As of the census of 2000, there were 13,509 people, 5,416 households, and 3,845 families residing in the county. The population density was . There were 6,392 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the county was 97.17% White, 0.04% Black or African American, 1.33% Native American, 0.22% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.05% from other races, and 1.17% from two or more races. Approximately 0.98% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. The major first ancestries reported in Ripley County were 34.1% American, 14.0% Irish, 11.6% German and 10.7% English.
as of the census of 2000 there were 13509 people 5416 households and 3845 families residing in the county the population density was  there were 6392 housing units at an average density of  the racial makeup of the county was 9717% white 004% black or african american 133% native american 022% asian 001% pacific islander 005% from other races and 117% from two or more races approximately 098% of the population were hispanic or latino of any race the major first ancestries reported in ripley county were 341% american 140% irish 116% german and 107% english