Rockwell City, IA
Population 2,449 · Iowa
About Rockwell City, IA
Rockwell City is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 2,449 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $61,563 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Rockwell City features a median home value of $91,300, which is 63% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Rockwell City one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $797, 31% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 876 total housing units, 75% are owner-occupied (591 units) and 25% are renter-occupied (199 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rockwell City shows an unemployment rate of 2.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 7.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Rockwell City have an average one-way commute time of 20.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
14.0% of Rockwell City 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 3.9% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.2% Asian residents, with 0.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Rockwell City, IA
Compared to national averages, Rockwell City has a median household income of $61,563 (18% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $91,300, which is 63% below the national median. Monthly rent at $797 is 31% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Rockwell City's income is 9% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 31% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Rockwell City, IA?
Rockwell City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $91,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $797/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.9%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 7.5%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 20.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($61,563) that falls below the national average. However, Rockwell City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rockwell City has a population of 2,449 with a median age of 39.4 years. Compare Rockwell City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Rockwell City
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belle Plaine | 2,412 | $70,517 | $111,600 | Compare |
| New London | 2,402 | $65,815 | $118,900 | Compare |
| West Union | 2,393 | $50,909 | $133,200 | Compare |
| West Branch | 2,526 | $87,891 | $226,700 | Compare |
| Atkins | 2,347 | $115,625 | $302,600 | Compare |
| Alta | 2,344 | $66,118 | $125,800 | Compare |
| Mitchellville | 2,557 | $78,816 | $190,200 | Compare |
| Cascade | 2,565 | $69,861 | $196,100 | 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 Rockwell City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rockwell City
What is the population of Rockwell City, IA?
The population of Rockwell City, IA is 2,449 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 Rockwell City?
The median household income in Rockwell City, IA is $61,563 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rockwell City?
The median home value in Rockwell City, IA is $91,300, which is 63% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rockwell City?
The median monthly rent in Rockwell City, IA is $797, which is 31% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rockwell City?
The unemployment rate in Rockwell City, IA is 2.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Rockwell City, IA a good place to live?
Rockwell City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,449 and a median age of 39.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rockwell City, IA?
14.0% of residents in Rockwell City 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 Rockwell City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rockwell City, IA: median home value is $91,300 (63% below national), median rent is $797/month, and median household income is $61,563. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rockwell City?
The poverty rate in Rockwell City, IA is 7.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Rockwell City, IA?
Rockwell City's population is 3.9% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 4.4% two or more races. 0.5% of residents are foreign-born.