POPULATION: According to the 2000 census, Ripley had a population of 3,364. This marks an 11.2% change, respectively, from the 1990 census.

AGE: The median age is 45.4 years for Ripley. Within the age breakouts, more than 40% of Ripley's population is over the age of 45. Age groups 45 to 64 and those over 65 have increased by 36% and 17% respectively from 1990 to 2000. This has mirrored Jackson County's increase in those age groups as well.

This data would lead to the basic fact that Ripley and Jackson County are ideal retirement communities. There are going to be additional needs for seniors and there will be more empty-nesters. Thus, there seems to be a great deal of immigration into Jackson County, which could have us examine businesses and services catering towards retirement and empty-nester markets.

INCOME: Median household income in 2000 was $30,872 in Ripley. Nearly 35% of the population have incomes between $35,000 and $74,999.

EMPLOYMENT: In terms of employment, Jackson County is becoming ever more diverse as a decline continues in manufacturing and agriculture-related industries. According to U.S Census figures, Jackson County has 22% of its economy involved in manufacturing, 18% in retail trade and 30% in services. 59% of the workforce would be classified as white-collar and 41% are in blue-collar industries. The labor force has increased by 11% from 1990 to 1996, placing it now at nearly 12,800.

HOUSING: The number of new housing starts can also indicate general economic trends. In 1990, there were 31 new housing starts. In 1996, there were 50, a 38% increase. This increase is indicative of many areas of the country, as the last decade proved to be one of the most prosperous in United States economic history.

In summary, Jackson County is undergoing an economic transition. Like many areas of the country, that transition involves a movement away from manufacturing jobs into service and retail positions.

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