Ripley city, West Virginia Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Ripley city, West Virginia has a total population of 3,066, the 49th largest city in West Virginia, with a median household income of $35,120, which is 39% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 28.3%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 39% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (28.3%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
Ripley city Quick Facts
How Ripley city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 18 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Ripley city Rankings in West Virginia
Explore West Virginia Rankings
Cities Similar to Ripley city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Welch city | 3,492 | $36,188 | $56,500 | 6.3% | 26.8% |
| Philippi city | 2,919 | $43,203 | $110,900 | 17.9% | 29.5% |
| Richwood city | 2,617 | $33,614 | $67,600 | 12.0% | 33.5% |
| Moorefield town | 2,952 | $47,308 | $121,400 | 7.5% | 13.4% |
| Petersburg city | 3,172 | $48,286 | $136,100 | 23.7% | 16.3% |
Population Overview
Ripley city is a small community located in West Virginia. The total population is 3,066. It ranks as the 49th most populous out of 430 cities and towns in West Virginia.
Age Demographics
The median age in Ripley city is 44.9 years. This is 5% higher than the state median of 42.7 years. 12.8% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Ripley city is $35,120. This is 39% lower than the state median of $57,917. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 55% lower. The poverty rate stands at 28.3%. This is 70% higher than the state poverty rate of 16.6%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 4.9%. This is 14% lower than the state rate of 5.7%. The median home value is $119,300. Housing costs are 23% lower than the state median of $155,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x. 54.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 27% lower than the state average of 74.3%.
Race & Ethnicity
Ripley city has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 93.7% of all residents. Asian residents account for 2.9%. The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (2.9% vs 0.8%).
Education
20.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 13% lower than the state rate of 23.3%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 84.5%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Ripley city, West Virginia is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against West Virginia state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 430 Census-designated places in West Virginia. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Ripley city, West Virginia?
Ripley city, West Virginia has a population of 3,066 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Ripley city, WV?
The median household income in Ripley city is $35,120, which is 55% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Ripley city, WV?
The poverty rate in Ripley city is 28.3%. This means approximately 838 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Ripley city, West Virginia?
Ripley city's population is 93.7% White, 0.0% Black, 1.9% Hispanic/Latino, and 2.9% Asian.
What is the median home value in Ripley city, WV?
The median home value in Ripley city is $119,300. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x.
How educated is Ripley city, West Virginia?
20.3% of adults (25+) in Ripley city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 6.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.