Ripley County Comprehensive Plan
Ripley County’s last comprehensive plan was adopted in 2002. Since then, the county has experienced steady population growth, increasing from roughly 27,000 residents in 2002 to just over 31,000 in 2023. At the same time, the county has felt the ripple effect of change at the regional, state, and national level. From enduring and overcoming national challenges, such as the 2008 recession and the COVID-19 pandemic, to embracing regionalism in partnership with the Southeast Indiana Regional Planning Commission (SIRPC), Ripley County has paved the way for a bright future.
As the county continues to grow, it faces challenges related to housing supply, infrastructure maintenance, and access to workforce training and employment opportunities. Many employers report difficulty finding qualified workers, and young residents often leave the county in search of education and career opportunities. To support continued growth and outstanding quality of life, Ripley County partnered with HWC Engineering to prepare an updated comprehensive plan. This plan evaluates current conditions, outlines a shared vision for the future, and provides actionable goals and recommendations that will guide decision-making and investment over the next 10+ years. The planning process started in March 2025, with adoption of the final plan expected in April 2026.
Strong public engagement was a major contributor to the plan’s goals, objectives, and strategies.
Attendees deliberated over the future land use map, ensuring that it reflected current land uses while thinking for the next 10-20 years.
A steering committee comprised of 20 county residents guided the plan through the planning process, contributing valuable local knowledge, ensuring the draft plan was representative, and checking for accuracy.