Median Income
$94,167
25% higher than US avg
Home Value
$275,000
2% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
108/100K
71% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.4%
22% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,097
6% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.2%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.6%
83% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
21.0%
69% higher than US avg
How Rockdale Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population220
Median Age38.0 yrs
Density786/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 78%
Veterans12.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$94,167
Per Capita$40,466
Unemployment0.6%
Poverty21.0%
County GDP$10,849M
Commute32 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$275,000
Rent$1,097
Ownership83.3%
Zillow$360,806
Housing Units89
Rent Burden23.5%
Crime
F
Violent108/100K
Property2,331/100K
Health
Obesity34.2%
Uninsured6.8%
Smoking12.3%
Depression25.5%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain37.8 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation824 ft (251 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.4%
High School+93.8%
Graduate+8.9%
School Score5.48
Community
2024 VoteR 46% / D 53%
Commute32 min
Broadband90.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries9
Is Rockdale a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rockdale receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate. Rockdale offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Rockdale is $94,167, 25% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.6%. The poverty rate of 21.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Rockdale is $275,000, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,097 per month. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Rockdale is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 108 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,331 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
26.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Rockdale experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.8 inches, including 35.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Rockdale has a population of 220 with a density of 786 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 38.0 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.1% female and 55.9% male. The city is predominantly White (77.7%), with 5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.4% of residents. 12.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 93.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.0yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.4%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.6%
96% below US avg
The median household income in Rockdale is $94,167, which is 25% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $40,466. The average weekly wage is $1,142, 20% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 21.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,943 business establishments, including 389 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 10.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $94,167 |
| 25% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $40,466 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,142 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,298 |
| Gini Index | 0.402 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.6% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 21.0% |
| 69% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,943 |
| County GDP | $10,849M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 389 |
| Healthcare | 357 |
| Retail | 495 |
| Manufacturing | 208 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,146 |
| 76% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.23% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.7% |
The median home value in Rockdale is $275,000, 2% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $360,806, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,097 (6% 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. 83.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 89 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $6,146 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $275,000 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $360,806 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,097 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 83.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.7% |
| Housing Units | 89 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,146 |
| 76% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.23% |
In Rockdale, 34.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.0% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 25.8% have high blood pressure. 12.3% are current smokers. 22.7% report binge drinking. 21.6% are physically inactive. 25.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 15.8% experience frequent mental distress. 6.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,957. The dentist ratio is 1:1,402. 87.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Rockdale vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.2% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.0% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 25.8% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 4.9% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.3% |
| 12% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.6% |
| Depression | 25.5% |
| Mental Distress | 15.8% |
| Physical Distress | 11.2% |
| Short Sleep | 29.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.5% |
| Uninsured | 6.8% |
| 21% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,957 |
| Dentists | 1:1,402 |
| Mental Health | 1:438 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.1% |
| Dental Visits | 66.1% |
| Premature Death | 8,626/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 87.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 357 |
Rockdale has a violent crime rate of 108 per 100,000 residents, 71% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,331 per 100,000, 19% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 15 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Rockdale receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Rockdale vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 108.4/100K |
| 71% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,330.6/100K |
| 19% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 15 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Rockdale experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 37.8 inches. The area receives 35.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 824 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-8°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.6°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 824 ft (251 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 786/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.9700°N, 89.0306°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Rock County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dane County Regional/Truax Field (MSN)
19 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.8"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 86.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 18.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 81.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.1 on Jul 15, 2024.
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
120 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
143 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
150 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
103 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
117 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
578 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 55 fatalities, 1,334 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 18, 1996 |
EF5 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF5 |
77 km |
9 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF4 |
54 km |
1 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 1981 |
EF4 |
85 km |
3 |
| Apr 21, 1974 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
84 km |
24 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
99 km |
6 |
| Sep 26, 1951 |
EF4 |
58 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF3 |
33 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
78 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 1992 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1977 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
10 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,524 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,524 |
70 km |
| 2010 |
RX BURN |
1,236 |
70 km |
| 1994 |
SOMMERS |
938 |
72 km |
| 1988 |
PEACHY RD |
812 |
69 km |
| 2018 |
2018 BADGER RX BURNS |
659 |
74 km |
| 2019 |
2019 BADGER RX BURNS |
627 |
73 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
612 |
74 km |
| 2007 |
TOWER RD 2 |
592 |
69 km |
| 2024 |
RX-HWY Y - SOUTH |
553 |
23 km |
| 2009 |
COLD SPRINGS |
552 |
59 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-8°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.7 in |
|
Rockdale has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 19°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.8 inches, with August being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Rockdale. 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 | $1,269 |
| Toddler | $1,120 |
| Preschool | $1,120 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $953 |
| Toddler | $866 |
| Preschool | $866 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rockdale
What is the population of Rockdale?
Rockdale has a population of 220 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 786 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.0 years. The population is 44.1% female and 55.9% male.
Is Rockdale expensive to live in?
Rockdale 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 $94,167, 25% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $275,000 (2% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,097 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Rockdale safe?
Rockdale is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 108 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,331 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Rockdale receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Rockdale?
Rockdale has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.8 inches, with 35.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Rockdale?
The job market in Rockdale is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,142. There are 3,943 business establishments in the area, including 389 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 10.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Rockdale?
The median home value in Rockdale is $275,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $360,806. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,097. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 83.3%. The average annual property tax is $6,146.
How are the schools in Rockdale?
Schools in Rockdale score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 26.4% of adults in Rockdale hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.8% have completed high school. 8.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Rockdale?
The obesity rate in Rockdale is 34.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.3% of adults are smokers. 21.6% are physically inactive. 25.5% of residents report depression. 6.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 87.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,957.
What is transportation like in Rockdale?
The average commute in Rockdale is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Rockdale?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Rockdale is 77.7% White, 5% Black or African American. 99.4% of residents speak only English at home. 12.4% of the population are military veterans. 10.2% of residents have a disability. 93.5% have health insurance coverage.
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