Ripley, MS
Population 5,415 · Mississippi
About Ripley, MS
Ripley is a small town located in Mississippi with a population of 5,415 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,641 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Ripley features a median home value of $132,500, which is 46% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Ripley one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $683, 41% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,558 total housing units, 72% are owner-occupied (1,527 units) and 28% are renter-occupied (606 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ripley shows an unemployment rate of 10.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 17.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Ripley have an average one-way commute time of 23.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
18.4% of Ripley 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 11.3% White, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.8% Asian residents, with 5.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Ripley, MS
Compared to national averages, Ripley has a median household income of $56,641 (25% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $132,500, which is 46% below the national median. Monthly rent at $683 is 41% below the US average of $1,163. Within Mississippi, Ripley's income is 13% above the state average of $49,929, and home values are 5% above the state median of $125,705.
Why Live in Ripley, MS?
Ripley offers affordable housing with a median home value of $132,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $683/month, and short commute times averaging just 23.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,641) that falls below the national average. However, Ripley’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ripley has a population of 5,415 with a median age of 40 years. Compare Ripley with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Mississippi.
Similar Cities Near Ripley
Cities in Mississippi with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forest | 5,365 | $51,082 | $129,100 | Compare |
| Leakesville | 5,564 | $65,745 | $111,300 | Compare |
| Vancleave | 5,196 | $71,000 | $218,900 | Compare |
| Pontotoc | 5,717 | $50,230 | $144,300 | Compare |
| Columbia | 5,804 | $34,328 | $112,100 | Compare |
| Saltillo | 4,962 | $84,063 | $200,800 | Compare |
| Aberdeen | 4,909 | $40,732 | $84,100 | Compare |
| University | 4,899 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Mississippi
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Ripley With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ripley
What is the population of Ripley, MS?
The population of Ripley, MS is 5,415 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Mississippi.
What is the median household income in Ripley?
The median household income in Ripley, MS is $56,641 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ripley?
The median home value in Ripley, MS is $132,500, which is 46% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ripley?
The median monthly rent in Ripley, MS is $683, which is 41% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ripley?
The unemployment rate in Ripley, MS is 10.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Ripley, MS a good place to live?
Ripley offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,415 and a median age of 40, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Ripley, MS?
18.4% of residents in Ripley 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 Ripley?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ripley, MS: median home value is $132,500 (46% below national), median rent is $683/month, and median household income is $56,641. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Ripley?
The poverty rate in Ripley, MS is 17.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Ripley, MS?
Ripley's population is 11.3% White, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.8% Asian, and 19.1% two or more races. 5.6% of residents are foreign-born.