Ripley County, Missouri

Income Data

-26% vs. Missouri average
$43,898
Median Household Income
$23,691
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$43,898
-26% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$23,691
-40% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
39.6%
income as % of home value
Rank in Missouri
#111 / 115
by median household income

How Ripley County Compares

Ripley County$43,898
Missouri Average$59,503
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$43,898
Median Household Income
$23,691
Per Capita Income
$110,800
Median Home Value
39.6%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Ripley County, Missouri

Ripley County faces a significant income gap

Ripley County's median household income of $43,898 lags the national median of $74,755 by 41%, marking it as one of America's lower-earning counties. This substantial gap reflects structural economic challenges including limited industry diversification and geographic isolation from major employment centers.

Among Missouri's lowest-income counties

Ripley County ranks near the bottom statewide with a median household income of $43,898—26% below Missouri's $59,503 average. The county's per capita income of just $23,691 trails the state average by 24%, indicating both lower individual wages and fewer high-earning households.

Ripley struggles alongside peer counties

At $43,898, Ripley County virtually matches Reynolds County ($44,357) and both significantly underperform nearby Scotland ($67,568) and Ray ($72,152). This clustering of low incomes in southern Missouri counties suggests region-wide economic disadvantage requiring coordinated development efforts.

Housing burden is notably high here

Ripley County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.2% is among the highest statewide, meaning housing consumes an outsized share of household budgets. With median home values at $110,800 and lower incomes, residents face real affordability challenges that limit discretionary spending and emergency savings capacity.

Build wealth through intentional savings and support

Ripley County households earning $43,898 should explore employer match programs, down-payment assistance for homebuyers, and tax-advantaged savings accounts to build assets. Local nonprofits and county economic development offices often offer free financial literacy workshops that help residents overcome income constraints.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Ripley County, Missouri?
The median household income in Ripley County, Missouri is $43,898, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Ripley County?
The per capita income in Ripley County is $23,691, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $43,898.
How does Ripley County compare to the Missouri average?
Ripley County's median household income of $43,898 is lower than the Missouri state average of $59,503. The per capita income is $23,691, compared to the state average of $31,011.
What is the per capita income in Ripley County, Missouri?
The per capita income in Ripley County, Missouri is $23,691, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Ripley County a low-income area in Missouri?
Ripley County's median household income of $43,898 is below the Missouri average of $59,503. The per capita income of $23,691 is also lower than the state average of $31,011. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Ripley County rank for income in Missouri?
Ripley County ranks #111 out of 115 counties in Missouri by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $43,898 and per capita income of $23,691, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Ripley County

$
1.00x

Your income is above the Ripley County median

County median: $43,898 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-26%

vs. National Median

-41%

vs. Ripley County MedianAbout equal
vs. Missouri Average26% below
vs. National Median41% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent5.5x

Your monthly income ($3,658) vs. median rent ($666/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

Sponsored

Grow Your Wealth

See how your income stacks up in Ripley County, Missouri? Start investing smarter with a robo-advisor that builds a diversified portfolio for you.

Start Investing

Counties with Similar Income Levels

Sponsored

Compare Financial Products in Missouri

Compare savings accounts, CDs, and money market rates from top banks to make the most of your earnings.

Compare Rates

Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.