Cost of Living in Ripley, WV

Population 3,066 · West Virginia · Data vintage 2023

41
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Household incomes in Ripley run well below national norms — a median of $35,120 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $119,000). Around 28% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.

Ripley lies roughly 105 miles southeast of the nearest major metro, Columbus — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 49% lower than Columbus' $235,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 39
Rent 43

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Ripley

The median home value in Ripley is $119,300 — 61% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $569/month, 57% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $35,120/year is 53% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.9%, above the national average of 4.8%. West Virginia's top state income tax rate is 6.5% and the combined sales tax is 6.4%. The climate averages highs of 66.8°F and lows of 45.5°F, with about 31.5" of annual snowfall. Overall, Ripley has a cost of living index of 41 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 59% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$119,300
61% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$1,651,630
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$569/mo
57% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
17.5x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.6%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$658
1 BR
$729
2 BR
$883
3 BR
$1,182
4 BR
$1,304
Owner-occupied 54.0%
Renter-occupied 46.0%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$569
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,183/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
25.9 min
4% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
6.7%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
79.2%
Walked
14.1%
Work from home
6.7%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 6.5%
Total Sales Tax 6.4%
State rate 6.0%
Avg local rate 0.4%
Property Tax 0.6%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$35,120
53% below avg
Per Capita Income
$28,459
Unemployment Rate
4.9%
2% above avg
Poverty Rate
28.3%
Labor Force Participation
50.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 13.9%
Graduate degree 6.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 44.9
Male median age 39.2
Female median age 50.5

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
66.8°F
Avg Low
45.5°F
Annual Precip
46.2"
Annual Snowfall
31.5"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 444857697683868580695748
Low °F 262935455362666457453630
Precip" 3.273.364.143.564.934.725.383.753.462.913.203.56
Snow" 10.37.75.90.50.00.00.00.00.00.61.55.0

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

92%
4-Year Graduation Rate
13.7:1
Student-teacher ratio
13
Public schools
4,489
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Ripley, WV?

Ripley has a cost index of 41 (100 = national average). It is 59% below the national average.

What is average rent in Ripley, WV?

The median gross rent in Ripley is $569 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Ripley?

The median home value in Ripley is $119,300 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Ripley?

The median household income in Ripley is $35,120 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Ripley, WV?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Ripley is 6.4%. The West Virginia state income tax top rate is 6.5%.

Is Ripley, WV affordable?

Yes, Ripley is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 41 — about 59% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Ripley?

Ripley has average high temperatures of 66.8°F and average lows of 45.5°F. Annual precipitation is 46.2". Average annual snowfall is 31.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Ripley at a Glance

Population
3,066
Median Income
$35,120
Home Value
$119,300
Median Rent
$569/mo
Unemployment
4.9%
Avg High Temp
66.8°F
Sales Tax
6.4%
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