Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ripplemead, VA
Thinking about moving to Ripplemead, VA? This quiet Appalachian community of about 350 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $165,000 and average rents near $850. Residents enjoy a low crime rate, reasonable commute times of 27 minutes, and a friendly, small-town atmosphere. With scenic surroundings, good access to healthcare, and nearby schools, Ripplemead is ideal for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle and outdoor recreation in southwest Virginia.
Demographics - Ripplemead, VA
Demographics - Ripplemead, VA
Ripplemead is a small, close-knit community with a population of around 350 and a median age of 46.5, offering a tranquil pace of life. The area is predominantly White, with over 95% of residents identifying as such, and has a nearly even gender balance. A low percentage of non-English speakers and moderate population density contribute to its friendly, rural character.
Population:
350
Density:
150 per sq mi
Median Age:
46.5
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
95.2%
Black:
2.1%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
2.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Ripplemead, VA?
Living in Ripplemead is notably affordable, with a cost of living index of 83.4, well below the national average. Median home prices sit at $165,000 and average rents are about $850, making it attractive for both homeowners and renters. Everyday expenses like utilities and groceries are reasonably priced, supporting a budget-friendly lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$165,000
Gross Rent:
$850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$340
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.4
Grocery:
91.2
Housing:
62.5
Utilities:
98.0
Transportation:
89.4
Health Care:
94.2
Miscellaneous:
92.0
Crime
Is Ripplemead, VA a safe place to live?
Ripplemead enjoys a low crime rate, with just 92 violent crimes per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 1,087 chance of being a victim of violent crime. Property crime is also lower than many areas, fostering a sense of safety among residents. This peaceful environment makes it a comfortable choice for families and retirees.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
92
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,020
Crime Index:
1,112
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,087
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 98
Weather
What is the weather like in Ripplemead, VA year-round?
Residents experience four distinct seasons, with mild summers averaging highs of 84°F and winters that rarely dip below 23°F. Ripplemead receives about 40 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine approximately 59% of the year. The climate supports a variety of outdoor activities year-round.

Winter
Min:
23°F
Max:
42°F

Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
68°F

Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
84°F

Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
40.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
59%
Neighbors
The community features a median household income of $56,200 and a poverty rate of 11.8%, reflecting a modest but stable local economy. Most residents commute around 27 minutes to work, and public transportation use is minimal. Education levels are solid, with 87.5% holding a high school diploma or higher.
Median Income:
$36,500
Household Income:
$56,200
Family Income:
$68,400
Per Capita Income:
$27,800
Income Male:
$39,200
Income Female:
$31,400
Poverty Rate:
11.8%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$850
Unemployment Rate:
4.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
27.3 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
87.5%
Bachelors or More:
22.3%
Education
How are the schools in Ripplemead, VA?
Ripplemead families benefit from Macy McClaugherty Elementary/Middle School in nearby Pearisburg, featuring small class sizes and a supportive environment. While there are no private schools in town, higher education opportunities are close by, including New River Valley Community College and Virginia Tech within a 25-mile drive. The community values education, with most adults having completed high school.

Public Schools
Name:
Macy McClaugherty Elementary/Middle School
Street:
813 Virginia Ave, Pearisburg, VA 24134
Phone:
540-921-1166
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.9

Colleges
Name:
New River Valley Community College
City:
Dublin
State:
VA
Distance:
22 miles
Students:
4,600
Name:
Virginia Tech
City:
Blacksburg
State:
VA
Distance:
23 miles
Students:
37,000
Healthcare
Ripplemead residents have access to quality healthcare, including Carilion Giles Community Hospital nearby for general and emergency services. The area maintains a high rate of health insurance coverage at 90.8% and offers about 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people. Healthcare services are accessible and reliable for families and seniors alike.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Carilion Giles Community Hospital
Address:
159 Hartley Way, Pearisburg, VA 24134
Phone:
(540) 921-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.8%
Health Care Index:
81.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Ripplemead, VA?
The Ripplemead housing market is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $165,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 76.6%. Rental options are available, with two-bedroom units averaging $850 per month, and the area sees modest home appreciation. Low foreclosure and vacancy rates indicate a healthy local market.
Median Home Price:
$165,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$850
Owner Occupied Rate:
76.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Residents are served by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, with the main office located in Richmond and online services available at the state DMV website. The DMV provides standard licensing, registration, and vehicle services for Ripplemead locals. Customer support is accessible by phone for convenience.
State:
Virginia
Department:
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2300 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23269
Phone:
804-497-7100
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.