Ridgway, IL
Population 764 · Illinois
About Ridgway, IL
Ridgway is a small community located in Illinois with a population of 764 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $42,404 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.5 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Ridgway features a median home value of $73,700, which is 70% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Ridgway one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $732, 37% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 436 total housing units, 82% are owner-occupied (305 units) and 18% are renter-occupied (66 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ridgway shows an unemployment rate of 3.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 9.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Ridgway have an average one-way commute time of 24.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
14.0% of Ridgway residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.1% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Ridgway, IL
Compared to national averages, Ridgway has a median household income of $42,404 (44% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $73,700, which is 70% below the national median. Monthly rent at $732 is 37% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Ridgway's income is 44% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 56% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Ridgway, IL?
Ridgway offers affordable housing with a median home value of $73,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $732/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.4%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 9.8%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 24.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($42,404) that falls below the national average. However, Ridgway’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ridgway has a population of 764 with a median age of 44.5 years. Compare Ridgway with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Ridgway
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth | 764 | $47,500 | $115,500 | Compare |
| Ashkum | 765 | $67,500 | $136,500 | Compare |
| Lake Carroll | 763 | $101,250 | $317,900 | Compare |
| Tiskilwa | 762 | $60,750 | $88,300 | Compare |
| Bartelso | 768 | $93,929 | $192,000 | Compare |
| Kirkwood | 769 | $70,385 | $89,500 | Compare |
| Lake Petersburg | 769 | $124,643 | $336,200 | Compare |
| West Salem | 769 | $50,500 | $65,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Illinois
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Ridgway
What is the population of Ridgway, IL?
The population of Ridgway, IL is 764 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Ridgway?
The median household income in Ridgway, IL is $42,404 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ridgway?
The median home value in Ridgway, IL is $73,700, which is 70% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ridgway?
The median monthly rent in Ridgway, IL is $732, which is 37% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ridgway?
The unemployment rate in Ridgway, IL is 3.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Ridgway, IL a good place to live?
Ridgway offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 764 and a median age of 44.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Ridgway, IL?
14.0% of residents in Ridgway aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Ridgway?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ridgway, IL: median home value is $73,700 (70% below national), median rent is $732/month, and median household income is $42,404. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Ridgway?
The poverty rate in Ridgway, IL is 9.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Ridgway, IL?
Ridgway's population is 0.1% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 0.4% of residents are foreign-born.