Ridgeway, IA
Population 266 · Iowa
About Ridgeway, IA
Ridgeway is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 266 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,500 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 29.8 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Ridgeway features a median home value of $136,600, which is 44% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Ridgeway one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $637, 45% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 146 total housing units, 46% are owner-occupied (67 units) and 54% are renter-occupied (79 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ridgeway shows an unemployment rate of 3.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 3.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Ridgeway have an average one-way commute time of 24.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
20.1% of Ridgeway 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 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 4.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Ridgeway, IA
Compared to national averages, Ridgeway has a median household income of $56,500 (25% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $136,600, which is 44% below the national median. Monthly rent at $637 is 45% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Ridgeway's income is 17% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 3% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Ridgeway, IA?
Ridgeway offers affordable housing with a median home value of $136,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $637/month, and a low poverty rate of 3.4%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 24.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,500) that falls below the national average. However, Ridgeway’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ridgeway has a population of 266 with a median age of 29.8 years. Compare Ridgeway with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Ridgeway
What is the population of Ridgeway, IA?
The population of Ridgeway, IA is 266 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Ridgeway?
The median household income in Ridgeway, IA is $56,500 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ridgeway?
The median home value in Ridgeway, IA is $136,600, which is 44% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Ridgeway?
The median monthly rent in Ridgeway, IA is $637, which is 45% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ridgeway?
The unemployment rate in Ridgeway, IA is 3.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Ridgeway, IA a good place to live?
Ridgeway offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 266 and a median age of 29.8, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Ridgeway, IA?
20.1% of residents in Ridgeway 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 Ridgeway?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ridgeway, IA: median home value is $136,600 (44% below national), median rent is $637/month, and median household income is $56,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Ridgeway?
The poverty rate in Ridgeway, IA is 3.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Ridgeway, IA?
Ridgeway's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 4.9% of residents are foreign-born.