BtoBers

Moving to Ripley, Mississippi

by · Published · Updated

Ripley, Mississippi is located in the northeast corner of the state and is part of Tippah County. It sits at an elevation of 454 feet above sea level and is situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The city has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Average temperatures range from low 40s in January to mid-90s in July.

Ripley was founded in 1837 as a trading post along the Tippah River, which flows through the city today. It was named for one of its earliest settlers, Colonel Joel Ransom Ripley, who served in the War of 1812. The city has seen a number of changes throughout its history, from its development as an agricultural center to its current status as an industrial hub.

Politically, Ripley is part of Mississippi’s First Congressional District and is represented by Republican Trent Kelly. The city has historically been strongly Democratic but has shifted more towards Republicanism since 2000. In terms of economy, Ripley is home to several manufacturing plants that produce automotive parts and other products for global markets. It also serves as a regional hub for banking and finance services and healthcare providers.

The city’s school system consists primarily of public schools run by the Tippah County School District. There are also several private schools located within city limits that serve students from pre-K through 12th grade. Notable landmarks within Ripley include historic churches such as First United Methodist Church; museums such as the Tippah County Historical Museum; and parks like Freedom Park which features walking trails, picnic sites, playgrounds, fishing areas, sports fields, and more.

Population: 5,478. Estimated population in July 2024: 5,633 (+2.8% change)
Males: 2,516 (45.9%), Females: 2,962 (54.1%)

Tippah County

Zip code: 38663

Demographics

Median resident age: 36.1 years
Median household income: $25,728
Median house value: $55,500

Population by Race

Races in Ripley:

  • White Non-Hispanic (74.1%)
  • Black (19.9%)
  • Hispanic (4.9%)
  • Other race (3.3%)
  • Two or more races (0.7%)
  • American Indian (0.6%)

Ancestries: United States (18.3%), Irish (7.2%), English (6.5%), German (2.7%), Subsaharan African (2.4%), Scotch-Irish (1.2%).

Elevation: 500 feet

Land area: 11.5 square miles

Population by Education

Ripley, Mississippi is a small town located in Tippah County, with a population of around 5,400 people. The town is home to a diverse population of African American and white Americans, as well as some Hispanic and Asian Americans. The majority of the population is between the ages of 25 and 44. The median household income for Ripley is $30,879, which is lower than the national average.

Education in Ripley is provided by the Tippah County School District which consists of three elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. All three schools have been rated “A” or “B” by the state department of education. In addition to public schooling, there are several private schools located in Ripley that provide an alternative educational option for students and their families. The local economy consists mainly of small businesses such as restaurants, stores, and convenience stores that are frequented by residents on a daily basis. There are also several local manufacturing plants that employ many people from the area. Agriculture is also an important part of Ripley’s economy with many local farmers growing soybeans and cotton for sale in the area markets. Additionally, Ripley has seen some new industry come into town such as a steel plant that opened in 2009 providing jobs to many people in the area.

For population 25 years and over in Ripley

  • High school or higher: 64.3%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 10.2%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 3.4%
  • Unemployed: 6.9%
  • Mean travel time to work: 18.6 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Ripley city

  • Never married: 21.9%
  • Now married: 48.4%
  • Separated: 2.8%
  • Widowed: 12.0%
  • Divorced: 14.8%

5.8% Foreign born (5.2% Latin America).

Population change in the 1990s: +400 (+7.9%).

Hospitals

Hospital/medical center in Ripley:

  • TIPPAH COUNTY HOSPITAL (1005 CITY AVENUE NORTH)

Other hospitals/medical centers near Ripley:

  • BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL UNION COUNTY (about 18 miles; NEW ALBANY, MS)
  • BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL BOONEVILLE (about 29 miles; BOONEVILLE, MS)
  • MAGNOLIA REGIONAL HEALTH CENTER (about 32 miles; CORINTH, MS)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Ripley:

  • TUPELO RGNL (about 35 miles; TUPELO, MS; Abbreviation: TUP)
  • UNIVERSITY-OXFORD (about 48 miles; OXFORD, MS; Abbreviation: UOX)
  • MC KELLAR-SIPES REGIONAL (about 59 miles; JACKSON, TN; Abbreviation: MKL)

Other public-use airports nearest to Ripley:

  • RIPLEY (about 4 miles; RIPLEY, MS; Abbreviation: 25M)
  • NEW ALBANY-UNION CO (about 15 miles; NEW ALBANY, MS; Abbreviation: M72)
  • BOONEVILLE/BALDWYN (about 24 miles; BOONEVILLE/BALDWYN, MS; Abbreviation: 8M1)

Colleges and Universities

College/University in Ripley:

  • FOSTERS COSMETOLOGY COLLEGE (Full-time enrollment: 32; Location: 1813 HWY 15 N; Private, for-profit)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Ripley:

  • NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 29 miles; BOONEVILLE, MS; Full-time enrollment: 2,628)
  • UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI MAIN CAMPUS (about 48 miles; UNIVERSITY, MS; Full-time enrollment: 11,068)
  • ITAWAMBA COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 51 miles; FULTON, MS; Full-time enrollment: 2,673)
  • JACKSON STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 61 miles; JACKSON, TN; Full-time enrollment: 2,534)
  • UNION UNIVERSITY (about 67 miles; JACKSON, TN; Full-time enrollment: 2,144)
  • NORTHWEST MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 70 miles; SENATOBIA, MS; Full-time enrollment: 3,842)
  • SOUTHWEST TENNESSEE COMMUNITY COLLEGE-MACON CAMPUS (about 71 miles; MEMPHIS, TN; Full-time enrollment: 6,979)

Schools

Public high schools in Ripley:

  • RIPLEY HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 473; Location: 720 S CLAYTON STREET; Grades: 09 – 12)
  • NORTH SOUTH TIPPAH VOC TECH CENTER (Location: 2560 CR 501; Grades: 10 – 12)

Public primary/middle schools in Ripley:

  • RIPLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 750; Location: 702 W TERRY STREET; Grades: PK – 04)
  • PINE GROVE HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 642; Location: 3510A CR 600; Grades: KG – 12)
  • RIPLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL (Students: 582; Location: 718 S. CLAYTON STREET; Grades: 05 – 08)

Related Posts: