Cost of Living in Ripley, TN
Population 7,718 · Tennessee · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Ripley's median household income of $39,047 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (29% here). At 8.0%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Ripley is about 50 miles northeast of Memphis, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with Memphis' $157,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Ripley
The median home value in Ripley is $152,200 — 50% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $745/month, 43% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $39,047/year is 48% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.0%, above the national average of 4.8%. Tennessee charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 70.4°F and lows of 49.8°F. Overall, Ripley has a cost of living index of 53 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 47% less expensive.
Ripley has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 47 | 52 | 61 | 71 | 80 | 88 | 90 | 90 | 84 | 73 | 60 | 50 |
| Low °F | 29 | 32 | 40 | 49 | 60 | 68 | 71 | 69 | 61 | 49 | 38 | 33 |
| Precip" | 3.80 | 4.56 | 5.87 | 5.08 | 5.38 | 4.47 | 4.29 | 3.27 | 2.64 | 4.16 | 4.54 | 5.19 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Ripley, TN?
Ripley has a cost index of 53 (100 = national average). It is 47% below the national average.
What is average rent in Ripley, TN?
The median gross rent in Ripley is $745 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Ripley?
The median home value in Ripley is $152,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Ripley?
The median household income in Ripley is $39,047 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Ripley, TN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Ripley is 9.6%. Tennessee has no state income tax.
Is Ripley, TN affordable?
Yes, Ripley is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 53 — about 47% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Ripley?
Ripley has average high temperatures of 70.4°F and average lows of 49.8°F. Annual precipitation is 53.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Ripley at a Glance
- Population
- 7,718
- Median Income
- $39,047
- Home Value
- $152,200
- Median Rent
- $745/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 70.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.6%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Tennessee Rankings
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