Rockdale, TX
Population 5,455 · Texas
About Rockdale, TX
Rockdale is a small town located in Texas with a population of 5,455 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,550 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Rockdale features a median home value of $164,300, which is 33% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Rockdale in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,013, 13% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,582 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (1,510 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (739 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rockdale shows an unemployment rate of 5.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 16.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Rockdale have an average one-way commute time of 27.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
15.0% of Rockdale 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 31.0% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 2.0% Black or African American, and 4.7% Asian residents, with 16.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Rockdale, TX
Compared to national averages, Rockdale has a median household income of $47,550 (37% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $164,300, which is 33% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,013 is 13% below the US average of $1,163. Within Texas, Rockdale's income is 35% below the state average of $72,726, and home values are 22% below the state median of $211,769.
Why Live in Rockdale, TX?
Rockdale offers affordable housing with a median home value of $164,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,013/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,550) that falls below the national average. However, Rockdale’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rockdale has a population of 5,455 with a median age of 39.3 years. Compare Rockdale with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Texas.
Similar Cities Near Rockdale
Cities in Texas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Willow Park | 5,447 | $113,736 | $339,100 | Compare |
| Wyldwood | 5,436 | $85,216 | $151,500 | Compare |
| Atlanta | 5,434 | $62,675 | $165,300 | Compare |
| Aledo | 5,432 | $152,083 | $409,300 | Compare |
| Alvarado | 5,424 | $71,296 | $206,800 | Compare |
| Luling | 5,486 | $55,733 | $212,500 | Compare |
| Marlin | 5,500 | $38,000 | $49,800 | Compare |
| Sinton | 5,513 | $44,753 | $109,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Texas
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Rockdale With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rockdale
What is the population of Rockdale, TX?
The population of Rockdale, TX is 5,455 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Texas.
What is the median household income in Rockdale?
The median household income in Rockdale, TX is $47,550 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rockdale?
The median home value in Rockdale, TX is $164,300, which is 33% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rockdale?
The median monthly rent in Rockdale, TX is $1,013, which is 13% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rockdale?
The unemployment rate in Rockdale, TX is 5.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rockdale, TX a good place to live?
Rockdale offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,455 and a median age of 39.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rockdale, TX?
15.0% of residents in Rockdale 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 Rockdale?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rockdale, TX: median home value is $164,300 (33% below national), median rent is $1,013/month, and median household income is $47,550. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rockdale?
The poverty rate in Rockdale, TX is 16.8%, 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 Rockdale, TX?
Rockdale's population is 31.0% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 2.0% Black or African American, 4.7% Asian, and 7.0% two or more races. 16.9% of residents are foreign-born.