Median Income
$68,500
9% lower than US avg
Home Value
$165,000
41% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
333/100K
12% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.8%
41% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$900
23% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.7%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Rock Falls Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population184
Median Age35.5 yrs
Density283/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans3.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$68,500
Per Capita$30,035
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$385M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$165,000
Rent$900
Ownership81.6%
Zillow$271,723
Housing Units89
Rent Burden15.0%
Crime
F
Violent333/100K
Property2,001/100K
Health
Obesity39.7%
Uninsured7.4%
Smoking14.5%
Depression23.7%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain32.8 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation835 ft (255 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.8%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+1.6%
School Score5.97
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 35%
Commute26 min
Broadband76.0%
EV Stations21
Libraries2
Is Rock Falls a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rock Falls receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Rock Falls offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Rock Falls is $68,500, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Rock Falls is $165,000, 41% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $900 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Rock Falls is below the national average at 333 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,001 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
19.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Rock Falls experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 32.8 inches, including 54.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Rock Falls has a population of 184 with a density of 283 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 35.5 years, 9% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.4% female and 51.6% male. The city is predominantly White (97.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 3.1% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 4.8% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 91.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.5yrs
Median Age
9% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Rock Falls vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Rock Falls vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Rock Falls is $68,500, which is 9% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,035 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $955, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 270 business establishments, including 34 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 23.1% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Rock Falls vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $68,500 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,035 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $955 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $83,450 |
| Gini Index | 0.420 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 270 |
| County GDP | $385M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 34 |
| Healthcare | 21 |
| Retail | 28 |
| Manufacturing | 13 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,831 |
| 67% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.53% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 65.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 23.1% |
The median home value in Rock Falls is $165,000, 41% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $271,723, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $900 (23% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $872 for a one-bedroom to $1,097 for a two-bedroom apartment. 81.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 89 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1955. The average annual property tax is $5,831 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 15.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $165,000 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $271,723 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $900 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 15.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 81.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.4% |
| Housing Units | 89 |
| Median Year Built | 1955 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,831 |
| 67% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.53% |
In Rock Falls, 39.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 28.5% have high blood pressure. 14.5% are current smokers. 23.4% report binge drinking. 24.5% are physically inactive. 23.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 15.8% experience frequent mental distress. 7.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,473. The dentist ratio is 1:1,482. 66.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
Health Metrics: Rock Falls vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.5% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.5% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.5% |
| Depression | 23.7% |
| Mental Distress | 15.8% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 34.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.4% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,473 |
| Dentists | 1:1,482 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,720 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.2% |
| Dental Visits | 67.0% |
| Premature Death | 5,546/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Exercise Access | 66.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 21 |
Rock Falls has a violent crime rate of 333 per 100,000 residents, 12% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,001 per 100,000, 2% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Rock Falls receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Rock Falls vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 333.5/100K |
| 12% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,000.7/100K |
| 2% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Rock Falls experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 270 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 32.8 inches. The area receives 54.0 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 835 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.0°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 835 ft (255 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 283/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.7157°N, 91.6993°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Pepin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Chippewa Valley Regional (EAU)
15 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.8"
14% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 7.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 32.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 52.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
359 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 40 fatalities, 379 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF5 |
54 km |
21 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF4 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
34 km |
4 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
30 km |
3 |
| Sep 24, 2019 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2017 |
EF3 |
70 km |
1 |
| Sep 2, 2002 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
23 km |
2 |
| Jul 27, 1987 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1980 |
EF3 |
19 km |
1 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1971 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1959 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Sep 12, 1951 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BEAVER CUTOFF (982 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
BEAVER CUTOFF |
982 |
66 km |
| 2024 |
RX-UPPER SEVENTEEN |
520 |
100 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Rock Falls has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 16°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Rock Falls. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$235 ($141–$376) |
| Specialist Visit |
$329 ($188–$518) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$188 ($94–$329) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,070 ($753–$4,705) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($71–$188) |
| Dental Filling |
$235 ($141–$376) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$565 ($376–$941) |
| Battery Replacement |
$188 ($94–$329) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$376 ($141–$753) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,587 ($3,764–$11,292) |
| Roof Repair |
$941 ($376–$1,882) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,469 ($5,176–$14,115) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,412 ($471–$3,294) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,115 ($4,705–$28,230) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,705 ($1,882–$9,410) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,412 ($753–$2,823) |
| Will Preparation |
$471 ($188–$941) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,353 ($941–$4,705) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$235) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.86 ($2.82–$5.18) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.29 ($2.35–$4.71) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.35–$5.18) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.23 ($2.82–$6.12) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.18 ($3.76–$7.06) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56–$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$235) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$188 ($71–$471) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,882 ($1,129–$3,294) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.53–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$235) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,129 ($565–$2,353) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$941 ($471–$1,882) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$376 ($188–$659) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$941 ($376–$2,353) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,763 ($4,705–$28,230) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$188) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$188 ($94–$376) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $788 |
| Toddler | $736 |
| Preschool | $736 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $650 |
| Toddler | $617 |
| Preschool | $617 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rock Falls
What is the population of Rock Falls?
Rock Falls has a population of 184 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 283 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.4% female and 51.6% male.
Is Rock Falls expensive to live in?
Rock Falls is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $68,500, 9% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $165,000 (41% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $900 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Rock Falls safe?
Rock Falls is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 333 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,001 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Rock Falls receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Rock Falls?
Rock Falls has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 32.8 inches, with 54.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Rock Falls?
The job market in Rock Falls is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $955. There are 270 business establishments in the area, including 34 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 23.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Rock Falls?
The median home value in Rock Falls is $165,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $271,723. For renters, the median monthly rent is $900. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 81.6%. The average annual property tax is $5,831.
How are the schools in Rock Falls?
Schools in Rock Falls score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.8% of adults in Rock Falls hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 1.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Rock Falls?
The obesity rate in Rock Falls is 39.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.5% of adults are smokers. 24.5% are physically inactive. 23.7% of residents report depression. 7.4% lack health insurance. 66.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,473.
What is transportation like in Rock Falls?
The average commute in Rock Falls is 26 minutes. 65.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 23.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Rock Falls?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Rock Falls is 97.8% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 3.1% of the population are military veterans. 4.8% of residents have a disability. 91.0% have health insurance coverage.
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