Ripley, TN
Population 7,718 · Tennessee
About Ripley, TN
Ripley is a small town located in Tennessee with a population of 7,718 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $39,047 per year, which is 48% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.3 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 $152,200, which is 38% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Ripley in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $745, 36% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,377 total housing units, 44% are owner-occupied (1,226 units) and 56% are renter-occupied (1,573 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 Ripley shows an unemployment rate of 8.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 28.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Ripley have an average one-way commute time of 22.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
13.5% 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 1.0% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Ripley, TN
Compared to national averages, Ripley has a median household income of $39,047 (48% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $152,200, which is 38% below the national median. Monthly rent at $745 is 36% below the US average of $1,163. Within Tennessee, Ripley's income is 38% below the state average of $62,849, and home values are 29% below the state median of $214,371.
Why Live in Ripley, TN?
Ripley offers affordable housing with a median home value of $152,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $745/month, and short commute times averaging just 22.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($39,047) 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 7,718 with a median age of 36.3 years. Compare Ripley with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Tennessee.
Similar Cities Near Ripley
Cities in Tennessee with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Cleveland | 7,748 | $64,607 | $195,700 | Compare |
| Humboldt | 7,799 | $42,873 | $111,300 | Compare |
| Thompson's Station | 7,855 | $122,139 | $598,200 | Compare |
| Lexington | 7,943 | $49,253 | $173,200 | Compare |
| La Follette | 7,308 | $34,678 | $106,000 | Compare |
| Milan | 8,194 | $45,608 | $121,400 | Compare |
| Savannah | 7,219 | $41,396 | $163,100 | Compare |
| Dayton | 7,191 | $56,692 | $152,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Tennessee
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, TN?
The population of Ripley, TN is 7,718 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Tennessee.
What is the median household income in Ripley?
The median household income in Ripley, TN is $39,047 per year, which is 48% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ripley?
The median home value in Ripley, TN is $152,200, which is 38% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Ripley?
The median monthly rent in Ripley, TN is $745, which is 36% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ripley?
The unemployment rate in Ripley, TN is 8.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Ripley, TN a good place to live?
Ripley offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 7,718 and a median age of 36.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Ripley, TN?
13.5% 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, TN: median home value is $152,200 (38% below national), median rent is $745/month, and median household income is $39,047. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Ripley?
The poverty rate in Ripley, TN is 28.7%, 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, TN?
Ripley's population is 1.0% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 54.9% two or more races. 0.7% of residents are foreign-born.