2010 census

As of the census^[11] of 2010, there were 1,639 people, 604 households, and 412 families residing in the town. The population density was 920.8 inhabitants per square mile (355.5/km²). There were 667 housing units at an average density of 374.7 per square mile (144.7/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 77.1% White, 16.3% African American, 0.9% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 2.5% from other races, and 3.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.9% of the population.

There were 604 households, of which 44.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.9% were married couples living together, 16.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 31.8% were non-families. 27.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.71 and the average family size was 3.26.

The median age in the town was 32 years. 30.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 30.4% were from 25 to 44; 22.9% were from 45 to 64; and 8.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 47.0% male and 53.0% female.

2000 census

As of the census^[12] of 2000, there were 1,352 people, 513 households, and 349 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,269.0 inhabitants per square mile (490.0/km²). There were 553 housing units at an average density of 519.1 per square mile (200.4/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 81.58% White, 15.61% African American, 0.22% Native American, 0.59% Asian, 0.96% from other races, and 1.04% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.18% of the population.

There were 513 households, out of which 39.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.5% were married couples living together, 15.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.8% were non-families. 26.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.63 and the average family size was 3.21.

In the town, the age distribution of the population shows 30.4% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 31.1% from 25 to 44, 19.6% from 45 to 64, and 10.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.1 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $35,750, and the median income for a family was $38,929. Males had a median income of $27,356 versus $19,844 for females. The per capita income for the town was $15,581. About 7.8% of families and 11.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.4% of those under age 18 and 14.6% of those age 65 or over.

Historic places

Oak Lawn was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.^[13] Marble Head was listed in 2002.^[13]

Points of interest

• Adkins Arboretum
• Tuckahoe State Park

Strawberry Festival

Ridgelyites boast of the widest main street of any town in Maryland; it was once considered "The Strawberry Capital" and still holds a Strawberry Festival each May.^[6]

Town Officials and Staff

Commissioners: Anthony Casey, John Hurley, and Leonard John Buckle
Clerk-Treasurer: Stephanie Berkey
Assistant Clerk: Melissa Leonard
Zoning Administrator: Melissa Leonard
Director of Public Works: David Crist
Chief of Police: Jeff Eckrich^{[14] [15] [16]}

Transportation

Transportation to and from Ridgely is primarily by road, and three state highways serve the town. These include Maryland Route 312, which is signed north-south but has an alignment closer to north-northeast by south-southwest, and Maryland Route 480, which is signed east-west but has an alignment closer to east-northeast by west-southwest. Maryland Route 776 also traverses Ridgely, serving as a local connector.

The Ridgely Airpark serves the area also.

Postal service

The main ZIP code for Ridgely is 21660, but is assigned eight other "216" zip codes due to its status as a home to fulfillment companies that receive and ship mail-in offers.