2.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 15.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 60 2.3% -60.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 66 2.5% N/A
Built between 1950 and 1959 381 14.5% -0.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 281 10.7% -15.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 534 20.3% 20.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 465 17.7% 43.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 192 7.3% -17.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 418 15.9% 5.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 222 8.4% -20.1%
Built in 2020 or later 10 0.4% -37.5%
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 occupancy rates

Out of the 2,229 occupied housing units in Ripley, 62.3% are owner-occupied, while 37.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 15.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,229
4.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
841
Owner occupied
1,388
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 841 37.7% 38.8%
Owner occupied 1,388 62.3% -9.1%
Unoccupied housing units
15.2%
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 housing costs

Housing costs in Ripley come to a median of $772 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $735.

Median housing costs per month
$772/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
$735/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

Ripley education at a glance

About 46.3% of the population in Ripley went to high school, while 24.8% pursued college studies. Another 3.9% earned an associate degree and 14.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 234 5.5% 21.2%
High school diploma 1,976 46.3% -6.3%
College diploma 1,057 24.8% 5.2%
Associate degree 166 3.9% 1.2%
Bachelor's degree 627 14.7% 53.3%
Graduate degree 211 4.9% -24.1%
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

How much people earn in Ripley

The average annual household income in Ripley was $62,020 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -4.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $55,444, reflecting a -2.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Ripley
$62,020/year
-4.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Ripley
$55,444/year
-2.1% year-over-year change

Ripley income by age

In Ripley, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $46,862. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $75,132 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $64,598, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $46,005 in earnings. Overall, 79.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $64,598 4.3%
25 - 44 $46,862 -14.5%
45 - 64 $75,132 2.6%
Over 65 $46,005 -13.6%
Above poverty level
4,091
Below poverty level
1,032
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,091 79.9% -3.5%
Below poverty level 1,032 20.1% 13.3%

Average renter income in Ripley

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Ripley, their median household income was $40,611 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 21.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$40,611
Rent-to-income ratio
21.7%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Ripley

Workforce and job types in Ripley

The job market in Ripley is powered by 2,589 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 60.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 39.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.9% run their own businesses, 72.9% are employed by private companies, and 12.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,589
-1.9% year-over-year change
White collar
1,560
Blue collar
1,029
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,560 60.2% 5.0%
Blue collar 1,029 39.8% -10.8%
Employer type
Self employees
9.9%
Private companies
72.9%
Governmental workers
12.7%
Not for profit companies
4.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 256 9.9% -17.4%
Private companies 1,887 72.9% -4.8%
Governmental workers 329 12.7% 25.1%
Not for profit companies 117 4.5% 41.0%
Unemployment rate
10.7%
-0.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Ripley stands at 10.7%, 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

How people get around in Ripley

In Ripley, the average commute time is 24 minutes.

Commute time
24 min
2.6% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,567 99.2% -2.1%
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 by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
38663 11,319 4,506 $52,141 $70,196

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FAQs about Ripley demographics 

What is the total population of Ripley?

Ripley has a total population of 5,377 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 -0.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Ripley?

The gender ratio in Ripley is as follows:
  • 50.1% males (2,695 residents)
  • 49.9% females (2,682 residents)

What is the median age in Ripley?

The median age in Ripley is 42.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Ripley?

The age distribution in Ripley is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.9% (855 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.7% (737 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.7% (1,438 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 17.8% (956 residents)
  • Over 65: 25.9% (1,391 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Ripley?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Ripley is as follows:
  • White: 66.1% (3,552 residents)
  • Black or African American: 16.4% (882 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (10 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (9 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.3% (556 residents)
  • Other: 6.8% (368 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.4% of the population in Ripley.

How many housing units are there in Ripley?

There are 2,629 housing units in Ripley, reflecting a +2.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Ripley has a total of 2,229 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Ripley?

Ripley has a median household income of $55,444, representing a -2.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 89.3% in Ripley, with a workforce of 2,589 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 60.2% (1,560 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 39.8% (1,029 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.9% (256 residents)
  • Private companies: 72.9% (1,887 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.7% (329 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.5% (117 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