Rock Rapids, IA
Population 2,653 · Iowa
About Rock Rapids, IA
Rock Rapids is a small community in Iowa with a population of 2,653 residents. The median household income is $61,679 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Rock Rapids is 42.1 years.
Housing in Rock Rapids has a median home value of $207,700 and median monthly rent of $763. Of the 1,160 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 772 owner-occupied and 245 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Rock Rapids is 3.6% and the poverty rate is 5.9%. 21.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 12 minutes.
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.
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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 Census data.
What is the median household income in Rock Rapids?
The median household income in Rock Rapids, IA is $61,679 per year.
What is the median home value in Rock Rapids?
The median home value in Rock Rapids, IA is $207,700.
What is the average rent in Rock Rapids?
The median monthly rent in Rock Rapids, IA is $763.
What is the unemployment rate in Rock Rapids?
The unemployment rate in Rock Rapids, IA is 3.6%.