Ripon, WI
Population 7,803 · Wisconsin
About Ripon, WI
Ripon is a small town located in Wisconsin with a population of 7,803 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $59,063 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.3 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 Ripon features a median home value of $161,500, which is 34% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Ripon in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $708, 39% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,470 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (2,181 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (1,260 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ripon shows an unemployment rate of 2.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 10.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Ripon have an average one-way commute time of 17.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
24.6% of Ripon residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 3.7% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 2.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Ripon, WI
Compared to national averages, Ripon has a median household income of $59,063 (21% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $161,500, which is 34% below the national median. Monthly rent at $708 is 39% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Ripon's income is 19% below the state average of $72,579, and home values are 22% below the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Ripon, WI?
Ripon offers affordable housing with a median home value of $161,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $708/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.2%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 10.4%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 17.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($59,063) that falls below the national average. However, Ripon’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ripon has a population of 7,803 with a median age of 43.3 years. Compare Ripon with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near Ripon
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson | 7,882 | $95,960 | $295,600 | Compare |
| Ashland | 7,884 | $49,258 | $162,200 | Compare |
| Jefferson | 7,722 | $77,095 | $222,100 | Compare |
| Mount Horeb | 7,719 | $100,956 | $359,500 | Compare |
| Cottage Grove | 7,906 | $132,717 | $401,900 | Compare |
| Hales Corners | 7,627 | $88,068 | $291,100 | Compare |
| Antigo | 8,058 | $46,791 | $94,700 | Compare |
| New London | 7,492 | $61,447 | $162,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Wisconsin
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Ripon With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ripon
What is the population of Ripon, WI?
The population of Ripon, WI is 7,803 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Wisconsin.
What is the median household income in Ripon?
The median household income in Ripon, WI is $59,063 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ripon?
The median home value in Ripon, WI is $161,500, which is 34% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ripon?
The median monthly rent in Ripon, WI is $708, which is 39% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ripon?
The unemployment rate in Ripon, WI is 2.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Ripon, WI a good place to live?
Ripon offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 7,803 and a median age of 43.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Ripon, WI?
24.6% of residents in Ripon 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 Ripon?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ripon, WI: median home value is $161,500 (34% below national), median rent is $708/month, and median household income is $59,063. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Ripon?
The poverty rate in Ripon, WI is 10.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Ripon, WI?
Ripon's population is 3.7% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 2.5% of residents are foreign-born.