Ripley, TN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
7,658
-0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$37,432/yr
-4.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,383
0.2% year-over-year change

Ripley population

How many people live in Ripley

Ripley is home to 7,658 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.9% of Ripley locals are male, and 51.1% are female.

Total population
7,658
-0.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.9%
3,748
Female
51.1%
3,910
Value Percent YoY change
Male 3,748 48.9% -1.5%
Female 3,910 51.1% -0.1%
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 33, with the population distributed as follows: about 22.6% are children under 15, then 15.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.6% of the population, while another 22.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
33.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
22.6%
15 to 24
15.8%
25 to 44
25.6%
45 to 64
22.3%
Over 65
13.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,727 22.6% 9.6%
15 to 24 1,207 15.8% -8.3%
25 to 44 1,957 25.6% 1.0%
45 to 64 1,707 22.3% -8.1%
Over 65 1,060 13.8% 2.9%
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, 97.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 39.1% of locals are Caucasian, 50.8% are African American and 0.1% have Asian roots. Another 0.2% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 0.5% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 9.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1%
Non-citizens
1.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 7,486 97.8% -2.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 74 1% 469.2%
Non-citizens 98 1.3% 127.9%
Racial breakdown
White
39.1%
Black or African American
50.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
9.1%
Other
0.5%
Value Percent
White 2,994 39.1%
Black or African American 3,894 50.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 17 0.2%
Asian 11 0.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 8 0.1%
Two or more races 697 9.1%
Other 37 0.5%

Households in Ripley

A peek inside Ripley households

Ripley has 2,818 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 68.3% are families, while the remaining 31.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,818
0.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
894
Family households
1,924
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 894 31.7% -5.0%
Family households 1,924 68.3% 3.5%
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 Ripley

The housing landscape of Ripley

Ripley's housing consists of 3,383 units, with 71.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.1% 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 1.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
3,383
0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,421 71.6%
1 unit, attached 37 1.1%
2 units 253 7.5%
3 or 4 units 210 6.2%
5 to 9 units 272 8%
10 to 19 units 18 0.5%
20 to 49 units 97 2.9%
50 or more units 23 0.7%
Mobile home 52 1.5%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Ripley

In Ripley, the median construction year is 1975. About 8.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.1% 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 298 8.8% 8.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 275 8.1% 39.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 419 12.4% -16.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 369 10.9% 9.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 614 18.2% 1.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 481 14.2% -5.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 499 14.8% 7.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 402 11.9% -14.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 26 0.8% 8.3%
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 2,818 occupied housing units in Ripley, 45.2% are owner-occupied, while 54.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 16.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,818
0.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,543
Owner occupied
1,275
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,543 54.8% -1.9%
Owner occupied 1,275 45.2% 4.0%
Unoccupied housing units
16.7%
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 $797 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $800.

Median housing costs per month
$797/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
$800/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 61.2% of the population in Ripley went to high school, while 16.7% pursued college studies. Another 5.1% earned an associate degree and 9.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 182 3.2% 13.0%
High school diploma 3,458 61.2% -4.5%
College diploma 945 16.7% -13.1%
Associate degree 287 5.1% 4.4%
Bachelor's degree 536 9.5% 33.0%
Graduate degree 239 4.2% -4.0%
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 $58,835 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $37,432, reflecting a -4.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Ripley
$58,835/year
2.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Ripley
$37,432/year
-4.1% 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 $41,442. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $29,196 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $32,008, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $41,094 in earnings. Overall, 68.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $32,008 -12.6%
25 - 44 $41,442 0.8%
45 - 64 $29,196 -27.7%
Over 65 $41,094 5.8%
Above poverty level
4,899
Below poverty level
2,211
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,899 68.9% -5.2%
Below poverty level 2,211 31.1% 5.5%

Average renter income in Ripley

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Ripley, their median household income was $23,433 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 41%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$23,433
Rent-to-income ratio
41%
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 2,695 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 57% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 43% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.1% run their own businesses, 72.7% are employed by private companies, and 13.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,695
-3.2% year-over-year change
White collar
1,535
Blue collar
1,160
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,535 57% -1.7%
Blue collar 1,160 43% -5.0%
Employer type
Self employees
7.1%
Private companies
72.7%
Governmental workers
13.8%
Not for profit companies
6.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 191 7.1% 22.4%
Private companies 1,959 72.7% -5.6%
Governmental workers 373 13.8% -21.1%
Not for profit companies 172 6.4% 120.5%
Unemployment rate
8.2%
0.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Ripley stands at 8.2%, 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

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,419 93.2% -3.4%
Bus or trolleybus 19 0.7% -32.1%
Bicycle 11 0.4% 83.3%
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 by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
38063 15,958 6,073 $49,403 $68,885

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FAQs about Ripley demographics 

What is the total population of Ripley?

Ripley has a total population of 7,658 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 -0.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Ripley?

The gender ratio in Ripley is as follows:
  • 48.9% males (3,748 residents)
  • 51.1% females (3,910 residents)

What is the median age in Ripley?

The median age in Ripley is 33.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Ripley?

The age distribution in Ripley is as follows:
  • Under 15: 22.6% (1,727 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.8% (1,207 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.6% (1,957 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.3% (1,707 residents)
  • Over 65: 13.8% (1,060 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Ripley?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Ripley is as follows:
  • White: 39.1% (2,994 residents)
  • Black or African American: 50.8% (3,894 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (17 residents)
  • Asian: 0.1% (11 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (8 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.1% (697 residents)
  • Other: 0.5% (37 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.8% of the population in Ripley.

How many housing units are there in Ripley?

There are 3,383 housing units in Ripley, reflecting a +0.2% 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 2,818 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Ripley?

Ripley has a median household income of $37,432, representing a -4.1% 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 91.8% in Ripley, with a workforce of 2,695 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 57% (1,535 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 43% (1,160 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.1% (191 residents)
  • Private companies: 72.7% (1,959 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.8% (373 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.4% (172 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