Ridgely, TN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,796
4.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$24,390/yr
-0.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
839
10.5% year-over-year change

Ridgely population

How many people live in Ridgely

Ridgely is home to 1,796 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 41.3% of Ridgely locals are male, and 58.7% are female.

Total population
1,796
4.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
41.3%
742
Female
58.7%
1,054
Value Percent YoY change
Male 742 41.3% 5.1%
Female 1,054 58.7% 3.6%
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 Ridgely is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 26.7% are children under 15, then 8.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.9% of the population, while another 17.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 23.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
35.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
26.7%
15 to 24
8.6%
25 to 44
23.9%
45 to 64
17.3%
Over 65
23.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 479 26.7% 10.4%
15 to 24 154 8.6% -18.9%
25 to 44 430 23.9% 15.6%
45 to 64 310 17.3% -7.2%
Over 65 423 23.6% 7.6%
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 Ridgely, 92.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.6% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 6.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
92.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6.9%
Non-citizens
0.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,661 92.5% 3.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 124 6.9% 13.8%
Non-citizens 11 0.6% -31.2%
Racial breakdown
White
69.9%
Black or African American
22.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.7%
Other
0.8%
Value Percent
White 1,256 69.9%
Black or African American 401 22.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 3 0.2%
Two or more races 121 6.7%
Other 15 0.8%

Households in Ridgely

A peek inside Ridgely households

Ridgely has 785 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 63.7% are families, while the remaining 36.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
785
13.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
285
Family households
500
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 285 36.3% 18.3%
Family households 500 63.7% 10.4%
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 Ridgely

The housing landscape of Ridgely

Ridgely's housing consists of 839 units, with 61.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.3% 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 1.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
839
10.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 514 61.3%
1 unit, attached 11 1.3%
2 units 188 22.4%
3 or 4 units 63 7.5%
5 to 9 units 45 5.4%
10 to 19 units 7 0.8%
Mobile home 11 1.3%
Homes built since 2020
16
60.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Ridgely

In Ridgely, the median construction year is 1973. About 6.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 9.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 3.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 52 6.2% -7.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 77 9.2% 8.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 105 12.5% 16.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 150 17.9% 19.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 129 15.4% 27.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 120 14.3% -5.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 123 14.7% -12.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 32 3.8% 77.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 35 4.2% 84.2%
Built in 2020 or later 16 1.9% 60.0%
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.

Ridgely occupancy rates

Out of the 785 occupied housing units in Ridgely, 41.7% are owner-occupied, while 58.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
785
13.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
458
Owner occupied
327
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 458 58.3% 6.3%
Owner occupied 327 41.7% 24.3%
Unoccupied housing units
6.4%
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.

Ridgely housing costs

Housing costs in Ridgely come to a median of $605 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $560.

Median housing costs per month
$605/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 Ridgely
$560/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 Ridgely

Ridgely education at a glance

About 47.9% of the population in Ridgely went to high school, while 17% pursued college studies. Another 2.6% earned an associate degree and 7.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 276 21.5% 0.0%
High school diploma 616 47.9% 5.8%
College diploma 219 17% -4.4%
Associate degree 34 2.6% -2.9%
Bachelor's degree 94 7.3% 13.2%
Graduate degree 47 3.6% -21.7%
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 Ridgely

How much people earn in Ridgely

The average annual household income in Ridgely was $38,713 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $24,390, reflecting a -0.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Ridgely
$38,713/year
-1.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Ridgely
$24,390/year
-0.1% year-over-year change

Ridgely income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $39,000 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $11,357, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $26,161 in earnings. Overall, 57.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $11,357 N/A
45 - 64 $39,000 -13.0%
Over 65 $26,161 -4.0%
Above poverty level
956
Below poverty level
708
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 956 57.4% 0.7%
Below poverty level 708 42.6% 7.4%

Average renter income in Ridgely

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Ridgely, their median household income was $11,473 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 58.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$11,473
Rent-to-income ratio
58.6%
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 Ridgely

Workforce and job types in Ridgely

The job market in Ridgely is powered by 492 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 70.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 29.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.4% run their own businesses, 60% are employed by private companies, and 25.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
492
3.4% year-over-year change
White collar
346
Blue collar
146
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 346 70.3% 15.7%
Blue collar 146 29.7% -17.5%
Employer type
Self employees
10.4%
Private companies
60%
Governmental workers
25.6%
Not for profit companies
4.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 51 10.4% -1.9%
Private companies 295 60% 9.7%
Governmental workers 126 25.6% -11.3%
Not for profit companies 20 4.1% 53.9%
Unemployment rate
8.0%
26.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Ridgely stands at 8%, 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 Ridgely

How people get around in Ridgely

Commuting methods vary: 94.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.8% 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 464 94.3% 5.2%
Walk 14 2.8% 7.7%
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 Ridgely by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
38080 2,506 1,040 $30,313 $46,459

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FAQs about Ridgely demographics 

What is the total population of Ridgely?

Ridgely has a total population of 1,796 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 +4.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Ridgely?

The gender ratio in Ridgely is as follows:
  • 41.3% males (742 residents)
  • 58.7% females (1,054 residents)

What is the median age in Ridgely?

The median age in Ridgely is 35.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Ridgely?

The age distribution in Ridgely is as follows:
  • Under 15: 26.7% (479 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.6% (154 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.9% (430 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 17.3% (310 residents)
  • Over 65: 23.6% (423 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Ridgely?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Ridgely is as follows:
  • White: 69.9% (1,256 residents)
  • Black or African American: 22.3% (401 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (3 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.7% (121 residents)
  • Other: 0.8% (15 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 92.5% of the population in Ridgely.

How many housing units are there in Ridgely?

There are 839 housing units in Ridgely, reflecting a +10.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Ridgely has a total of 785 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Ridgely?

Ridgely has a median household income of $24,390, representing a -0.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 92% in Ridgely, with a workforce of 492 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 70.3% (346 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 29.7% (146 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.4% (51 residents)
  • Private companies: 60% (295 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 25.6% (126 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.1% (20 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