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Is Ridgeland a Good Place to Live? Ridgeland, Mississippi: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Ridgeland ranks #844 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #153 of 234 towns and #9 of 20 in Mississippi. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (92%, #27 of 153) and low living costs (89, #58 of 230), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Ridgeland by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Ridgeland's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Ridgeland?
Ridgeland's cost of living index is 89, 11% below the US level of 100 and #166 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,336/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $285,651, 45% above the typical Mississippi home ($197,606).
| Measure | Ridgeland | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 89#166 of 1,308 | 87 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $285,651#341 of 1,187 | $197,606 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,583/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,451/mo#301 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $275,200#461 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,336/mo#575 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 4.2x#631 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 24.3%#924 of 1,309 | — | 19.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Mississippi is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Ridgeland housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Ridgeland is in the Jackson, MS metro.
Mississippi housing market →Is Ridgeland safe?
Ridgeland recorded 320 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3% below the US rate of 328 and 41% above Mississippi's 227. That ranks #589 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #100 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Ridgeland Police Department. Property crime runs 1,385 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Ridgeland | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 320#589 of 1,085 | 227 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 1,385#412 of 1,085 | 1,264 | 1,379 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Mississippi is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Ridgeland?
The median household in Ridgeland earns $66,038, 21% below the US figure of $83,163 and 12% above Mississippi ($59,127). 9.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Ridgeland | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $66,038#904 of 1,312 | $59,127 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 9.9%#488 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | +0.2%#538 of 1,132 | +0.1% | 0% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Mississippi is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Ridgeland?
The median resident of Ridgeland is 35.7 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 51.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #234 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 47.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Ridgeland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 35.7 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 51.7%#234 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 47.3% | 65.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Ridgeland's schools and health?
Ridgeland's 5 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (Mississippi 88.9%), with 12.6 students per teacher and $12,248 spent per pupil. 35.3% of adults are obese and 11.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Ridgeland | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 92%#222 of 1,063 | 88.9% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 12.6#135 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $12,248#907 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 35.3%#796 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 11.4%#688 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 14.6%#213 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 8.8%#491 of 1,311 | — | 8.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Mississippi is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 3,069 students are enrolled in Ridgeland's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Ridgeland?
The average commute in Ridgeland is 21.1 minutes (Mississippi 26.4); 0.2% of workers take transit and 9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Ridgeland scores 8.1 of 20 (below average walkable), #1031 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 81.2°F and winters 49°F, with 57.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Ridgeland | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 21.1 min#430 of 1,312 | 26.4 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 3.3%#247 of 1,312 | 7.7% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 82% | 81.2% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 0.5% | 1.3% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.1% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 9% | 6.2% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.1#1031 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Mississippi is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 57.4 | 36.6 | 5.4 |
| Feb | 62 | 39.8 | 5.1 |
| Mar | 69.4 | 46.4 | 5.7 |
| Apr | 76.5 | 53.3 | 5.8 |
| May | 83.8 | 62.1 | 4.4 |
| Jun | 89.9 | 69.4 | 4.4 |
| Jul | 92.1 | 72.2 | 5 |
| Aug | 92.2 | 71.5 | 4.7 |
| Sep | 87.8 | 66 | 3.5 |
| Oct | 78.3 | 54.2 | 3.8 |
| Nov | 67.2 | 43.6 | 4.4 |
| Dec | 59.6 | 38.7 | 5.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Jackson International Airport.
| Measure | Ridgeland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 65.4°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 81.2°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 49°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 57.3 in | 36.5 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Jackson International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Ridgeland?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Ridgeland's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Madison County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, ice storm, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, higher than 51% of US counties.
| Measure | Ridgeland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.15%#686 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Madison County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Madison County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.033% | 99% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0026% | 80% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0055% | 72% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.006% | 68% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0034% | 64% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0041% | 61% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.079% | 48% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Ridgeland compare with similar-size cities?
Ridgeland is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #153 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 24,587.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ridgeland, MSPop. 24,587 | #844 | 52.6 | $66,038 | $1,336/mo | 320 | 21.1 min |
| Fort Dodge, IAPop. 24,827 | #999 | 50.1 | $60,649 | $785/mo | 940 | 19 min |
| Terrytown, LAPop. 24,726 | #1304 | 36.0 | $51,718 | $1,135/mo | no data | 27.1 min |
| Middletown, DEPop. 24,661 | #198 | 64.5 | $112,831 | $1,583/mo | 186 | 30 min |
| Auburn, MEPop. 24,602 | #586 | 56.9 | $66,647 | $1,041/mo | 232 | 21.7 min |
| Gardner, KSPop. 24,526 | #192 | 64.8 | $96,818 | $1,306/mo | 185 | 22.9 min |
| Mandan, NDPop. 24,522 | #811 | 53.2 | $71,780 | $1,083/mo | 257 | 17.6 min |
| Columbus, NEPop. 24,488 | #487 | 58.3 | $64,626 | $892/mo | 87 | 15.1 min |
| Ponca City, OKPop. 24,326 | #1079 | 48.4 | $55,941 | $850/mo | 500 | 15.7 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Ridgeland compare with the rest of Mississippi?
Ridgeland ranks #9 of the 20 Mississippi cities we track, with a score of 52.6 against Mississippi's statewide 41.9. Its households earn 12% above the Mississippi median. Violent crime is 41% above the statewide rate. Homes are 45% above the typical Mississippi home.
| City | Rank in MS | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madison, MSPop. 27,946 | #1 | 68.8 | $119,338 | $1,853/mo | 21 |
| Brandon, MSPop. 25,542 | #2 | 63.2 | $92,783 | $1,382/mo | 50 |
| Olive Branch, MSPop. 47,019 | #3 | 60.3 | $100,606 | $1,829/mo | 175 |
| Pearl, MSPop. 27,737 | #4 | 58.9 | $61,695 | $1,175/mo | 83 |
| Clinton, MSPop. 27,195 | #5 | 57.8 | $74,745 | $1,118/mo | 95 |
| Oxford, MSPop. 26,411 | #6 | 57.3 | $64,451 | $1,071/mo | 140 |
| Southaven, MSPop. 56,226 | #7 | 56.0 | $78,483 | $1,445/mo | 266 |
| Tupelo, MSPop. 37,791 | #8 | 55.5 | $66,257 | $976/mo | 310 |
| Ridgeland, MSPop. 24,587 | #9 | 52.6 | $66,038 | $1,336/mo | 320 |
| Biloxi, MSPop. 48,861 | #10 | 52.2 | $57,204 | $1,089/mo | 351 |
| Starkville, MSPop. 25,721 | #11 | 52.0 | $42,125 | $916/mo | 58 |
| Horn Lake, MSPop. 26,647 | #12 | 50.6 | $53,311 | $1,435/mo | 79 |
| Hattiesburg, MSPop. 48,619 | #13 | 49.3 | $46,342 | $1,005/mo | 256 |
| Gulfport, MSPop. 73,003 | #14 | 47.2 | $49,919 | $1,086/mo | 569 |
| Columbus, MSPop. 23,348 | #15 | 46.5 | $42,235 | $897/mo | 470 |
| Jackson, MSPop. 146,631 | #16 | 45.4 | $42,071 | $1,055/mo | 400 |
| Pascagoula, MSPop. 21,710 | #17 | 44.7 | $52,222 | $894/mo | 431 |
| Meridian, MSPop. 34,137 | #18 | 44.3 | $36,562 | $910/mo | 554 |
| Vicksburg, MSPop. 20,589 | #19 | 40.6 | $45,781 | $820/mo | 681 |
| Greenville, MSPop. 28,166 | #20 | 37.6 | $40,083 | $872/mo | part year |
All 20 Mississippi cities we track, by overall score. Mississippi statewide: median income $59,127, violent crime 226.9 per 100,000.
How is Ridgeland's score calculated?
Ridgeland scores 52.6 out of 100, #844 of 1,312 (grade C+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Mississippi's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data, some inputs missing · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Ridgeland. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
27.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Ridgeland's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
76.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Ridgeland. Similar-size median 56.5.
57.6 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Ridgeland's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
65.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Ridgeland's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
76.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Ridgeland. Similar-size median 50.8.
50.7 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Ridgeland. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
31.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Ridgeland. Similar-size median 48.3.
43.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Ridgeland's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
37.4 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 59.2.
48.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Ridgeland's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 234 places under 25,000 people we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Ridgeland has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Ridgeland
Is Ridgeland, MS a good place to live?
Ridgeland ranks #844 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #153 of 234 towns and #9 of 20 in Mississippi. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (92%, #27 of 153) and low living costs (89, #58 of 230), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Ridgeland?
Ridgeland's cost of living index is 89, 11% below the US level of 100 and #166 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,336/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $285,651, 45% above the typical Mississippi home ($197,606).
What is the crime rate in Ridgeland?
Ridgeland recorded 320 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3% below the US rate of 328 and 41% above Mississippi's 227. That ranks #589 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #100 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Ridgeland Police Department. Property crime runs 1,385 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Ridgeland?
The median household in Ridgeland earns $66,038, 21% below the US figure of $83,163 and 12% above Mississippi ($59,127). 9.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Ridgeland?
Median rent in Ridgeland is $1,336/mo (Census), #575 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,451/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Ridgeland?
The typical home value in Ridgeland is $285,651, up 1.7% in a year, against $197,606 for Mississippi and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $275,200.
How are the public schools in Ridgeland?
Ridgeland's 5 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (Mississippi 88.9%), with 12.6 students per teacher and $12,248 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Ridgeland?
The average commute is 21.1 minutes, #430 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.4 minutes across Mississippi. 3.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Ridgeland?
Ridgeland averages 65.4°F over the year, 81.2°F in summer and 49°F in winter, with 57.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Ridgeland walkable?
Ridgeland scores 8.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1031 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Ridgeland at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Madison County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, ice storm, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, higher than 51% of US counties.
Who lives in Ridgeland?
Ridgeland has 24,587 residents. The median resident of Ridgeland is 35.7 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 51.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #234 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 47.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Ridgeland compare with the rest of Mississippi?
Ridgeland ranks #9 of the 20 Mississippi cities we track, with a score of 52.6 against Mississippi's statewide 41.9. Its households earn 12% above the Mississippi median. Violent crime is 41% above the statewide rate. Homes are 45% above the typical Mississippi home.
What cities are similar in size to Ridgeland?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Ridgeland's population of 24,587 are Fort Dodge, IA (#999 overall), Terrytown, LA (#1304 overall), Middletown, DE (#198 overall), Auburn, ME (#586 overall), and Gardner, KS (#192 overall). Ridgeland is #844.