Median Income
$76,250
1% higher than US avg
Home Value
$161,200
43% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
83/100K
78% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.0%
70% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$850
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.9%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.4%
33% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.1%
35% lower than US avg
How Rock Springs Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population310
Median Age37.8 yrs
Density238/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans3.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$76,250
Per Capita$29,893
Unemployment2.4%
Poverty8.1%
County GDP$5,577M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$161,200
Rent$850
Ownership78.9%
Zillow$298,867
Housing Units148
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent83/100K
Property1,698/100K
Health
Obesity39.9%
Uninsured7.3%
Smoking15.6%
Depression26.7%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Sunny Days261/yr
Elevation877 ft (267 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.0%
High School+91.7%
Graduate+1.7%
School Score6.07
Community
2024 VoteR 50% / D 48%
Commute20 min
Broadband94.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries9
Is Rock Springs a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rock Springs receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Rock Springs offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Rock Springs is $76,250, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.4%. 8.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Rock Springs is $161,200, 43% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $850 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Rock Springs is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 83 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,698 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
10.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Rock Springs experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 261 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Rock Springs has a population of 310 with a density of 238 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 37.8 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.1% female and 51.9% male. The city is predominantly White (96.8%), with 2.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.3% of residents. 3.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 18.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.8yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Rock Springs vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.3%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.7%
87% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Rock Springs vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Rock Springs is $76,250, which is 1% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,893 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $965, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,219 business establishments, including 261 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Rock Springs vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $76,250 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,893 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $965 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,772 |
| Gini Index | 0.407 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.4% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.1% |
| 35% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,219 |
| County GDP | $5,577M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 261 |
| Healthcare | 155 |
| Retail | 298 |
| Manufacturing | 86 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,911 |
| 69% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.67% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 93.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.0% |
The median home value in Rock Springs is $161,200, 43% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $298,867, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $850 (27% 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. 78.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 148 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $5,911 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $161,200 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $298,867 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $850 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.1% |
| Housing Units | 148 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,911 |
| 69% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.67% |
In Rock Springs, 39.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 28.3% have high blood pressure. 15.6% are current smokers. 22.0% report binge drinking. 27.5% are physically inactive. 26.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.9% experience frequent mental distress. 7.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:995. The dentist ratio is 1:1,462. 74.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Rock Springs vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.9% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.3% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.5% |
| Depression | 26.7% |
| Mental Distress | 17.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 34.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.2% |
| Uninsured | 7.3% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:995 |
| Dentists | 1:1,462 |
| Mental Health | 1:496 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.3% |
| Dental Visits | 68.0% |
| Premature Death | 7,554/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 155 |
Rock Springs has a violent crime rate of 83 per 100,000 residents, 78% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,698 per 100,000, 13% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 13 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Rock Springs receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Rock Springs vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 83.3/100K |
| 78% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,698.1/100K |
| 13% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 13 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Rock Springs experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 261 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 877 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.6°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 261 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 877 ft (267 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 238/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.4787°N, 89.9269°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Sauk County County |
| Nearest Airport | Tri-County Regional (LNR)
22 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Aug)
3.98"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0488 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.1 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 72.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 21.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 82.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
470 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 35 fatalities, 651 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF5 |
57 km |
9 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1974 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1957 |
EF4 |
48 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
92 km |
7 |
| Sep 26, 1951 |
EF4 |
55 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF3 |
74 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
82 km |
1 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
69 km |
2 |
| Aug 29, 1992 |
EF3 |
73 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 1992 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1975 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1974 |
EF3 |
95 km |
2 |
| Apr 21, 1974 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: COTTONVILLE INCIDENT (3,466 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
COTTONVILLE INCIDENT |
3,466 |
71 km |
| 1987 |
BIG BURN |
3,154 |
79 km |
| 2024 |
2024 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
2,717 |
85 km |
| 1994 |
BIG BURN |
2,248 |
78 km |
| 2023 |
2023 RX |
1,992 |
85 km |
| 1997 |
BIG BURN |
1,642 |
80 km |
| 2004 |
POOL ONE NORTH |
1,576 |
68 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
1,297 |
79 km |
| 2021 |
2021 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
987 |
85 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
981 |
69 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
901 |
79 km |
| 1998 |
PR 17 |
896 |
69 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
875 |
68 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
867 |
70 km |
| 2007 |
PR 16 |
778 |
79 km |
| 2006 |
PR 17 RX FIRE |
701 |
78 km |
| 2018 |
2018 BADGER RX BURNS |
659 |
18 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
657 |
72 km |
| 2003 |
PR 17 |
632 |
79 km |
| 2019 |
2019 BADGER RX BURNS |
627 |
19 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.5 in |
|
Rock Springs has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 18°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.9 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.0") and January the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Rock Springs. 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 | $1,022 |
| Toddler | $909 |
| Preschool | $909 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $736 |
| Preschool | $736 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rock Springs
What is the population of Rock Springs?
Rock Springs has a population of 310 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 238 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.8 years. The population is 48.1% female and 51.9% male.
Is Rock Springs expensive to live in?
Rock Springs 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 $76,250, 1% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $161,200 (43% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $850 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Rock Springs safe?
Rock Springs is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 83 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,698 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Rock Springs receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Rock Springs?
Rock Springs has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 18°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 261 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Rock Springs?
The job market in Rock Springs is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $965. There are 2,219 business establishments in the area, including 261 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 4.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Rock Springs?
The median home value in Rock Springs is $161,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $298,867. For renters, the median monthly rent is $850. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.9%. The average annual property tax is $5,911.
How are the schools in Rock Springs?
Schools in Rock Springs score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.0% of adults in Rock Springs hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.7% have completed high school. 1.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Rock Springs?
The obesity rate in Rock Springs is 39.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.6% of adults are smokers. 27.5% are physically inactive. 26.7% of residents report depression. 7.3% lack health insurance. 74.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:995.
What is transportation like in Rock Springs?
The average commute in Rock Springs is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 93.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Rock Springs?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Rock Springs is 96.8% White, 2.3% Black or African American. 98.3% of residents speak only English at home. 3.7% of the population are military veterans. 18.2% of residents have a disability. 91.2% have health insurance coverage.
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