Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ripley, TN
Considering a move to Ripley, TN? This welcoming city of about 7,600 offers an affordable lifestyle, with median home prices around $122,000 and average rents near $730. Residents enjoy a mild climate, an average commute of 22 minutes, and access to local schools and a community hospital. While property and violent crime rates are above the national average, Ripley's cost of living is significantly lower than most U.S. cities, making it a budget-friendly option for those seeking small-town charm in West Tennessee.
Demographics - Ripley, TN
Demographics - Ripley, TN
Ripley, TN is a small city of approximately 7,600 residents, with a median age of 37.9 years. The community is predominantly White and Black, and the population density provides a close-knit, neighborhood feel.
Population:
7,600
Density:
1,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.9
Gender Ratio:
89 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
56.2%
Black:
41.5%
Asian:
0.3%
Others:
2.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Ripley, TN?
Ripley offers a notably affordable cost of living, with median home values around $122,000 and average rents at $730 per month. State taxes are low, and the overall cost of living index is well below the national average, making it attractive for budget-conscious families.
Median House Value:
$122,000
Gross Rent:
$730
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$970
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$370
State Taxes:
Low:
0.0%
|
High:
5.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
77.5
Grocery:
92.0
Housing:
46.0
Utilities:
95.0
Transportation:
89.0
Health Care:
89.5
Miscellaneous:
92.0
Crime
Is Ripley, TN a safe place to live?
Ripley experiences higher-than-average rates of both violent and property crime, with a resident's chance of encountering property crime at about 1 in 37. Prospective residents should consider personal safety and neighborhood selection when moving to the area.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
670
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,700
Crime Index:
3,370
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 149
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 37
Weather
What is the weather like in Ripley, TN year-round?
Ripley enjoys four distinct seasons with mild winters averaging 30–48°F and warm summers reaching up to 91°F. The area receives about 54 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine about 60% of the year, ideal for those who appreciate varied weather.

Winter
Min:
30°F
Max:
48°F

Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
72°F

Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
91°F

Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
76°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
54 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Households in Ripley have a median income of about $38,900, though the poverty rate is relatively high at 28.2%. Most residents drive to work, with an average commute of 22 minutes and limited reliance on public transportation.
Median Income:
$22,000
Household Income:
$38,900
Family Income:
$53,200
Per Capita Income:
$18,300
Income Male:
$32,400
Income Female:
$25,700
Poverty Rate:
28.2%
Non English Speakers:
3.2%
Rent:
$730
Unemployment Rate:
6.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
22.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
76.1%
Bachelors or More:
12.5%
Education
How are the schools in Ripley, TN?
Ripley is served by several public and private schools, including Ripley High School and Lauderdale Christian School, and offers access to higher education at Dyersburg State Community College just 24 miles away. The area has a strong focus on K-12 education with reasonable student-teacher ratios.

Public Schools
Name:
Ripley High School
Street:
254 S Jefferson St
Phone:
731-635-2642
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.3
Name:
Ripley Middle School
Street:
309 Charles Griggs St
Phone:
731-635-1391
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.7

Private Schools
Name:
Lauderdale Christian School
Street:
4251 Hwy 51 N
Phone:
731-635-3114
Students:
110

Colleges
Name:
Dyersburg State Community College
City:
Dyersburg
State:
TN
Distance:
24 miles
Students:
2,800
Healthcare
Residents benefit from local access to Lauderdale Community Hospital, which offers emergency services and general care. Health insurance coverage is high at 88.5%, and physician availability is typical for a city of this size.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Lauderdale Community Hospital
Address:
326 Asbury Ave, Ripley, TN 38063
Phone:
(731) 253-7700
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.5%
Health Care Index:
71.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Ripley, TN?
Ripley’s housing market is affordable, with a median home price near $122,000 and owner-occupancy at almost 60%. Home appreciation is modest, making it a stable choice for first-time buyers or those seeking value in West Tennessee.
Median Home Price:
$122,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$730
Owner Occupied Rate:
59.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Driver and vehicle services for Ripley residents are managed by the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security, with the nearest location in Covington. Residents can access licensing, registration, and other DMV services both in-person and online.
State:
Tennessee
Department:
Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security
Address:
1031 Hwy 51 N, Covington, TN 38019
Phone:
1-866-849-3548
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.