Median Income
$80,750
7% higher than US avg
Home Value
$440,000
56% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
534/100K
40% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.5%
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.7%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.2%
39% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
39.7%
220% higher than US avg
How Rockvale Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,229
Median Age45.1 yrs
Density291/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 86%
Veterans10.8%
Economy
B
Median Income$80,750
Per Capita$30,051
Unemployment2.2%
Poverty39.7%
County GDP$27,630M
Commute41 min
Housing
B+
Home Value$440,000
Ownership98.8%
Zillow$476,012
Housing Units594
Rent Burden29.6%
Crime
F
Violent534/100K
Property3,347/100K
Health
Obesity36.7%
Uninsured10.7%
Smoking15.9%
Depression28.5%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp58°F (14°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Sunny Days318/yr
Elevation698 ft (213 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.5%
High School+98.1%
Graduate+5.5%
School Score5.92
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 38%
Commute41 min
Broadband65.9%
EV Stations36
Libraries8
Is Rockvale a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rockvale receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, high housing costs, an elevated poverty rate. Rockvale has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Rockvale is $80,750, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.2%. The poverty rate of 39.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 41 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Rockvale is $440,000, making it a premium housing market at 56% above the U.S. median of $281,900. The price-to-income ratio of 5.4x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 534 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,347 per 100,000, 71% above the national average.
Education
26.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Rockvale enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 37°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 318 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Rockvale has a population of 1,229 with a density of 291 people per square mile, spread across 4.2 square miles. The median age is 45.1 years, 16% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.3% female and 43.7% male. The city is predominantly White (85.7%), with 3.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.6% of residents, while 6.4% speak Spanish. 10.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 6.4% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 94.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.1yrs
Median Age
16% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.6%
19% above US avg
Spanish
6.4%
52% below US avg
The median household income in Rockvale is $80,750, which is 7% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,051 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,225, 14% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 39.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 8,776 business establishments, including 681 restaurants. The cost of living index is 91.9, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 41 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 22.7% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $80,750 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,051 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,225 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,175 |
| Gini Index | 0.399 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.2% |
| 39% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 39.7% |
| 220% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 8,776 |
| County GDP | $27,630M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 681 |
| Healthcare | 697 |
| Retail | 953 |
| Manufacturing | 204 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,546 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 91.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.81% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 40.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 22.7% |
The median home value in Rockvale is $440,000, 56% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $476,012. Homes sell for 98.5% of their list price. Fair market rent ranges from $924 for a one-bedroom to $1,118 for a two-bedroom apartment. 98.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 594 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2004. The average annual property tax is $3,546. 29.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.4x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $440,000 |
| 56% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $476,012 |
| Median List Price | $647,165 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $647,165 |
| $/Sq Ft | $214 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.5% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 11 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $882 |
| 1 Bedroom | $924 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,118 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,445 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,644 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 98.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 98.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 1.2% |
| Housing Units | 594 |
| Median Year Built | 2004 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,546 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.81% |
In Rockvale, 36.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 33.4% have high blood pressure. 15.9% are current smokers. 17.2% report binge drinking. 22.5% are physically inactive. 28.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.9% experience frequent mental distress. 10.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,287. The dentist ratio is 1:1,859. 60.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Rockvale vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.7% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.4% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.9% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.5% |
| Depression | 28.5% |
| Mental Distress | 19.9% |
| Physical Distress | 13.3% |
| Short Sleep | 34.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.4% |
| Uninsured | 10.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,287 |
| Dentists | 1:1,859 |
| Mental Health | 1:736 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Dental Visits | 63.1% |
| Premature Death | 8,620/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 60.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 697 |
Rockvale has a violent crime rate of 534 per 100,000 residents, 40% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,347 per 100,000, 71% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 38 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Rockvale receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Rockvale vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 533.6/100K |
| 40% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,346.9/100K |
| 71% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 38 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Rockvale enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winters average 37°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 318 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 40. The city sits at an elevation of 698 feet.
Temperature
37°F Jan (3°C)
78°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 57.9°F |
| 7% above US avg |
| January Average | 37°F (3°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 318 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 698 ft (213 m) |
| Area | 4.2 sq mi (11.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 291/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.7667°N, 86.5212°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Rutherford County County |
| Nearest Airport | Nashville International (BNA)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Mar)
5.83"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 91.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 15.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 56.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
40 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.6 on Mar 10, 2024.
| Dec 8, 2001 |
5 km SW of Pleasant Groves, Alabama |
M3.9 |
120 km |
| Jun 19, 2007 |
10 km ENE of Spencer, Tennessee |
M3.5 |
105 km |
| Mar 18, 1995 |
10 km SE of Dayton, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
148 km |
| Apr 5, 1994 |
10 km N of Trenton, Georgia |
M3.2 |
129 km |
| Mar 21, 2001 |
7 km ESE of Trenton, Georgia |
M3.2 |
142 km |
| May 10, 2020 |
7 km SSE of Sewanee, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
90 km |
| Jan 2, 2000 |
4 km SW of Lester, Alabama |
M2.9 |
108 km |
| Jan 2, 2000 |
4 km SW of Lester, Alabama |
M2.9 |
108 km |
| Aug 7, 2006 |
8 km NNE of Trenton, Georgia |
M2.9 |
133 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
7 km NW of Elkmont, Alabama |
M2.8 |
99 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
11 km S of Pulaski, Tennessee |
M2.8 |
88 km |
| Sep 20, 1990 |
6 km N of Elkmont, Alabama |
M2.8 |
95 km |
| Jun 8, 2014 |
8 km WNW of Dayton, Tennessee |
M2.8 |
132 km |
| May 10, 2020 |
7 km SSE of Sewanee, Tennessee |
M2.8 |
90 km |
| Jan 16, 2019 |
5 km SSE of Wartrace, Tennessee |
M2.8 |
37 km |
| Oct 20, 2017 |
5 km ENE of Hollywood, Alabama |
M2.7 |
126 km |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
17 km E of Olivet, Tennessee |
M2.7 |
149 km |
| Aug 17, 1991 |
5 km NNE of Trenton, Georgia |
M2.7 |
134 km |
| Mar 11, 2017 |
6 km SW of Trinity, Alabama |
M2.7 |
145 km |
| Jun 27, 2020 |
6 km WSW of Chickamauga, Georgia |
M2.7 |
146 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
561 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 117 fatalities, 1,665 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 3, 2020 |
EF4 |
89 km |
19 |
| Apr 10, 2009 |
EF4 |
30 km |
2 |
| Jan 24, 1997 |
EF4 |
2 km |
0 |
| Dec 24, 1988 |
EF4 |
38 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
85 km |
11 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
91 km |
10 |
| Apr 27, 1970 |
EF4 |
94 km |
3 |
| Feb 29, 1952 |
EF4 |
69 km |
2 |
| Feb 13, 1952 |
EF4 |
66 km |
3 |
| May 8, 2024 |
EF3 |
47 km |
1 |
| Apr 1, 2023 |
EF3 |
88 km |
1 |
| Mar 3, 2020 |
EF3 |
60 km |
5 |
| Apr 28, 2014 |
EF3 |
85 km |
2 |
| Apr 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF3 |
70 km |
22 |
| Apr 7, 2006 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 2006 |
EF3 |
66 km |
7 |
| May 11, 2003 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2003 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
13 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (2,638 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
2,638 |
90 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
1,691 |
95 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
1,271 |
85 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
1,236 |
86 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
1,210 |
99 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
1,201 |
98 km |
| 2009 |
LOWER FORD RD |
1,108 |
95 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
1,057 |
95 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
826 |
96 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
703 |
96 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
632 |
94 km |
| 2014 |
MERIWETHER LEWIS |
513 |
89 km |
| 1997 |
UNNAMED |
508 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
37°F (3°C) |
4.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
40°F (5°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| March |
49°F (9°C) |
5.8 in |
Wettest |
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
78°F (25°C) |
4.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (25°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
Driest |
| November |
49°F (9°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| December |
40°F (5°C) |
5.1 in |
|
Rockvale has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 37°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 54.2 inches, with March being the wettest month (5.8") and October the driest (3.5").
Average costs for common services in Rockvale. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$230 ($138–$368) |
| Specialist Visit |
$322 ($184–$505) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$184 ($92–$322) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,022 ($735–$4,595) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$119 ($69–$184) |
| Dental Filling |
$230 ($138–$368) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$69) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$69 ($46–$110) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$276 ($138–$460) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($18–$69) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$551 ($368–$919) |
| Battery Replacement |
$184 ($92–$322) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$92 ($55–$138) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$83 ($46–$129) |
| HVAC Repair |
$368 ($138–$735) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,433 ($3,676–$11,028) |
| Roof Repair |
$919 ($368–$1,838) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,271 ($5,055–$13,785) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,379 ($460–$3,217) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,785 ($4,595–$27,570) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,595 ($1,838–$9,190) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,379 ($735–$2,757) |
| Will Preparation |
$460 ($184–$919) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,298 ($919–$4,595) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$92) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$138 ($69–$230) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46–$119) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.77 ($2.76–$5.05) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.22 ($2.30–$4.60) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.49 ($2.30–$5.05) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.14 ($2.76–$5.97) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.05 ($3.68–$6.89) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.92 ($0.55–$1.65) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$129 ($74–$230) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($28–$138) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($37–$110) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($37–$92) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28–$92) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$78 ($46–$138) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$184 ($69–$460) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,838 ($1,103–$3,217) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($28–$119) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.35–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$92 ($28–$230) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$69) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,103 ($551–$2,298) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$919 ($460–$1,838) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$368 ($184–$643) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23–$92) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$919 ($368–$2,298) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,488 ($4,595–$27,570) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$55 ($28–$92) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$92 ($46–$184) |
| Dog Grooming |
$55 ($28–$92) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($18–$69) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$276 ($138–$460) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$184 ($92–$368) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $917 |
| Toddler | $634 |
| Preschool | $634 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $555 |
| Preschool | $555 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rockvale
What is the population of Rockvale?
Rockvale has a population of 1,229 residents and is located in Tennessee. The population density is 291 people per square mile, spread across 4.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56.3% female and 43.7% male.
Is Rockvale expensive to live in?
Rockvale is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 91.9 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $80,750, 7% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $440,000 (56% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 5.4x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Rockvale safe?
The violent crime rate in Rockvale is 534 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,347 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Rockvale receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Rockvale?
Rockvale enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 37°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 318 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Rockvale?
The job market in Rockvale is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,225. There are 8,776 business establishments in the area, including 681 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 41 minutes, and 22.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Rockvale?
The median home value in Rockvale is $440,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $476,012. The homeownership rate is 98.8%. The average annual property tax is $3,546.
How are the schools in Rockvale?
Schools in Rockvale score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 26.5% of adults in Rockvale hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.1% have completed high school. 5.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Rockvale?
The obesity rate in Rockvale is 36.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.9% of adults are smokers. 22.5% are physically inactive. 28.5% of residents report depression. 10.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 60.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,287.
What is transportation like in Rockvale?
The average commute in Rockvale is 41 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 22.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Rockvale?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Rockvale is 85.7% White, 3.5% Black or African American. 93.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.4% speak Spanish. 10.8% of the population are military veterans. 6.4% of residents have a disability. 94.4% have health insurance coverage.
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