Median Income
$70,833
6% lower than US avg
Home Value
$128,100
55% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.4%
63% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.3%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
8.7%
142% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.0%
60% lower than US avg
How Rock Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population178
Median Age42.0 yrs
Density198/mi²
Male / Female61% / 39%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans3.6%
Economy
B
Median Income$70,833
Per Capita$30,113
Unemployment8.7%
Poverty5.0%
County GDP$1,762M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$128,100
Ownership83.3%
Zillow$188,126
Housing Units95
Rent Burden29.5%
Health
Obesity40.3%
Uninsured5.1%
Smoking18.1%
Depression30.4%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
Rain33.2 in/yr
Elevation962 ft (293 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+12.4%
High School+93.0%
Graduate+4.6%
School Score5.64
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 31%
Commute26 min
Broadband80.8%
EV Stations4
Libraries3
Is Rock a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rock receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, high obesity rates. Rock offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Rock is $70,833, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. At 8.7%, unemployment is notably high. Only 5.0% 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 is $128,100, 55% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
12.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Rock has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 33.2 inches, including 42.6 inches of snow.
Rock has a population of 178 with a density of 198 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 42.0 years, 8% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 39.3% female and 60.7% male. The city is predominantly White (93.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 3.6% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 22.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
178
Total Population
2023 Census
42.0yrs
Median Age
8% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Rock is $70,833, which is 6% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,113 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,099, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 8.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 5.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 834 business establishments, including 80 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $70,833 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,113 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,099 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,049 |
| Gini Index | 0.435 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 8.7% |
| 142% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.0% |
| 60% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 834 |
| County GDP | $1,762M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 80 |
| Healthcare | 91 |
| Retail | 139 |
| Manufacturing | 39 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,228 |
| 49% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.08% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 90.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Rock is $128,100, 55% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $188,126, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $891 for a one-bedroom to $1,113 for a two-bedroom apartment. 83.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 95 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. The average annual property tax is $5,228 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $128,100 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $188,126 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 83.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.7% |
| Housing Units | 95 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,228 |
| 49% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.08% |
In Rock, 40.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 32.3% have high blood pressure. 18.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.7% report binge drinking. 24.3% are physically inactive. 30.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.7% experience frequent mental distress. 5.1% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,357. The dentist ratio is 1:924. 65.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Rock vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.3% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.3% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 8.0% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.1% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.3% |
| Depression | 30.4% |
| Mental Distress | 20.7% |
| Physical Distress | 14.3% |
| Short Sleep | 32.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.9% |
| Uninsured | 5.1% |
| 41% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,357 |
| Dentists | 1:924 |
| Mental Health | 1:257 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.0% |
| Dental Visits | 64.0% |
| Premature Death | 8,876/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 91 |
Rock has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 33.2 inches. The area receives 42.6 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 962 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 43.8°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 962 ft (293 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 198/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.0686°N, 87.1617°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Dickinson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Marquette/Sawyer Regional (MQT)
20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.2"
13% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.65"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 59.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 40.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 90.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
56 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 2 fatalities, 20 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 28, 1991 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1987 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1986 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1992 |
EF2 |
27 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1991 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 1984 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1981 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1972 |
EF2 |
1 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1964 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 1959 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF1 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2022 |
EF1 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2022 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 31, 2020 |
EF1 |
37 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2020 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 2016 |
EF1 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF1 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF1 |
84 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 2011 |
EF1 |
98 km |
1 |
| Jun 7, 2007 |
EF1 |
94 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: MARQUETTE9 (4,224 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
MARQUETTE9 |
4,224 |
79 km |
| 1986 |
MARQUETTE11 |
3,983 |
30 km |
| 1987 |
EIGHT MILE |
3,475 |
60 km |
| 2009 |
SEDGE MEADOW |
2,680 |
86 km |
| 1986 |
MARQUETTE13 |
2,491 |
26 km |
| 2004 |
2004 MARSH CREEK |
1,977 |
84 km |
| 2011 |
8/4-8/6 M-2 NORTH |
1,918 |
90 km |
| 1995 |
OGEMAW10 |
1,212 |
86 km |
| 2007 |
EAST SEDGE MARSH BURNING-1 |
1,117 |
89 km |
| 1987 |
SCHOOLCRAFT7 |
943 |
90 km |
| 1994 |
H POOL |
914 |
94 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
831 |
94 km |
| 2009 |
FALLS |
820 |
60 km |
| 1986 |
MARQUETTE10 |
671 |
60 km |
| 2008 |
C 3 |
658 |
83 km |
| 2006 |
MARSH LANDS 2006 RX |
635 |
90 km |
| 1984 |
UNNAMED |
575 |
54 km |
| 2019 |
DUTCH MILL |
551 |
17 km |
| 1986 |
MARQUETTE9 |
521 |
74 km |
| 2009 |
MARSH CREEK SOUTH WEDGE |
510 |
83 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
29°F (-1°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
53°F (12°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-4°C) |
2.4 in |
|
Rock has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 18°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.2 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.7") and February the driest (1.4").
Average costs for common services in Rock. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$241 ($144-$385) |
| Specialist Visit |
$337 ($192-$529) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$192 ($96-$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,116 ($770-$4,810) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72-$192) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144-$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24-$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48-$115) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144-$481) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19-$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$577 ($385-$962) |
| Battery Replacement |
$192 ($96-$337) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($58-$144) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($48-$135) |
| HVAC Repair |
$385 ($144-$770) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,734 ($3,848-$11,544) |
| Roof Repair |
$962 ($385-$1,924) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,658 ($5,291-$14,430) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,443 ($481-$3,367) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,430 ($4,810-$28,860) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,810 ($1,924-$9,620) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,443 ($770-$2,886) |
| Will Preparation |
$481 ($192-$962) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,405 ($962-$4,810) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14-$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29-$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$144 ($72-$241) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14-$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24-$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48-$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.94 ($2.89-$5.29) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41-$4.81) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41-$5.29) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89-$6.25) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.29 ($3.85-$7.22) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.58-$1.73) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$135 ($77-$241) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29-$144) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($38-$115) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($38-$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29-$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48-$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$192 ($72-$481) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,924 ($1,154-$3,367) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29-$125) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.70-$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29-$241) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14-$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,154 ($577-$2,405) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$962 ($481-$1,924) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($192-$673) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24-$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$962 ($385-$2,405) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,025 ($4,810-$28,860) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29-$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48-$192) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29-$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19-$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144-$481) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$192 ($96-$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $678 |
| Toddler | $680 |
| Preschool | $680 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $693 |
| Toddler | $693 |
| Preschool | $650 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rock
What is the population of Rock?
Rock has a population of 178 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 198 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 39.3% female and 60.7% male.
Is Rock expensive to live in?
Rock has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 96.2 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $70,833, 6% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $128,100 (55% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Rock?
Rock has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 18°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 33.2 inches, with 42.6 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Rock?
The job market in Rock faces challenges, with unemployment at 8.7% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,099. There are 834 business establishments in the area, including 80 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Rock?
The median home value in Rock is $128,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $188,126. The homeownership rate is 83.3%. The average annual property tax is $5,228.
How are the schools in Rock?
Schools in Rock score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.4% of adults in Rock hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.0% have completed high school. 4.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Rock?
The obesity rate in Rock is 40.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.1% of adults are smokers. 24.3% are physically inactive. 30.4% of residents report depression. 5.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 65.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,357.
What is transportation like in Rock?
The average commute in Rock is 26 minutes. 90.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Rock?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Rock is 93.8% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 3.6% of the population are military veterans. 22.5% of residents have a disability. 94.9% have health insurance coverage.