Median Income
$56,563
25% lower than US avg
Home Value
$130,000
54% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
114/100K
70% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
28.1%
17% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$767
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.4%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.5%
25% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.2%
82% lower than US avg
How Rockaway Beach Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population682
Median Age47.6 yrs
Density1,083/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans10.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$56,563
Per Capita$22,221
Unemployment4.5%
Poverty2.2%
Commute32 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$130,000
Rent$767
Ownership76.2%
Zillow$182,211
Housing Units464
Rent Burden32.5%
Crime
C
Violent114/100K
Property0/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault114/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity38.4%
Uninsured11.6%
Smoking22.3%
Depression27.2%
Heart Disease7.1%
Climate
Avg Temp57°F (14°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain43.0 in/yr
Sunny Days258/yr
Elevation771 ft (235 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+28.1%
High School+87.8%
Graduate+2.9%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute32 min
Broadband86.2%
EV Stations22
Is Rockaway Beach a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rockaway Beach receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Rockaway Beach offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Rockaway Beach is $56,563, 25% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.5%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 2.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Rockaway Beach is $130,000, 54% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $767 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Rockaway Beach is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 114 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
28.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Rockaway Beach enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 258 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 43.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Rockaway Beach has a population of 682 with a density of 1,083 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 47.6 years, 22% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.8% female and 47.2% male. The city is predominantly White (89.1%), with 2.8% Hispanic, 5.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.5% of residents. 10.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 79.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.6yrs
Median Age
22% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Rockaway Beach vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.5%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.5%
74% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Rockaway Beach vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Rockaway Beach is $56,563, which is 25% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,221 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 4.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 2.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 4.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Rockaway Beach vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $56,563 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,221 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.2% |
| 82% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 64.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.2% |
The median home value in Rockaway Beach is $130,000, 54% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $182,211, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 0% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $767 (34% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 76.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 464 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1984. 32.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $130,000 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $182,211 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $130 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 0.0% |
| Price Drops | 25.0% |
| Inventory | 8 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $767 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 32.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.8% |
| Housing Units | 464 |
| Median Year Built | 1984 |
Property Tax
In Rockaway Beach, 38.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 7.1% of residents, above the national average. 35.7% have high blood pressure. 22.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.7% report binge drinking. 33.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.2% experience frequent mental distress. 11.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: Rockaway Beach vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.4% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.8% |
| Heart Disease | 7.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.7% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 9.7% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 22.3% |
| 59% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.6% |
| Depression | 27.2% |
| Mental Distress | 21.2% |
| Physical Distress | 16.7% |
| Short Sleep | 39.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 79.0% |
| Uninsured | 11.6% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 74.8% |
| Dental Visits | 52.6% |
Food & Exercise
Rockaway Beach has a violent crime rate of 114 per 100,000 residents, 70% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 113.6 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 0, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Rockaway Beach receives a safety grade of C.
Crime Rates: Rockaway Beach vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 113.6/100K |
| 70% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 113.6/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C |
| Safety Score | 2.0 / 5.0 |
Rockaway Beach enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 258 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 43.0 inches. The area receives 1.9 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 771 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (0°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 56.6°F |
| 5% above US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 258 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 771 ft (235 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,083/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.6992°N, 93.1599°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Marion County Regional (FLP)
42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
43.0"
13% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.69"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
36 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.6 on Apr 23, 2025.
| Jul 7, 1991 |
11 km ENE of Brandsville, Missouri |
M3.9 |
142 km |
| Jun 4, 2014 |
3 km ESE of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
149 km |
| Aug 16, 2003 |
5 km W of Thomasville, Missouri |
M3.7 |
140 km |
| Sep 12, 2019 |
13 km N of Big Flat, Arkansas |
M3.7 |
93 km |
| Jun 11, 2017 |
6 km NNE of Bergman, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
39 km |
| Nov 15, 1990 |
16 km NNW of Hector, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
122 km |
| Jun 27, 2000 |
15 km WSW of Marshall, Arkansas |
M3.4 |
101 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 |
1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri |
M3.1 |
138 km |
| Mar 18, 1990 |
9 km W of Alton, Missouri |
M3.0 |
148 km |
| Jun 16, 2017 |
6 km N of Bergman, Arkansas |
M2.9 |
39 km |
| Apr 3, 2013 |
10 km WSW of Clinton, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
139 km |
| Mar 12, 1990 |
9 km NNE of Briarcliff, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
90 km |
| Jul 28, 2016 |
4 km ENE of Dover, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
142 km |
| Sep 5, 2013 |
17 km W of Dennard, Arkansas |
M2.7 |
115 km |
| Jul 3, 2014 |
6 km S of Yellville, Arkansas |
M2.7 |
73 km |
| Jan 7, 2009 |
10 km WSW of Clinton, Arkansas |
M2.7 |
137 km |
| Jan 27, 2014 |
Arkansas |
M2.7 |
139 km |
| Nov 26, 1999 |
9 km NNE of Mountain Home, Arkansas |
M2.7 |
78 km |
| Jul 22, 2017 |
14 km SW of Mountain View, Arkansas |
M2.7 |
130 km |
| Feb 14, 2019 |
11 km WSW of Mountain View, Missouri |
M2.6 |
123 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
481 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 45 fatalities, 675 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 29, 1991 |
EF4 |
46 km |
2 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF4 |
85 km |
2 |
| Sep 26, 1959 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
70 km |
1 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
59 km |
4 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
65 km |
3 |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
91 km |
1 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
65 km |
1 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
96 km |
7 |
| Nov 18, 1985 |
EF3 |
73 km |
3 |
| Apr 29, 1983 |
EF3 |
61 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
98 km |
2 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1979 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 1976 |
EF3 |
98 km |
1 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
61 km |
1 |
| Dec 14, 1971 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF3 |
78 km |
3 |
| May 7, 1961 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEAD HORSE (10,389 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
DEAD HORSE |
10,389 |
89 km |
| 2004 |
LOWER WILD |
10,034 |
89 km |
| 2013 |
LOWER WILDERNESS RX |
8,699 |
89 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
6,931 |
30 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
6,686 |
31 km |
| 2010 |
BRUSHY/CLAYTON |
6,401 |
31 km |
| 2020 |
BIG CREEK |
6,399 |
31 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
6,354 |
98 km |
| 2020 |
CAVE CREEK |
4,263 |
85 km |
| 2016 |
BIG CREEK |
4,031 |
30 km |
| 2011 |
11 GENE RUSH #2 |
3,524 |
81 km |
| 2021 |
BP BEAR CAT |
3,013 |
95 km |
| 2010 |
SPRING CREEK SOUTH RX |
2,986 |
99 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,886 |
95 km |
| 2021 |
GOETZ |
2,615 |
31 km |
| 2021 |
21 LICK CREEK |
2,555 |
81 km |
| 2009 |
GENE RUSH |
2,540 |
84 km |
| 2003 |
GENE RUSH1 |
2,435 |
83 km |
| 2019 |
SWAN CREEK |
2,365 |
25 km |
| 2022 |
DANIELS MT BLACK LINING |
2,364 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (0°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
38°F (3°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| October |
58°F (15°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| November |
47°F (8°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| December |
37°F (3°C) |
3.3 in |
|
Rockaway Beach has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 33°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (1.9").
Average costs for common services in Rockaway Beach. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$227 ($136–$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182–$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91–$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726–$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68–$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136–$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363–$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91–$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54–$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45–$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136–$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632–$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363–$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994–$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454–$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540–$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816–$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726–$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182–$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908–$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68–$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45–$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72–$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27–$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27–$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72–$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63–$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54–$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73–$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68–$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090–$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27–$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545–$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454–$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182–$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363–$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540–$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45–$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91–$363) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Rockaway Beach
What is the population of Rockaway Beach?
Rockaway Beach has a population of 682 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,083 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.8% female and 47.2% male.
Is Rockaway Beach expensive to live in?
Rockaway Beach is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $56,563, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $130,000 (54% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $767 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Rockaway Beach safe?
Rockaway Beach is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 114 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Rockaway Beach receives a safety grade of C based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Rockaway Beach?
Rockaway Beach enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 258 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 43.0 inches, with 1.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Rockaway Beach?
Rockaway Beach has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.5%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 4.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Rockaway Beach?
The median home value in Rockaway Beach is $130,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $182,211. For renters, the median monthly rent is $767. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 76.2%.
How are the schools in Rockaway Beach?
Schools in Rockaway Beach score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 28.1% of adults in Rockaway Beach hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.8% have completed high school. 2.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Rockaway Beach?
The obesity rate in Rockaway Beach is 38.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.3% of adults are smokers. 33.6% are physically inactive. 27.2% of residents report depression. 11.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Rockaway Beach?
The average commute in Rockaway Beach is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 64.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Rockaway Beach?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Rockaway Beach is 89.1% White, 5.6% Black or African American, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino. 96.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.5% speak Spanish. 10.1% of the population are military veterans. 18.3% of residents have a disability. 79.0% have health insurance coverage.
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