Ridgway, PA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,969
-0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$52,863/yr
1.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,940
2.8% year-over-year change

Ridgway population

How many people live in Ridgway

Ridgway is home to 3,969 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.8% of Ridgway locals are male, and 50.2% are female.

Total population
3,969
-0.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.8%
1,975
Female
50.2%
1,994
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,975 49.8% -1.6%
Female 1,994 50.2% 0.5%
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 Ridgway is 46, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.7% are children under 15, then 9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.7% of the population, while another 31.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
46
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.7%
15 to 24
9%
25 to 44
22.7%
45 to 64
31.3%
Over 65
19.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 703 17.7% 2.2%
15 to 24 356 9% -9.2%
25 to 44 901 22.7% -5.6%
45 to 64 1,241 31.3% -2.0%
Over 65 768 19.4% 11.1%
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 Ridgway, 99% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1% have gained naturalized citizenship. As for race, 93.8% of locals are Caucasian, 0.4% are African American and 0.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,931 99% -0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 38 1% -9.5%
Racial breakdown
White
93.8%
Black or African American
0.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.5%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 3,724 93.8%
Black or African American 17 0.4%
Asian 11 0.3%
Two or more races 217 5.5%

Households in Ridgway

A peek inside Ridgway households

Ridgway has 1,778 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 55% are families, while the remaining 45% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,778
2.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
800
Family households
978
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 800 45% 6.5%
Family households 978 55% -0.5%
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 Ridgway

The housing landscape of Ridgway

Ridgway's housing consists of 1,940 units, with 72.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.6% 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 0.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,940
2.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,410 72.7%
1 unit, attached 12 0.6%
2 units 179 9.2%
3 or 4 units 129 6.6%
5 to 9 units 17 0.9%
10 to 19 units 18 0.9%
50 or more units 163 8.4%
Mobile home 12 0.6%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Ridgway

In Ridgway, the median construction year is 1945. About 42.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 13.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 829 42.7% 1.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 269 13.9% 0.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 475 24.5% -0.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 111 5.7% -1.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 195 10% 35.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 32 1.6% 6.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 5 0.3% -28.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 24 1.2% -22.6%
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.

Ridgway occupancy rates

Out of the 1,778 occupied housing units in Ridgway, 71.6% are owner-occupied, while 28.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,778
2.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
504
Owner occupied
1,274
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 504 28.4% -2.9%
Owner occupied 1,274 71.6% 4.9%
Unoccupied housing units
8.4%
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.

Ridgway housing costs

Housing costs in Ridgway come to a median of $691 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $744.

Median housing costs per month
$691/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 Ridgway
$744/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 Ridgway

Ridgway education at a glance

About 47.7% of the population in Ridgway went to high school, while 16% pursued college studies. Another 12% earned an associate degree and 17.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 41 1.3% 57.7%
High school diploma 1,480 47.7% -8.1%
College diploma 495 16% 26.9%
Associate degree 374 12% -3.4%
Bachelor's degree 541 17.4% -6.7%
Graduate degree 173 5.6% 6.1%
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 Ridgway

How much people earn in Ridgway

The average annual household income in Ridgway was $65,118 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -2.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $52,863, reflecting a +1.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Ridgway
$65,118/year
-2.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Ridgway
$52,863/year
1.5% year-over-year change

Ridgway income by age

In Ridgway, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $71,821. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $53,869 overall. Overall, 86.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $71,821 40.8%
45 - 64 $53,869 -31.1%
Over 65 $41,837 2.2%
Above poverty level
3,386
Below poverty level
511
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,386 86.9% 2.0%
Below poverty level 511 13.1% -12.3%

Average renter income in Ridgway

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Ridgway, their median household income was $23,304 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 38.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$23,304
Rent-to-income ratio
38.3%
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 Ridgway

Workforce and job types in Ridgway

The job market in Ridgway is powered by 1,661 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 60% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 40% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12.3% run their own businesses, 63% are employed by private companies, and 12.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,661
-6.2% year-over-year change
White collar
996
Blue collar
665
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 996 60% -13.2%
Blue collar 665 40% 6.7%
Employer type
Self employees
12.3%
Private companies
63%
Governmental workers
12.3%
Not for profit companies
12.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 205 12.3% 30.6%
Private companies 1,046 63% -13.1%
Governmental workers 205 12.3% -7.7%
Not for profit companies 205 12.3% 8.5%
Unemployment rate
6.7%
-8.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Ridgway stands at 6.7%, 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 Ridgway

How people get around in Ridgway

Commuting methods vary: 88.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.7% 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 1,454 88.1% -2.8%
Bus or trolleybus 6 0.4% -14.3%
Walk 45 2.7% -62.2%
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 Ridgway by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
15853 6,420 2,767 $59,344 $75,944

Explore more communities

FAQs about Ridgway demographics 

What is the total population of Ridgway?

Ridgway has a total population of 3,969 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 -0.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Ridgway?

The gender ratio in Ridgway is as follows:
  • 49.8% males (1,975 residents)
  • 50.2% females (1,994 residents)

What is the median age in Ridgway?

The median age in Ridgway is 46.

What is the age distribution of the population in Ridgway?

The age distribution in Ridgway is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.7% (703 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9% (356 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.7% (901 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 31.3% (1,241 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.4% (768 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Ridgway?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Ridgway is as follows:
  • White: 93.8% (3,724 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.4% (17 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.3% (11 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.5% (217 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99% of the population in Ridgway.

How many housing units are there in Ridgway?

There are 1,940 housing units in Ridgway, 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 Ridgway and what is the average household size?

Ridgway has a total of 1,778 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Ridgway?

Ridgway has a median household income of $52,863, representing a +1.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 93.3% in Ridgway, with a workforce of 1,661 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 60% (996 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 40% (665 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12.3% (205 residents)
  • Private companies: 63% (1,046 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.3% (205 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.3% (205 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