Rocky River, OH
Population 21,490 · Ohio
About Rocky River, OH
Rocky River is a mid-sized city located in Ohio with a population of 21,490 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $93,956 per year, which is 25% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.5 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 Rocky River features a median home value of $327,600, which is 34% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Rocky River in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,155, 1% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 10,447 total housing units, 71% are owner-occupied (6,945 units) and 29% are renter-occupied (2,808 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rocky River shows an unemployment rate of 2.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 4.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Rocky River have an average one-way commute time of 22 minutes.
Education & Demographics
64.0% of Rocky River residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.4% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 1.5% Asian residents, with 9.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Rocky River, OH
Compared to national averages, Rocky River has a median household income of $93,956 (25% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $327,600, which is 34% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,155 is 1% below the US average of $1,163. Within Ohio, Rocky River's income is 31% above the state average of $71,814, and home values are 88% above the state median of $174,449.
Why Live in Rocky River, OH?
Rocky River offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $93,956, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,155/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.3%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 64.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 4.9%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 22 minutes.
Rocky River has a population of 21,490 with a median age of 43.5 years. Compare Rocky River with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Ohio.
Similar Cities Near Rocky River
Cities in Ohio with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alliance | 21,574 | $54,608 | $113,300 | Compare |
| South Euclid | 21,606 | $78,782 | $134,800 | Compare |
| Lebanon | 21,216 | $78,598 | $257,100 | Compare |
| Chillicothe | 21,958 | $49,193 | $145,900 | Compare |
| Oxford | 22,069 | $42,147 | $232,200 | Compare |
| Parma Heights | 20,616 | $59,218 | $165,800 | Compare |
| Piqua | 20,533 | $63,770 | $124,900 | Compare |
| Sidney | 20,457 | $59,560 | $159,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Ohio
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Rocky River With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rocky River
What is the population of Rocky River, OH?
The population of Rocky River, OH is 21,490 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Ohio.
What is the median household income in Rocky River?
The median household income in Rocky River, OH is $93,956 per year, which is 25% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rocky River?
The median home value in Rocky River, OH is $327,600, which is 34% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rocky River?
The median monthly rent in Rocky River, OH is $1,155, which is 1% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rocky River?
The unemployment rate in Rocky River, OH is 2.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Rocky River, OH a good place to live?
Rocky River offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 21,490 and a median age of 43.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rocky River, OH?
64.0% of residents in Rocky River aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Rocky River?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rocky River, OH: median home value is $327,600 (34% above national), median rent is $1,155/month, and median household income is $93,956. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rocky River?
The poverty rate in Rocky River, OH is 4.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Rocky River, OH?
Rocky River's population is 0.4% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 1.5% Asian, and 2.1% two or more races. 9.7% of residents are foreign-born.