Rolfe, IA
Population 618 · Iowa
About Rolfe, IA
Rolfe is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 618 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $54,861 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43 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 Rolfe features a median home value of $46,000, which is 81% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Rolfe one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $563, 52% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 341 total housing units, 81% are owner-occupied (202 units) and 19% are renter-occupied (47 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rolfe shows an unemployment rate of 20.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 7.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Rolfe have an average one-way commute time of 18.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
9.1% of Rolfe 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 1.9% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.8% Asian residents, with 3.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Rolfe Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Rolfe, IA
Compared to national averages, Rolfe has a median household income of $54,861 (27% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $46,000, which is 81% below the national median. Monthly rent at $563 is 52% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Rolfe's income is 19% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 65% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Rolfe, IA?
Rolfe offers affordable housing with a median home value of $46,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $563/month, and a low poverty rate of 7.7%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 18.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($54,861) that falls below the national average. However, Rolfe’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rolfe has a population of 618 with a median age of 43 years. Compare Rolfe with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
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Demographics
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Economy & Education
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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Rolfe
What is the population of Rolfe, IA?
The population of Rolfe, IA is 618 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Rolfe?
The median household income in Rolfe, IA is $54,861 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rolfe?
The median home value in Rolfe, IA is $46,000, which is 81% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rolfe?
The median monthly rent in Rolfe, IA is $563, which is 52% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rolfe?
The unemployment rate in Rolfe, IA is 20.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rolfe, IA a good place to live?
Rolfe offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 618 and a median age of 43, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rolfe, IA?
9.1% of residents in Rolfe 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 Rolfe?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rolfe, IA: median home value is $46,000 (81% below national), median rent is $563/month, and median household income is $54,861. The home-value-to-income ratio is 0.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rolfe?
The poverty rate in Rolfe, IA is 7.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Rolfe, IA?
Rolfe's population is 1.9% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.8% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 3.2% of residents are foreign-born.