Rock Valley, IA
Population 4,061 · Iowa
About Rock Valley, IA
Rock Valley is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 4,061 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $67,012 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Rock Valley features a median home value of $225,800, which is 8% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Rock Valley in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,070, 8% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,610 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (999 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (596 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rock Valley shows an unemployment rate of 0.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Rock Valley have an average one-way commute time of 11.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
21.4% of Rock Valley 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 15.2% White, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 16.9% Asian residents, with 11.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Rock Valley Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Rock Valley, IA
Compared to national averages, Rock Valley has a median household income of $67,012 (11% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $225,800, which is 8% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,070 is 8% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Rock Valley's income is 1% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 71% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Rock Valley, IA?
Rock Valley offers affordable housing with a median home value of $225,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,070/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.4%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 6.4%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 11.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($67,012) that falls below the national average. However, Rock Valley’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rock Valley has a population of 4,061 with a median age of 41 years. Compare Rock Valley with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Rock Valley
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monticello | 4,055 | $67,788 | $160,500 | Compare |
| Jefferson | 4,164 | $54,286 | $126,900 | Compare |
| Carlisle | 4,187 | $98,333 | $208,100 | Compare |
| Cresco | 3,901 | $60,769 | $105,200 | Compare |
| Chariton | 4,235 | $52,109 | $84,200 | Compare |
| Forest City | 4,280 | $62,917 | $136,400 | Compare |
| Hampton | 4,311 | $48,922 | $91,900 | Compare |
| Waukon | 3,796 | $56,250 | $133,700 | 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 Valley With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rock Valley
What is the population of Rock Valley, IA?
The population of Rock Valley, IA is 4,061 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 Valley?
The median household income in Rock Valley, IA is $67,012 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rock Valley?
The median home value in Rock Valley, IA is $225,800, which is 8% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rock Valley?
The median monthly rent in Rock Valley, IA is $1,070, which is 8% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rock Valley?
The unemployment rate in Rock Valley, IA is 0.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Rock Valley, IA a good place to live?
Rock Valley offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 4,061 and a median age of 41, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rock Valley, IA?
21.4% of residents in Rock Valley 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 Valley?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rock Valley, IA: median home value is $225,800 (8% below national), median rent is $1,070/month, and median household income is $67,012. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rock Valley?
The poverty rate in Rock Valley, IA is 6.4%, 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 Valley, IA?
Rock Valley's population is 15.2% White, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 16.9% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 11.5% of residents are foreign-born.