Median Income
$61,563
18% lower than US avg
Home Value
$91,300
68% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
130/100K
66% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.0%
58% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$797
31% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.7%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.2%
67% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.3%
65% lower than US avg
How Rockwell City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,449
Median Age39.4 yrs
Density582/mi²
Male / Female57% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans6.8%
Economy
A
Median Income$61,563
Per Capita$27,800
Unemployment1.2%
Poverty4.3%
County GDP$560M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$91,300
Rent$797
Ownership74.8%
Zillow$138,143
Housing Units838
Rent Burden31.2%
Crime
F
Violent130/100K
Property941/100K
Health
Obesity41.7%
Uninsured8.7%
Smoking17.6%
Depression19.9%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain33.8 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,215 ft (370 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.0%
High School+90.0%
Graduate+2.7%
School Score6.00
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 26%
Commute21 min
Broadband86.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries7
Is Rockwell City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rockwell City receives an overall livability score of 3.1 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. Rockwell City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Rockwell City is $61,563, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.2%. Only 4.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Rockwell City is $91,300, 68% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $797 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Rockwell City is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 130 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 941 per 100,000, 52% below the national average.
Education
14.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Rockwell City experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 33.8 inches, including 32.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Rockwell City has a population of 2,449 with a density of 582 people per square mile, spread across 4.2 square miles. The median age is 39.4 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.4% female and 56.6% male. The city is predominantly White (86.8%), with 1.8% Hispanic, 4.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.8% of residents. 6.8% of the population are veterans. 16.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.4yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Rockwell City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.8%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.2%
84% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Rockwell City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Rockwell City is $61,563, which is 18% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,800 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $925, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 325 business establishments, including 15 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Rockwell City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $61,563 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,800 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $925 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,557 |
| Gini Index | 0.450 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.2% |
| 67% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.3% |
| 65% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 325 |
| County GDP | $560M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 15 |
| Healthcare | 31 |
| Retail | 49 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,718 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.07% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 67.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.8% |
The median home value in Rockwell City is $91,300, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $138,143, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $797 (31% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 74.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 838 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1956. The average annual property tax is $3,718. 31.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $91,300 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $138,143 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $797 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 74.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.2% |
| Housing Units | 838 |
| Median Year Built | 1956 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,718 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.07% |
In Rockwell City, 41.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 32.5% have high blood pressure. 17.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.9% report binge drinking. 26.0% are physically inactive. 19.9% report depression. 17.4% experience frequent mental distress. 8.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,416. The dentist ratio is 1:2,431. 43.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Rockwell City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.7% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.5% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.0% |
| Depression | 19.9% |
| Mental Distress | 17.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Short Sleep | 33.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.3% |
| Uninsured | 8.7% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,416 |
| Dentists | 1:2,431 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,441 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.3% |
| Dental Visits | 64.6% |
| Premature Death | 7,619/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 43.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 31 |
Rockwell City has a violent crime rate of 130 per 100,000 residents, 66% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 941 per 100,000, 52% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Rockwell City receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Rockwell City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 130.2/100K |
| 66% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 941.1/100K |
| 52% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Rockwell City experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 33.8 inches. The area receives 32.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,215 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.2°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,215 ft (370 m) |
| Area | 4.2 sq mi (10.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 582/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.3981°N, 94.6289°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Calhoun County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.8"
11% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 44.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 48.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.7. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
62 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
605 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 14 fatalities, 420 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
81 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
92 km |
6 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
26 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
17 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
15 km |
1 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
52 km |
1 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.0 in |
|
Rockwell City has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 17°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Rockwell City. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $682 |
| Toddler | $588 |
| Preschool | $588 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $448 |
| Toddler | $441 |
| Preschool | $441 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rockwell City
What is the population of Rockwell City?
Rockwell City has a population of 2,449 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 582 people per square mile, spread across 4.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.4 years. The population is 43.4% female and 56.6% male.
Is Rockwell City expensive to live in?
Rockwell City is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $61,563, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $91,300 (68% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $797 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Rockwell City safe?
Rockwell City is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 130 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 941 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Rockwell City receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Rockwell City?
Rockwell City has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 33.8 inches, with 32.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Rockwell City?
The job market in Rockwell City is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $925. There are 325 business establishments in the area, including 15 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 3.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Rockwell City?
The median home value in Rockwell City is $91,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $138,143. For renters, the median monthly rent is $797. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.8%. The average annual property tax is $3,718.
How are the schools in Rockwell City?
Schools in Rockwell City score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.0% of adults in Rockwell City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.0% have completed high school. 2.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Rockwell City?
The obesity rate in Rockwell City is 41.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.6% of adults are smokers. 26.0% are physically inactive. 19.9% of residents report depression. 8.7% lack health insurance. 43.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,416.
What is transportation like in Rockwell City?
The average commute in Rockwell City is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 67.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Rockwell City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Rockwell City is 86.8% White, 4.4% Black or African American, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino. 97.8% of residents speak only English at home. 6.8% of the population are military veterans. 16.3% of residents have a disability. 95.3% have health insurance coverage.
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