Median Income
$61,563
18% lower than US avg
Home Value
$91,300
68% 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
2.9%
19% 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
Unemployment2.9%
Poverty4.3%
County GDP$560M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$91,300
Rent$797
Ownership74.8%
Zillow$157,583
Housing Units838
Rent Burden31.2%
Health
Obesity41.7%
Uninsured3.4%
Smoking17.6%
Depression19.9%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
Rain33.8 in/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 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. 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 2.9%. 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.
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. Annual precipitation totals 33.8 inches, including 32.1 inches of snow.
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 4.1% Hispanic, 4.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97% of residents. 6.8% of the population are veterans. 18.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
2,449
Total Population
2023 Census
39.4yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Rockwell City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.0%
24% 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 2.9% (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 | 2.9% |
| 19% 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 $157,583, 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 | $157,583 |
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. 3.4% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). 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 | 96.6% |
| Uninsured | 3.4% |
| 60% below 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 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. Annual precipitation totals 33.8 inches. The area receives 32.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. 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) |
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)
5.04"
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, Driest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
47°F (9°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
5.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.3 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 33.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.0") and January the driest (0.8").
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.
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. Annual rainfall totals 33.8 inches, with 32.1 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Rockwell City?
The job market in Rockwell City is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.9% / 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 $157,583. 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. 3.4% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 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, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino. 97% of residents speak only English at home. 6.8% of the population are military veterans. 18.5% of residents have a disability. 96.6% have health insurance coverage.