Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fort Ripley, MN
Thinking of moving to Fort Ripley, MN? With a close-knit population of just 70, this rural city offers affordable living—median home prices are around $244,000 and average rent is under $1,000. The crime rate is low, average commutes are a quick 24.5 minutes, and you’ll enjoy crisp Minnesota seasons with plenty of sunny days. While educational opportunities and amenities are nearby, Fort Ripley is perfect for those seeking peaceful small-town life surrounded by nature.
Demographics - Fort Ripley, MN
Demographics - Fort Ripley, MN
Fort Ripley is a small, close-knit community of 70 residents, with a median age of 54 and a population density of 150 people per square mile. The area is predominantly White, and the gender ratio slightly favors males, offering a quiet environment ideal for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle.
Population:
70
Density:
150 per sq mi
Median Age:
54.0
Gender Ratio:
110 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
97.0%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
3.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Fort Ripley, MN?
Living in Fort Ripley is affordable, with a median home value of $244,000 and average rent around $980 per month. The cost of living index is below the national average, making daily expenses and housing especially budget-friendly for residents.
Median House Value:
$244,000
Gross Rent:
$980
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,130
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$430
State Taxes:
Low:
5.35%
|
High:
9.85%
Cost Of Living Index:
92.0
Grocery:
98.0
Housing:
80.0
Utilities:
96.0
Transportation:
90.0
Health Care:
95.0
Miscellaneous:
97.5
Crime
Is Fort Ripley, MN a safe place to live?
Fort Ripley experiences very low crime rates, with the chance of violent crime at just 1 in 830 and property crime at 1 in 102. This makes the city a safe choice for families and retirees seeking peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
120
Property Crimes Per 100k:
980
Crime Index:
1,100
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 830
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 102
Weather
What is the weather like in Fort Ripley, MN year-round?
Residents of Fort Ripley enjoy four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching 81°F and cold winters that can dip to 0°F. The area receives about 27 inches of rainfall annually and sees sunshine 51% of the year, perfect for those who appreciate seasonal variety.

Winter
Min:
0°F
Max:
24°F

Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
60°F

Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
81°F

Fall
Min:
34°F
Max:
60°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
27 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
51%
Neighbors
Most households in Fort Ripley have a median income of $57,000, and the area has a low unemployment rate of 3.4%. The community is well-educated, with 92% holding at least a high school diploma, and commutes are typically under 25 minutes.
Median Income:
$34,000
Household Income:
$57,000
Family Income:
$68,000
Per Capita Income:
$28,000
Income Male:
$38,000
Income Female:
$32,000
Poverty Rate:
9.0%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$980
Unemployment Rate:
3.4%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
24.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.0%
Bachelors or More:
18.0%
Education
How are the schools in Fort Ripley, MN?
Educational opportunities abound with public and private schools in nearby towns, including Brainerd High School and Pine River-Backus Elementary. Central Lakes College, located just 17 miles away in Brainerd, provides higher education options for local students.

Public Schools
Name:
Brainerd High School
Street:
702 S 5th St
Phone:
218-454-6200
Students:
1,950
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.5
Name:
Pine River-Backus Elementary
Street:
401 Murray Ave
Phone:
218-587-4447
Students:
430
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.6

Private Schools
Name:
St. Francis Catholic School
Street:
817 Juniper St, Brainerd
Phone:
218-829-2344
Students:
130

Colleges
Name:
Central Lakes College
City:
Brainerd
State:
MN
Distance:
17 miles
Students:
6,000
Healthcare
Healthcare access is strong, with 94% of residents insured and the nearby Cuyuna Regional Medical Center offering comprehensive emergency and surgical services. There are 1.5 physicians per 1,000 residents, ensuring quality care for the community.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Cuyuna Regional Medical Center
Address:
320 E Main St, Crosby, MN 56441
Phone:
(218) 546-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.0%
Health Care Index:
77.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Fort Ripley, MN?
The housing market in Fort Ripley is stable, with a median home price of $244,000 and high owner-occupancy at 84%. Home values have appreciated over 6% in the past year, reflecting a healthy and growing market.
Median Home Price:
$244,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$980
Owner Occupied Rate:
84.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents can handle driver and vehicle services through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, with the main office located in St. Paul. The state's DMV offers comprehensive online resources and phone support for licensing and vehicle registration needs.
State:
Minnesota
Department:
Minnesota Department of Public Safety – Driver and Vehicle Services
Address:
445 Minnesota St, Suite 190, St. Paul, MN 55101
Phone:
651-297-2126
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.