Ripley County, Missouri Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 82nd-largest in Missouri
The population of Ripley County, Missouri is 10,755 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 82nd-largest county in Missouri. The median household income is $43,898, the median home value is $110,800, and the median age is 41.4.
The population of Ripley County has declined 24.0% since 2010 (14,102 → 10,715), a -1.94% annualized rate.
10,755
Population
-1.94%
Annual growth
17
People / sq mi
$43,898
Median Income
$110,800
Median Home Value
Ripley County covers 630 sq mi of land at 17.1 people per square mile.
About Ripley County, MO
Educational attainment is the headline number in Ripley County: 12.9% of adults 25 and older have a four-year degree. With 10,755 residents, Ripley County is a county in Missouri.
Incomes are among the lowest of comparable places, with a median household income of $43,898, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 15.6% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $110,800, with typical rent around $666.
Ripley County is among the least college-educated US counties, at 12.9% — below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 9.6%, and the average commute runs about 35 minutes each way.
Ripley County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Ripley County had a population of 14,102 in 2010 and 10,715 in 2024, a -24.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 14,143 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -1.79%.
10,715
Population (2024)
14,102
Population (2010)
14,143
Peak (2011)
-1.79%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 14,102 |
| 2011 | 14,143 |
| 2012 | 14,032 |
| 2013 | 13,996 |
| 2014 | 13,941 |
| 2015 | 13,797 |
| 2016 | 13,773 |
| 2017 | 13,576 |
| 2018 | 13,428 |
| 2019 | 13,343 |
| 2020 | 10,670 |
| 2021 | 10,648 |
| 2022 | 10,699 |
| 2023 | 10,809 |
| 2024 | 10,715 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.7% |
| Black or African American | 0.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.4
Median Age
50.2%
Female
49.8%
Male
20.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.6% · Seniors (65+): 20.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $43,898$-25,022 vs state |
| Mean household income | $58,240 |
| Per-capita income | $23,691 |
| Poverty rate | 15.6%+7.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 49.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Ripley County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
1.9%
Carpool
77.2%
Public transit
9.6%
Work from home
34.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$110,800$-104,800 vs state
Median home value
$666
Median rent
78.9%
Homeownership rate
5,191
Total housing units
77.6%
Occupied
22.4%
Vacant
21.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
83.5%
With health insurance
87.4%
With broadband internet
32.6%
Foreign-born
9.4%
Veterans (18+)
24.1%
With a disability
98.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
83.7%
High School+
12.9%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Missouri
Other counties in Missouri
Part of Missouri
Metro areas in Missouri
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Ripley County, Missouri has a population of 10,755 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 82nd-largest county in Missouri. Population density is 17 people per square mile.
The population of Ripley County has declined 24.0% since 2010 (14,102 → 10,715), a -1.94% annualized rate.
The median household income in Ripley County, Missouri is $43,898, with mean (average) household income of $58,240 and per-capita income of $23,691. 15.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Ripley County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.7%), Hispanic or Latino (2.2%), Black or African American (0.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Ripley County, Missouri is 41.4 years. Residents are 50.2% female and 49.8% male.
The median home value in Ripley County is $110,800 and median monthly rent is $666. 78.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 5,191 total housing units, 22.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Ripley County, Missouri is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.4%.
Kansas City is among the largest cities associated with Ripley County, Missouri, with a population of 508,233.
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Statewide data for Missouri
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Missouri
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.