Median Income
$47,550
37% lower than US avg
Home Value
$164,300
42% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
391/100K
3% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.0%
55% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,013
13% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.5%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.9%
19% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.2%
10% lower than US avg
How Rockdale Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,455
Median Age39.3 yrs
Density1,272/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 71%
Economy
B+
Median Income$47,550
Per Capita$38,800
Unemployment2.9%
Poverty11.2%
County GDP$44,610M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$164,300
Rent$1,013
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$235,389
Crime
F
Violent391/100K
Property3,349/100K
Murder18.6/100K
Assault279/100K
Burglary726/100K
Health
Obesity39.5%
UninsuredN/A
Depression24.4%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp68°F
AQI42 (Good)
Rain35.2 in/yr
Elevation453 ft
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.0%
High School+79.1%
School Score5.10
Community
2024 VoteR 50% / D 48%
Commute28 min
Libraries11
Is Rockdale a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rockdale receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Rockdale has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Rockdale is $47,550, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.9%. 11.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Rockdale is $164,300, 42% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,013 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.5x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 391 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 — something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,349 per 100,000, 71% above the national average.
Education
15.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Rockdale enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F. Winters average 49°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 35.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Rockdale has a population of 5,455 with a density of 1,272 people per square mile. The median age is 39.3 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (71.1%), with 2.1% Hispanic, 7% Black.
Population
39.3yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 83.0% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Spanish | 17.0% |
| 27% above US avg |
The median household income in Rockdale is $47,550, which is 37% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 2.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.2% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $47,550 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $38,800 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,545 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $110,070 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.9% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.2% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 15,692 |
| County GDP | $44,610M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,297 |
| Healthcare | 1,657 |
| Retail | 1,626 |
| Manufacturing | 387 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $9,871 |
| 182% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.01% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.6 min |
| Work from Home | 10.5% |
The median home value in Rockdale is $164,300, 42% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $1,013 (13% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $235,389.
Home Values
| Census Median | $164,300 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $235,389 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,013 |
| 13% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $9,871 |
| 182% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.01% |
In Rockdale, 39.5% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 24.4% report depression. 34.1% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Rockdale vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.5% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.0% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 8.0% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 17.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 34.1% |
| Depression | 24.4% |
| Mental Distress | 20.3% |
| Physical Distress | 16.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 82.0% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 71.7% |
| Premature Death | 5,175/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 91.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,657 |
Rockdale has a violent crime rate of 391 per 100,000 residents, 3% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,349 per 100,000 (71% above US avg). The murder rate is 18.6 per 100,000.
Crime Rates: Rockdale vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 390.8/100K |
| 3% above US avg |
| Murder | 18.6/100K |
| 195% above US avg |
| Rape | 74.4/100K |
| Robbery | 18.6/100K |
| Assault | 279.1/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,349.5/100K |
| 71% above US avg |
| Burglary | 725.7/100K |
| Theft | 2,419.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 204.7/100K |
| Arson | 18.6/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 59 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Rockdale has an average annual temperature of 68°F (20°C). Winters average 49°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. Annual precipitation is 35.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Temperature
49°F Jan (9°C)
84°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 67.5°F |
| 25% above US avg |
| January Average | 49°F (9°C) |
| July Average | 84°F (29°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 35.2 inches |
| 8% below US avg |
| Snowfall | 0.0 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 453 ft (138 m) |
| Area | 4.3 sq mi (11.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,272/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 30.6557°N, 97.0085°W |
| County FIPS | 48491 |