Median Income
$80,833
8% higher than US avg
Home Value
$146,200
48% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.9%
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.9%
37% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.5%
25% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.5%
31% lower than US avg
How Rocky Ford Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population220
Median Age49.7 yrs
Density32/mi²
Male / Female45% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 57%
Veterans10.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$80,833
Per Capita$28,698
Unemployment4.5%
Poverty8.5%
County GDP$1,335M
Commute31 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$146,200
Ownership94.4%
Zillow$200,929
Housing Units95
Rent Burden26.7%
Health
Obesity43.9%
Uninsured26.8%
Smoking23.5%
Depression25.8%
Heart Disease7.2%
Climate
Avg Temp60°F (16°C)
Rain49.5 in/yr
Elevation1,009 ft (308 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.9%
High School+85.8%
Graduate+9.4%
School Score5.05
Community
2024 VoteR 80% / D 19%
Commute31 min
Broadband76.4%
EV Stations6
Libraries3
Is Rocky Ford a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rocky Ford receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Rocky Ford offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Rocky Ford is $80,833, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.5%, indicating a healthy job market. 8.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Rocky Ford is $146,200, 48% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
20.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Rocky Ford enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F. Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 49.5 inches.
Rocky Ford has a population of 220 with a density of 32 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age is 49.7 years, 28% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.5% female and 44.5% male. The city is predominantly White (57.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.9% of residents. 10.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 25.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 73.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
220
Total Population
2023 Census
49.7yrs
Median Age
28% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Rocky Ford vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.9%
21% above US avg
Spanish
3.8%
72% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Rocky Ford vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Rocky Ford is $80,833, which is 8% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,698 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $818, 43% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 8.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 942 business establishments, including 87 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes. 4.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Rocky Ford vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $80,833 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,698 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $818 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,487 |
| Gini Index | 0.470 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.5% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 942 |
| County GDP | $1,335M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 87 |
| Healthcare | 83 |
| Retail | 149 |
| Manufacturing | 23 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,794 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.60% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 91.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.7% |
The median home value in Rocky Ford is $146,200, 48% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $200,929, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $995 for a two-bedroom apartment. 94.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 95 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1991. The average annual property tax is $3,794. 26.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $146,200 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $200,929 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $744 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $995 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,501 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 94.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 94.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 5.6% |
| Housing Units | 95 |
| Median Year Built | 1991 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,794 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.60% |
In Rocky Ford, 43.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.9% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.2% of residents, above the national average. 39.9% have high blood pressure. 23.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.6% report binge drinking. 33.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.1% experience frequent mental distress. 26.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,563. The dentist ratio is 1:2,180. 49.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Rocky Ford vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.9% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.9% |
| Heart Disease | 7.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.9% |
| Asthma | 13.4% |
| COPD | 8.9% |
| Cancer | 6.8% |
| Stroke | 4.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 23.5% |
| 68% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.2% |
| Depression | 25.8% |
| Mental Distress | 21.1% |
| Physical Distress | 16.9% |
| Short Sleep | 43.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 73.2% |
| Uninsured | 26.8% |
| 212% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,563 |
| Dentists | 1:2,180 |
| Mental Health | 1:474 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.9% |
| Dental Visits | 50.7% |
| Premature Death | 13,171/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 49.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 83 |
Rocky Ford enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (16°C). Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 49.5 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 4.3 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 1,009 feet.
Temperature
39°F Jan (4°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 60.4°F |
| 12% above US avg |
| January Average | 39°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,009 ft (308 m) |
| Area | 2.4 sq mi (6.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 32/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.1558°N, 94.9110°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Delaware County County |
| Nearest Airport | Grand Lake Regional (NRI)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
49.5"
30% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
6.22"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 82.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 90.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 5.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
66 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M2.9 on Aug 14, 2024.
| Aug 24, 2021 |
1 km S of Quinton, Oklahoma |
M3.7 |
123 km |
| Aug 18, 2019 |
1 km ENE of Quinton, Oklahoma |
M3.7 |
121 km |
| Aug 22, 2021 |
3 km ESE of Quinton, Oklahoma |
M3.4 |
122 km |
| Jul 22, 2021 |
2 km E of Quinton, Oklahoma |
M3.3 |
121 km |
| Feb 7, 2020 |
2 km SSW of Quinton, Oklahoma |
M3.2 |
125 km |
| Feb 7, 2020 |
3 km SSW of Quinton, Oklahoma |
M3.2 |
125 km |
| May 27, 2007 |
9 km SW of Hanna, Oklahoma |
M3.2 |
148 km |
| Aug 12, 2019 |
1 km NE of Quinton, Oklahoma |
M3.2 |
121 km |
| Jun 3, 2022 |
10 km W of Quinton, Oklahoma |
M3.2 |
126 km |
| Mar 14, 2022 |
12 km E of Crowder, Oklahoma |
M3.1 |
130 km |
| Jan 7, 2018 |
7 km SW of Indianola, Oklahoma |
M3.1 |
143 km |
| Apr 1, 2020 |
2 km NE of Quinton, Oklahoma |
M3.1 |
119 km |
| Sep 21, 2019 |
2 km NNE of Quinton, Oklahoma |
M2.9 |
120 km |
| Feb 3, 2021 |
1 km SW of Quinton, Oklahoma |
M2.9 |
123 km |
| Aug 14, 2024 |
13 km WSW of Quinton, Oklahoma |
M2.9 |
131 km |
| May 8, 2022 |
13 km WSW of Quinton, Oklahoma |
M2.9 |
131 km |
| Aug 12, 2021 |
2 km E of Quinton, Oklahoma |
M2.8 |
121 km |
| Jul 8, 2019 |
3 km ENE of Quinton, OK |
M2.8 |
120 km |
| Mar 23, 2024 |
9 km SE of Foyil, Oklahoma |
M2.8 |
54 km |
| Jun 5, 2022 |
13 km WSW of Quinton, Oklahoma |
M2.8 |
131 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
821 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 72 fatalities, 1,380 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 10, 2008 |
EF4 |
96 km |
21 |
| Apr 24, 1993 |
EF4 |
83 km |
7 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1975 |
EF4 |
81 km |
3 |
| May 26, 1973 |
EF4 |
77 km |
5 |
| May 5, 1960 |
EF4 |
92 km |
5 |
| Sep 27, 1959 |
EF4 |
83 km |
1 |
| Jan 22, 1957 |
EF4 |
87 km |
10 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2024 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2024 |
EF3 |
78 km |
2 |
| Mar 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
36 km |
4 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
37 km |
2 |
| May 4, 1999 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1996 |
EF3 |
96 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (18,089 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
18,089 |
54 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
12,086 |
59 km |
| 2017 |
MIDDLE RIDGE |
8,501 |
69 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
7,415 |
98 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
6,657 |
70 km |
| 2017 |
HILLTOP |
6,523 |
52 km |
| 2005 |
TEXANNA ROAD |
6,139 |
92 km |
| 2010 |
SPUD ROCK CENTRAL |
6,117 |
99 km |
| 2009 |
TELAMAY HOLLOW |
5,686 |
17 km |
| 2017 |
PERSIMMON RIDGE |
5,333 |
58 km |
| 2009 |
SAWMILL HOLLOW |
5,166 |
15 km |
| 2011 |
GRUBER |
4,831 |
53 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
4,546 |
17 km |
| 2005 |
FLAT ROCK |
4,472 |
35 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
4,292 |
86 km |
| 2021 |
ALEXANDER MOUNTAIN BLOCKS 1 2 5 |
4,214 |
99 km |
| 1995 |
F128 |
4,210 |
17 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,909 |
99 km |
| 2024 |
NATURE FIRE |
3,744 |
14 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
3,700 |
56 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
39°F (4°C) |
3.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
43°F (6°C) |
2.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
52°F (11°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| April |
61°F (16°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| May |
68°F (20°C) |
6.2 in |
Wettest |
| June |
76°F (24°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
73°F (23°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| October |
62°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| November |
50°F (10°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| December |
42°F (5°C) |
3.0 in |
|
Rocky Ford has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 39°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 49.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (6.2") and February the driest (2.5").
Average costs for common services in Rocky Ford. 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 | $902 |
| Toddler | $780 |
| Preschool | $780 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $655 |
| Toddler | $603 |
| Preschool | $603 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rocky Ford
What is the population of Rocky Ford?
Rocky Ford has a population of 220 residents and is located in Oklahoma. The population density is 32 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.5% female and 44.5% male.
Is Rocky Ford expensive to live in?
Rocky Ford 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 $80,833, 8% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $146,200 (48% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Rocky Ford?
Rocky Ford enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 39°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 49.5 inches, with 4.3 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Rocky Ford?
Rocky Ford has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.5%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $818. There are 942 business establishments in the area, including 87 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 31 minutes, and 4.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Rocky Ford?
The median home value in Rocky Ford is $146,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $200,929. The homeownership rate is 94.4%. The average annual property tax is $3,794.
How are the schools in Rocky Ford?
Schools in Rocky Ford score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.9% of adults in Rocky Ford hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.8% have completed high school. 9.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Rocky Ford?
The obesity rate in Rocky Ford is 43.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 23.5% of adults are smokers. 33.2% are physically inactive. 25.8% of residents report depression. 26.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 49.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,563.
What is transportation like in Rocky Ford?
The average commute in Rocky Ford is 31 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 91.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Rocky Ford?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Rocky Ford is 57.3% White. 94.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.8% speak Spanish. 10.3% of the population are military veterans. 25.5% of residents have a disability. 73.2% have health insurance coverage.