Ripley
Missouri

What stands out

If you had to describe Ripley County in numbers, start here: violent crime is in the top 2% of American counties (5.2 per 1,000), home internet speed is in the bottom 2% of American counties (49 Mbps), and the average commute is in the top 4% of American counties (32 minutes). Within Missouri it ranks 1st of 115 counties for violent crime.

Where you are

You live in Ripley County, Missouri. 10,839 people live here with you. The population grew 0.9% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +185).

Missouri stopped taxing Social Security and public pensions for all residents in 2024 and has been cutting its top income-tax rate toward 4.5%. Home prices are well below the national average in both Kansas City and St. Louis. The state's property tax on vehicles, paid every year, surprises new arrivals; tornado exposure is high across the state.

Money

The typical household here brings in $42,541 a year, lower than 91% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $31,859. Unemployment runs 3.2%, lower than 60% of American counties. 10% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 32 minutes each way.

Missouri takes 4.3% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,819 a year.

Home

The median home costs $156K, cheaper than 82% of American counties, about 1.8 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $618 a month. Property tax is 0.53% of home value, roughly $544 a year on that median home, lower than 85% of American counties. 80% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 5.2 per 1,000 residents, higher than 98% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 13 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 70.0 years, shorter than 96% of American counties. There are 3 active physicians in the county, about 2.8 per 10,000 people. 12.3% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.97 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 58% of American counties. 82% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 70 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 55% of eligible voters turned out. Under Missouri law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 59°F, highs near 71 and lows near 48, warmer than 65% of American counties. About 46 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 54 out of 100, riskier than 54% of American counties; the county has had 23 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 49 Mbps down, slower than 98% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.4 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.