Rock Rapids, IA
Population 2,653 · Iowa
About Rock Rapids, IA
Rock Rapids is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 2,653 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $61,679 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.1 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Rock Rapids features a median home value of $207,700, which is 15% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Rock Rapids in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $763, 34% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,160 total housing units, 76% are owner-occupied (772 units) and 24% are renter-occupied (245 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rock Rapids shows an unemployment rate of 3.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Rock Rapids have an average one-way commute time of 12 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
21.0% of Rock Rapids residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 7.0% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.1% Asian residents, with 2.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Rock Rapids, IA
Compared to national averages, Rock Rapids has a median household income of $61,679 (18% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $207,700, which is 15% below the national median. Monthly rent at $763 is 34% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Rock Rapids's income is 9% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 57% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Rock Rapids, IA?
Rock Rapids offers affordable housing with a median home value of $207,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $763/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.6%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 5.9%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 12 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($61,679) that falls below the national average. However, Rock Rapids’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rock Rapids has a population of 2,653 with a median age of 42.1 years. Compare Rock Rapids with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Rock Rapids
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawarden | 2,674 | $69,375 | $132,700 | Compare |
| Belmond | 2,678 | $58,750 | $110,800 | Compare |
| Kalona | 2,679 | $72,766 | $221,300 | Compare |
| Eldora | 2,622 | $72,107 | $108,800 | Compare |
| Missouri Valley | 2,685 | $64,844 | $126,500 | Compare |
| Hudson | 2,614 | $119,327 | $234,500 | Compare |
| Jesup | 2,596 | $89,297 | $189,600 | Compare |
| Bloomfield | 2,723 | $61,679 | $122,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Rock Rapids With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rock Rapids
What is the population of Rock Rapids, IA?
The population of Rock Rapids, IA is 2,653 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Rock Rapids?
The median household income in Rock Rapids, IA is $61,679 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rock Rapids?
The median home value in Rock Rapids, IA is $207,700, which is 15% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rock Rapids?
The median monthly rent in Rock Rapids, IA is $763, which is 34% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rock Rapids?
The unemployment rate in Rock Rapids, IA is 3.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Rock Rapids, IA a good place to live?
Rock Rapids offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,653 and a median age of 42.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rock Rapids, IA?
21.0% of residents in Rock Rapids aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Rock Rapids?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rock Rapids, IA: median home value is $207,700 (15% below national), median rent is $763/month, and median household income is $61,679. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rock Rapids?
The poverty rate in Rock Rapids, IA is 5.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Rock Rapids, IA?
Rock Rapids's population is 7.0% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 2.8% of residents are foreign-born.