countyscore
66
County Score
Safety 97.5Lawn Care 79Property Tax 77.3

County Report Card

About Ripley County, Indiana

Strong Livability in Ripley County

Ripley County achieves a composite score of 66.0, which is well ahead of the national median of 50.0. This score highlights the county's appeal as a high-functioning community on a national scale.

Exceeding State Expectations

With a score of 66.0, Ripley County outperforms the Indiana state average of 55.9. It maintains a competitive edge over its regional peers through strong fiscal management and high safety standards.

Safe Streets and Steady Incomes

The county boasts an elite Safety Score of 97.5 and a solid Income Score of 69.0. Residents also benefit from a Tax Score of 77.3, supported by an effective tax rate of 0.576% and a median income of $71,084.

Navigating Water and Housing Costs

Water quality is a notable concern with a score of 41.5, slightly below the state average. Additionally, a Cost Score of 48.7 suggests that while homes are attainable, they are becoming less affordable relative to local wages.

Perfect for Mid-Career Families

Ripley County is a great fit for established families seeking peace and financial predictability. Its high safety and decent income levels provide a stable foundation for long-term residency.

Score breakdown

Tax77.3Cost48.7Safety97.5Health57.4Schools51.9Income69Risk53.2Water41.5Weather65.2
🏛77.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠48.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼69
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤57.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓51.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡53.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧41.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤65.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨67.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱79
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Dearborn County
Indiana
62.9
Ohio County
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68.2
Decatur County
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65.7
Jennings County
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Franklin County
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Switzerland County
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Jefferson County
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Boone County
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47.3

Deep Dives

Ripley County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Ripley County

via TaxByCounty

Ripley's taxes run significantly below national

With an effective tax rate of 0.576%, Ripley County ranks in the bottom 20% of U.S. counties for property tax burden. The median property tax of $1,182 is less than half the national median of $2,690.

Below Indiana's statewide average

Ripley's 0.576% effective rate falls below Indiana's state average of 0.671%, positioning it in the lower-middle range among the state's 92 counties. The median tax of $1,182 is roughly in line with the state median of $1,199, despite slightly lower home values.

Competitive with regional peers

Ripley's 0.576% rate is lower than Posey (0.628%) and Randolph (0.831%) but sits slightly higher than Putnam (0.475%) and Pulaski (0.480%). With median home values of $205,300, Ripley offers a balanced tax-to-value proposition for the region.

Your annual Ripley property tax bill

On a home valued at $205,300, the median property tax is $1,182 per year (roughly $99 monthly). Homeowners with mortgages average $1,153; those without, approximately $1,244.

Don't assume your assessment is correct

Many Ripley County homeowners are unaware that their properties may be overassessed, leading to unnecessarily high tax bills. Contact your county assessor's office to review your assessment — if comparable homes sold for less, you may qualify for a reduction.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Ripley County

via CostByCounty

Ripley Offers Strong Renting Value

Ripley County renters spend just 13.5% of income on housing, better than Indiana's 15.6% state average and well below the national affordability benchmark. With a median household income of $71,084 and rent at $799, Ripley residents maintain solid financial flexibility.

Southeast Indiana's Sweet Spot

Ripley County ranks in Indiana's top tier for housing affordability, with a 13.5% rent-to-income ratio that beats the state average by 2.1 percentage points. This makes it one of the state's most balanced counties for renters and homeowners alike.

Balanced Costs Across Region

Ripley's $799 rent sits comfortably between Posey's $744 and Putnam's $883, while its $205,300 home value matches Putnam's closely. Its 13.5% rent-to-income ratio beats most neighbors, making it a competitive choice for relocation.

Housing's Fair Share Here

Ripley renters allocate $799 monthly from a median income of $5,924 per month, dedicating 13.5% to housing and retaining 86.5% for savings and living. Homeowners pay $964 monthly on properties valued at $205,300, a balanced investment for the region.

Ripley Balances Costs and Community

Ripley County's competitive affordability paired with solid incomes makes it appealing for families seeking stability and growth potential. Evaluate it alongside Posey and Putnam counties to determine which southeast Indiana location best fits your household's financial picture.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Ripley County

via IncomeByCounty

Ripley County approaches U.S. median

Ripley County's median household income of $71,084 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by $3,671 (4.9%), placing it just below the national typical. The county's earnings reflect a middle-income American experience.

Above Indiana's state average

Ripley County's $71,084 median income exceeds Indiana's state average of $68,681 by $2,403 (3.5%), positioning it among the state's moderate-to-strong earners. Per capita income of $34,364 also modestly surpasses the Indiana average of $34,773.

Mid-range in the region

Ripley County's $71,084 income ranks in the regional middle: ahead of Shelby ($71,301) and trailing Putnam ($76,182) and Posey ($79,124). The county offers more earning opportunity than Randolph, Rush, and Scott counties.

Housing costs stay reasonable

At 13.5%, Ripley County's rent-to-income ratio sits well below the 15% affordability threshold, giving households budget flexibility. The median home value of $205,300 is within reach for families earning the county median income.

Invest in your future stability

With incomes near the national average and manageable housing costs, Ripley County residents can direct savings toward long-term goals. Max out employer retirement benefits, consider a Roth IRA for tax-free growth, or invest in index funds for diversified wealth building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Ripley County

via CrimeByCounty

Ripley County Reports Zero Crimes

Ripley County earns a top safety score of 100.0, reporting 0.0 crimes per 100K residents in 2022. This stands in stark relief against the national total crime rate of 2,385.5.

Top-Tier Safety Ranking in Indiana

Ripley is ranked among the safest counties in the state, surpassing the Indiana average safety score of 98.9. This data originates from a single reporting agency for the county.

Comparing Safety With Neighboring Areas

Ripley County's reported zero crime rate is significantly lower than Shelby's 1,283.9. It matches the perfect scores seen in nearby Rush and Putnam counties.

Understanding Local Crime Data

The violent and property crime rates both sit at 0.0 per 100K residents. Because only one agency reported, residents should view these perfect marks as a partial but encouraging snapshot.

Smart Security for Your Property

Low reported crime is a strong community feature, but home security systems provide an extra layer of defense. Keeping doors locked and valuables hidden remains a best practice.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Ripley County

via HealthByCounty

Ripley life expectancy near U.S. average

At 74.7 years, Ripley County's life expectancy is 1.7 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years. With 17.9% of residents reporting poor or fair health—matching the national average of 17.4%—the county shows typical wellness patterns.

Slightly below Indiana's health benchmark

Ripley County's life expectancy of 74.7 years falls 0.4 years short of Indiana's 75.1-year average. The county's 17.9% poor/fair health rate is nearly identical to Indiana's 18.2% average, reflecting statewide health patterns.

Middle performer in the region

Ripley County's life expectancy of 74.7 years sits between higher-performing Putnam (75.8 years) and lower-performing Pulaski (72.2 years). Health perceptions are similar to Putnam, though both lag behind Posey County's strong 78.3-year average.

Severe primary care shortage

Ripley County has only 3 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest in Indiana and a critical access gap. Despite this shortage, mental health capacity is strong at 82 providers per 100,000, and at 7.3% uninsured, most residents have coverage.

Coverage alone isn't enough—seek care

Ripley County's uninsured rate of 7.3% is manageable, but the real issue is finding primary care: only 3 providers per 100,000 residents. If uninsured, get covered at healthcare.gov; if covered, consider telemedicine or regional providers to access care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Ripley County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Strong Multi-District Rural Network

Ripley County supports 13 public schools through four active school districts, serving a total of 4,194 students. The landscape is well-distributed with five elementary, four middle, and four high schools. This balanced structure ensures continuous educational support from early childhood through graduation.

Leading the State in Graduation Success

Ripley County achieves an elite 97.0% graduation rate, far exceeding the state average of 92.6% and the national 87.0%. The county invests $5,651 per pupil, which is slightly above the state average of $5,507. These high-performing metrics contribute to a strong composite school score of 54.3.

Milan and South Ripley Communities

South Ripley Community School Corp and Milan Community Schools are the largest districts, serving 1,075 and 1,042 students respectively. Jac-Cen-Del Community School Corp also provides for 773 students. The county relies entirely on its four core public districts with no charter schools present.

Traditional Rural Schooling at Its Best

Education in Ripley is overwhelmingly rural, with 11 schools in rural settings and only two in towns. The average school size is 350 students, ensuring students receive personalized attention. Schools range from Milan Elementary (415 students) to South Ripley Elementary (563 students).

Top-Tier Education for Ripley Homebuyers

For families prioritizing academic excellence, Ripley County's 97% graduation rate is a powerful draw. Homes in the Milan or South Ripley districts offer access to some of the most consistent academic performers in the state. Quality schools continue to drive local real estate demand and community pride.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Ripley County

via RiskByCounty

Ripley faces above-average disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 46.79, Ripley County rates as "Relatively Low" but exceeds the national average, indicating moderate natural hazard exposure. Tornado risk at 79.45 is notably elevated and deserves serious attention.

Slightly riskier than typical Indiana county

Ripley County's 46.79 score is above Indiana's state average of 45.52, placing it in the higher-risk half of the state's counties. Its tornado risk is among the highest in Indiana, reflecting geographic vulnerability.

Tornado risk outpaces surrounding areas

Ripley County's tornado risk of 79.45 is significantly higher than neighboring Franklin and Decatur counties, making it the most tornado-prone county in its immediate region. Its flood risk of 53.82 is also above regional norms due to proximity to the Ohio River.

Tornadoes pose exceptional regional threat

With a tornado risk score of 79.45, Ripley County faces one of Indiana's highest tornado threats; residents must prioritize severe weather preparedness. Earthquake risk of 65.36 adds secondary concern, particularly for older homes and structures.

Tornado safety is non-negotiable

Ripley County residents should identify or build a safe room—an interior, windowless space on the lowest floor—and drill access regularly. Ensure homeowners insurance covers wind and hail, and maintain a weather radio to receive emergency warnings immediately when storms approach.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Ripley County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced Silt Loams in Ripley

Ripley County features an average pH of 6.12, aligning closely with the state average of 6.08. These Inceptisols are classified as silt loams, offering a middle-ground texture that is neither too sandy nor too heavy with clay. This profile supports a healthy mix of agriculture and forest land.

Smooth Textures for Better Handling

The soil composition is 18.5% sand, 64.1% silt, and 17.5% clay. This high silt ratio gives the soil a silky feel and provides a good balance between drainage and water retention. It is generally easy to work, though it requires care to prevent erosion on sloped terrains.

Consistent Performance and Water Capacity

At 2.27%, the organic matter content is above the national 2.0% average but below the 4.90% state benchmark. The available water capacity of 0.208 inches per inch is slightly higher than the state average of 0.202. These levels provide a resilient environment for plants during typical Indiana summers.

Reliable Drainage for Land Use

Ripley’s soil is well drained and categorized under hydrologic group B. This group indicates a moderate infiltration rate, meaning the soil absorbs water at a healthy pace and resists excessive runoff. Such characteristics make the county favorable for both farming and residential development.

Thriving Gardens in Zone 6b

Located in USDA Zone 6b, Ripley County offers a slightly milder climate for gardeners than northern Indiana. The silt loam soil is particularly well-suited for berries, orchard fruits, and standard garden vegetables. Start your spring planting early to maximize the benefits of this well-drained terrain.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Ripley County

via LawnByCounty

Smooth Growing in Zone 6b

Ripley County is a standout for lawn care with a difficulty score of 79.0, placing it well above the Indiana average of 71.0. Its Zone 6b classification and favorable climate make it one of the most forgiving counties in the state for hobbyist gardeners.

Low Heat and High Moisture

Lawns here benefit from 47.5 inches of rain per year and an exceptionally low number of extreme heat days—just 7 per year. This cool, moist environment reduces the need for supplemental irrigation compared to the rest of Indiana.

Excellent Silt Loam Foundation

The soil features a solid 6.12 pH and a well-drained silt loam texture. These conditions allow for healthy root respiration and nutrient uptake, requiring fewer chemical amendments than neighboring counties.

High Resilience to Dry Weather

Ripley has only seen 4 weeks of drought over the past year, far less than many Indiana neighbors. While 74.1% of the area is currently abnormally dry, the well-drained soil and high annual rainfall provide a strong natural buffer.

Start Your Ripley Lawn

The mild 6b climate is perfect for a mix of Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue. While specific frost dates are not available for this site, following regional late-April planting schedules typically yields the best results.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ripley County's county score?
Ripley County, Indiana has a composite county score of 66 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Ripley County rank among counties in Indiana?
Ripley County ranks #10 among all counties in Indiana on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Ripley County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Ripley County is $1,182, with an effective tax rate of 0.58%. This earns Ripley County a tax score of 77.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ripley County?
The median household income in Ripley County, Indiana is $71,084 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ripley County earns an income score of 69/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ripley County, Indiana a good place to live?
Ripley County scores 66/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #10 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate Ripley County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Ripley County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.