Rockaway Beach, MO
Population 682 · Missouri
About Rockaway Beach, MO
Rockaway Beach is a small community located in Missouri with a population of 682 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,563 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.6 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 Rockaway Beach features a median home value of $130,000, which is 47% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Rockaway Beach one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $767, 34% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 447 total housing units, 76% are owner-occupied (198 units) and 24% are renter-occupied (62 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rockaway Beach shows an unemployment rate of 9.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 14.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Rockaway Beach have an average one-way commute time of 32.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
28.1% of Rockaway Beach residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Rockaway Beach, MO
Compared to national averages, Rockaway Beach has a median household income of $56,563 (25% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $130,000, which is 47% below the national median. Monthly rent at $767 is 34% below the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, Rockaway Beach's income is 7% below the state average of $61,047, and home values are 14% below the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in Rockaway Beach, MO?
Rockaway Beach offers affordable housing with a median home value of $130,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $767/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,563) that falls below the national average. However, Rockaway Beach’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rockaway Beach has a population of 682 with a median age of 47.6 years. Compare Rockaway Beach with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near Rockaway Beach
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norborne | 682 | $64,750 | $83,000 | Compare |
| Fordland | 681 | $49,167 | $119,600 | Compare |
| Hardin | 683 | $75,606 | $96,700 | Compare |
| Hermitage | 683 | $22,813 | $103,100 | Compare |
| Fairfax | 685 | $54,107 | $91,500 | Compare |
| Pleasant Hope | 679 | $61,607 | $142,500 | Compare |
| Twin Oaks | 685 | $117,713 | $290,000 | Compare |
| Parkway | 673 | $43,672 | $164,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Missouri
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Rockaway Beach With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rockaway Beach
What is the population of Rockaway Beach, MO?
The population of Rockaway Beach, MO is 682 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Missouri.
What is the median household income in Rockaway Beach?
The median household income in Rockaway Beach, MO is $56,563 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rockaway Beach?
The median home value in Rockaway Beach, MO is $130,000, which is 47% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rockaway Beach?
The median monthly rent in Rockaway Beach, MO is $767, which is 34% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rockaway Beach?
The unemployment rate in Rockaway Beach, MO is 9.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rockaway Beach, MO a good place to live?
Rockaway Beach offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 682 and a median age of 47.6, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Rockaway Beach, MO?
28.1% of residents in Rockaway Beach 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 Rockaway Beach?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rockaway Beach, MO: median home value is $130,000 (47% below national), median rent is $767/month, and median household income is $56,563. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rockaway Beach?
The poverty rate in Rockaway Beach, MO is 14.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Rockaway Beach, MO?
Rockaway Beach's population is 0.0% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 5.6% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.