Iowa
Rock Rapids is a small town in Iowa with a population of 2,653. Residents earn $61,679 per year, which is 18% below the national average.
Based on current data, Rock Rapids receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Rock Rapids offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Rock Rapids is $61,679, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.3%. Only 2.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in Rock Rapids is $207,700, 26% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $763 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
21.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Rock Rapids experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 29.3 inches, including 34.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
| English Only | 97.7% |
| 24% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 2.3% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $61,679 |
| 18% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $31,605 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $956 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $84,809 |
| Unemployment | 2.3% |
| 36% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 2.9% |
| 77% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 553 |
| County GDP | $1,425M |
| Restaurants | 24 |
| Healthcare | 26 |
| Retail | 48 |
| Manufacturing | 27 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,342 |
| 24% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.09% |
| Commute Time | 12.0 min |
| Work from Home | 10.4% |
| Census Median | $207,700 |
| 26% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $245,252 |
| Census Median Rent | $763 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.9% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,342 |
| 24% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 2.09% |
| Obesity | 38.9% |
| 21% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.8% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
| Binge Drinking | 23.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.1% |
| Depression | 21.0% |
| Mental Distress | 18.0% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
| Insurance Rate | 93.5% |
| Checkup Rate | 74.6% |
| Premature Death | 4,025/100K |
| Food Environment | 9.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 53.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 26 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Annual Average | 46.0°F |
| 15% below US avg | |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 29.3 inches |
| 23% below US avg | |
| Snowfall | 34.9 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 1,336 ft (407 m) |
| Area | 4.2 sq mi (10.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 630/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.4267°N, 96.1664°W |
| County FIPS | 19119 |
Winner: Republican by 69.8 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 21.0% |
| 38% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 94.3% |
| School Test Score | 5.73 |
| RUCC Code 8 | Nonmetro — Rural, adjacent |
| Population Density | 630/sq mi |
| Total Area | 4.2 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 1 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 2 |
| Public Libraries | 6 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 26 |
| Restaurants | 24 |
| Retail Stores | 48 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Commute | 12.0 min |
| Work from Home | 10.4% |