countyscore
49.8
County Score
Property Tax 85.7Cost of Living 85.3Weather & Climate 57.3

County Report Card

About Ripley County, Missouri

Aligning with the national median

Ripley County holds a composite score of 49.8, placing it almost exactly at the national median of 50.0. It provides a standard American living experience with a balance of regional pros and cons.

Consistent with Missouri's state average

The county's 49.8 score nearly matches the Missouri state average of 50.3. It functions as a representative sample of the state's overall livability and economic health.

Low taxes and cheap housing

Ripley County shines in affordability with a Tax Score of 85.7 and a Cost Score of 85.3. Homeowners enjoy a low 0.501% effective tax rate and median home values of $110,800.

Health and income gaps persist

The county faces significant challenges in Health (12.4) and Income (5.9). Access to medical care and high-paying local employment are the primary areas where the county lags behind the rest of the country.

Suited for the budget-conscious

Ripley County is best for individuals or families who prioritize low living expenses and minimal tax burdens. It is a practical choice for those who are self-sufficient regarding healthcare and employment.

Score breakdown

Tax85.7Cost85.3Safety49.1Health12.4Schools21Income5.9Risk43Water45Weather57.3
🏛85.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠85.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼5.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡49.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤12.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓21
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡43
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧45
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤57.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨50.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱40.6
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

Carter County
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57.5
Butler County
Missouri
37.9
Randolph County
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51
Clay County
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Oregon County
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Wayne County
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Greene County
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Lawrence County
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Deep Dives

Ripley County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Ripley County

via TaxByCounty

Ripley County offers below-average taxes

Ripley County's effective tax rate of 0.501% sits well below both the Missouri state average of 0.733% and the U.S. median. The median property tax of $555 represents only 21% of the national median of $2,690, placing Ripley in the bottom quartile nationally.

Among Missouri's lowest-tax counties

Ripley County ranks in Missouri's bottom tier for tax burden with an effective rate of 0.501%, roughly 32% below the state average. The median tax bill of $555 is less than half the state median of $1,199, reflecting very favorable local conditions.

Ripley balances affordability with neighbors

Ripley County's 0.501% rate places it between Shannon County's lowest-in-region 0.432% and Reynolds County's 0.461%, making it one of the more expensive options in this rural cluster. Despite being the middle ground locally, Ripley remains far below the state and national averages.

Median annual bill: $555

On Ripley County's median home value of $110,800, homeowners pay approximately $555 annually in property taxes. Mortgaged properties typically carry $593 in escrow, while outright owners pay $509.

Verify your assessment for accuracy

Ripley County's low tax rates don't guarantee fair assessments—some properties may still be overvalued. Reviewing your assessment and filing an appeal if warranted could further reduce your annual obligation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Ripley County

via CostByCounty

Ripley County has tight housing affordability

Ripley County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.2% ranks among the nation's more strained housing markets, meaning renters here spend nearly one-fifth of their income on rent alone. At $666 monthly against a median household income of just $43,898, affordability pressures exceed both national and state norms.

Ripley County ranks poorly for affordability

Ripley County's 18.2% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds Missouri's 15.6% state average, placing it among the state's least affordable counties. Combined with the county's low median income of $43,898, housing consumes an outsized share of household budgets.

Ripley competes in the state's toughest market

Ripley County's $666 rent is below the state median of $768, but the county's income of $43,898 is the region's lowest, making housing the toughest affordability challenge. Neighboring counties with higher incomes offer better financial flexibility despite similar or higher rents.

Housing eats largest share of income

Ripley County renters devote 18.2% of their $43,898 annual income—roughly $8,000 yearly—to rent, leaving minimal room for other expenses. Home buyers face median ownership costs of $625 monthly with home values near $110,800, a more accessible path than renting for many.

Ripley County: Buy if you can, budget carefully

Ripley County attracts those seeking rural Missouri living and home ownership at affordable prices ($110,800 median home value), but prospective renters should note the tight 18.2% rent-to-income ratio and $43,898 median income. Relocation here works best for buyers or those with income sources beyond local employment.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Ripley County

via IncomeByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Ripley County

via CrimeByCounty

Ripley County Offers High National Safety

Ripley County earns a safety score of 98.2, outperforming the majority of the United States. Its total crime rate of 1,144.1 per 100,000 residents is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

A Safe Choice Within Missouri

The county's safety score of 98.2 exceeds the Missouri state average of 97.0. Total crime in the county is significantly lower than the state-wide average of 1,926.2 per 100,000 residents.

A Safer Alternative to Regional Neighbors

Data from two reporting agencies indicates that Ripley County provides a more secure environment than many surrounding Missouri counties. The low overall crime rate makes it a standout for safety in the region.

Violent Crime Remains Remarkably Low

Violent crime sits at just 55.4 per 100,000 residents, which is far below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is the primary concern at 1,088.7, though it still tracks well below the national property crime rate.

Proactive Property Protection Strategies

Focusing on property security, such as alarms and lighting, can deter the county's most common crime types. Residents should remain proactive in securing their homes to maintain this high safety level.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Ripley County

via HealthByCounty

Ripley faces serious life expectancy crisis

At 68.4 years, Ripley County residents live a staggering 10.4 years less than the U.S. average of 78.8 years—among the lowest in the nation. One quarter (25.0%) report poor or fair health, the highest rate among these eight counties and well above the national 21% average.

Ripley ranks near bottom statewide

Ripley County's 68.4-year life expectancy trails Missouri's 74.3-year average by nearly 6 years, placing it among the five poorest-performing counties in the state. The 13.8% uninsured rate slightly exceeds Missouri's 12.5% average, compounding health vulnerability for a struggling population.

Ripley faces steepest health decline regionally

Ripley County's 68.4-year life expectancy is dramatically lower than all nearby counties—5.6 years below Reynolds County (74.0 years) and 7.1 years below Saline County (74.8 years). The county's mere 9 primary care providers per 100K is the lowest among these eight counties, signaling acute access barriers.

Healthcare desert demands urgent investment

Ripley County's 9 primary care providers per 100K is critically low—less than half the regional average—forcing residents to travel far for basic care. The 13.8% uninsured rate means many residents cannot afford to seek needed care, perpetuating a cycle of preventable illness and early mortality.

Don't go without coverage

With severe provider shortages and high uninsured rates, Ripley residents must prioritize health coverage. Enroll today at healthcare.gov or contact the Ripley County Health Department for Medicaid information and community health resources.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Ripley County

via SchoolsByCounty

Ripley County’s Integrated Rural School System

Ripley County supports 2,189 students across 10 public schools managed by four dedicated districts. The infrastructure includes five elementary schools, three high schools, and one middle school, alongside a specialized education center. Most students attend school in a rural environment with an average enrollment of 243 students per building.

Meeting Benchmarks with Targeted Investment

The county maintains an 87.6% graduation rate, which stays just above the national average of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending of $5,441 is lower than the Missouri state average, the county remains focused on providing core educational services. The composite school score of 48.9 reflects a system working hard to maintain standards with available resources.

Doniphan R-I Leads the Region

Doniphan R-I is the county’s primary educational engine, managing five schools and 1,558 students. Naylor R-II serves as the next largest district, supporting 379 students across two schools. Public education here follows a traditional model, as there are no charter schools currently operating within the county.

A Community-Focused Rural School Experience

All 10 schools in Ripley County sit in rural locales, creating a consistent and familiar atmosphere for all students. Doniphan High is the largest campus with 476 students, while the county also hosts specialized special education facilities to support diverse needs. This rural setting fosters strong school-to-home bonds across the four local districts.

Secure Your Future in Ripley County

Families value Ripley County for its traditional rural schools and its ability to meet national graduation benchmarks. If you are searching for a home where the school is the heart of the community, Doniphan and Naylor offer compelling options. Research local listings today to find a property near these established local districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Ripley County

via RiskByCounty

Ripley County faces exceptional earthquake hazards

Ripley County's composite risk score of 57.00 is amplified by one of the nation's highest earthquake risk scores (87.91), ranking it far above typical U.S. counties. Though rated 'Relatively Low' overall, this seismic exposure demands serious attention from property owners and emergency planners.

Above-average risk in Missouri context

Ripley County's 57.00 composite score exceeds Missouri's 50.56 state average, placing it solidly in the upper-risk category statewide. Its earthquake exposure is among the highest in the entire state, reflecting its position near major fault lines.

Seismic corridor runs through region

Ripley County's 87.91 earthquake score ranks highest among its neighboring counties, including Reynolds (72.55) and Shannon (76.62). The trio sits within a seismically active zone, though Ripley bears the greatest concentrated earthquake risk in the immediate area.

Earthquakes dwarf other hazards here

Earthquakes (87.91) dominate Ripley County's risk profile—a threat level approaching that of California in many locales. Flood risk (59.41), tornado risk (57.82), and even hurricane exposure (40.22) rank well below the seismic hazard in terms of overall concern.

Earthquake insurance is non-negotiable

Ripley County residents must obtain standalone earthquake insurance, as it is not covered by standard homeowner policies and damage from seismic events can be catastrophic. Retrofitting property foundations and securing heavy furniture are equally critical steps to reduce injuries and structural damage during an earthquake event.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Ripley County

via WeatherByCounty

A warm pocket of the American heartland

Ripley County averages 57.4°F annually, making it significantly warmer than the national median. This climate profile leans toward the humid subtropical edge of the continental United States.

Surpassing the Missouri statewide average temperature

With an average of 57.4°F, Ripley is much warmer than the state average of 54.9°F. It also receives 51.7 inches of rain, far exceeding the state's 43.8-inch precipitation benchmark.

Wetter and warmer than northern Missouri

Ripley is significantly wetter than Randolph or Ray counties, seeing nearly 10 more inches of rain annually. It shares this high-precipitation, high-heat profile with other counties along the Arkansas border.

Long summers and mild, wet winters

The county endures 51 days of extreme heat over 90°F, nearly double the frequency of northern Missouri. Winters are mild with only 7.7 inches of snow and a relatively warm January average of 35.1°F.

Prioritize drainage and efficient air conditioning

Given the 51.7 inches of annual rain, maintaining clear gutters and proper yard drainage is essential to prevent flooding. Residents should also expect high electricity bills for cooling during the 51 days of extreme summer heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Ripley County

via SoilByCounty

Tangy Soils of the Ozark Edge

Ripley County features silty clay loam Entisols that lean heavily toward the acidic side with an average pH of 5.46. This is significantly more acidic than the state average of 6.09 and the national median of 6.5. These conditions often favor specific native species that thrive in lower pH environments.

Silts and Sands Dominate the Mix

The soil composition is 44.3% silt and 23.7% sand, creating a textured earth that resists heavy compaction better than pure clay. With only 10.4% clay content, the soil feels lighter in the hand and is generally easy to work during the planting season. This mix provides a stable base for both agriculture and construction.

High Organic Levels vs Lower Capacity

With a massive 15.76% organic matter content, these soils are far richer in decomposed material than the 4.74% state average. Despite this, the available water capacity of 0.137 in/in is below the state average of 0.183, suggesting a need for regular watering. The high fertility provides a boost for vegetative growth if moisture is managed correctly.

Well Drained with Group C Runoff

Ripley's soil is well drained, which prevents the drowning of plant roots during typical rainfall events. The hydrologic group C designation indicates a somewhat slow rate of water transmission when the ground is fully soaked. This creates a landscape that sheds water effectively but requires attention to moisture retention in garden beds.

Warm Starts in Zone 7a

Being in hardiness zone 7a allows for a longer growing season compared to much of northern Missouri. This climate, combined with high organic matter, is perfect for tomatoes, peppers, and southern-adapted fruit varieties. Don't let the 50.2 soil score discourage you; with a bit of lime to balance the pH, your garden can flourish.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Ripley County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging conditions in Zone 7a

Ripley County is one of the most difficult places in the state to maintain a lawn, scoring just 40.6 on the difficulty scale. This is far below the state average of 63.7 and the national benchmark of 50.0. Gardeners here must overcome high heat and acidic soil to keep their turf green.

High heat and heavy rainfall

The county faces 51 days of extreme heat above 90°F, significantly higher than the Missouri average of 37 days. While 51.7 inches of annual rain is plentiful, the 4,316 growing degree days indicate a very long and demanding mowing season. This combination of heat and moisture creates a high-pressure environment for common fungal diseases.

Managing highly acidic silty clay loam

A low soil pH of 5.46 presents a major hurdle, as most turfgrasses struggle when the pH falls below 6.0. The soil is well-drained but contains 23.7% sand, which can lead to rapid nutrient leaching during heavy rains. Regular lime applications and soil testing are essential to keep nutrients available to the grass roots.

Extreme drought challenges local lawns

Current data shows that 100% of Ripley County is in a severe drought state, following 30 weeks of dry conditions over the past year. This sustained water stress makes irrigation management the top priority for any lawn owner. Using drought-tolerant cultivars and mulching grass clippings can help retain what little moisture remains.

Seeding for a long growing season

In Zone 7a, heat-tolerant varieties like Zoysia or Turf-type Tall Fescue are the best bets for survival. The growing season typically starts after the April 12 frost and extends until late October, providing a wide window for growth. Success in Ripley County requires a proactive approach to soil chemistry and heat management.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ripley County's county score?
Ripley County, Missouri has a composite county score of 49.8 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 Missouri?
Ripley County ranks #65 among all counties in Missouri 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, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Ripley County is $555, with an effective tax rate of 0.50%. This earns Ripley County a tax score of 85.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ripley County?
The median household income in Ripley County, Missouri is $43,898 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ripley County earns an income score of 5.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ripley County, Missouri a good place to live?
Ripley County scores 49.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #65 in Missouri. 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.