Median Income
$54,861
27% lower than US avg
Home Value
$46,000
84% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
130/100K
66% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.1%
73% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$563
52% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.6%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
11.3%
214% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.6%
79% lower than US avg
How Rolfe Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population618
Median Age43.0 yrs
Density589/mi²
Male / Female59% / 41%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans9.5%
Economy
C+
Median Income$54,861
Per Capita$23,560
Unemployment11.3%
Poverty2.6%
County GDP$642M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$46,000
Rent$563
Ownership81.1%
Zillow$72,615
Housing Units328
Rent Burden18.3%
Crime
F
Violent130/100K
Property584/100K
Health
Obesity36.6%
Uninsured8.1%
Smoking17.1%
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain32.8 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,179 ft (359 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.1%
High School+83.7%
Graduate+1.1%
School Score5.63
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 22%
Commute18 min
Broadband83.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries9
Is Rolfe a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rolfe receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Rolfe has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Rolfe is $54,861, 27% below the national average of $75,149. At 11.3%, unemployment is notably high. Only 2.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Rolfe is $46,000, 84% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $563 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 0.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Rolfe 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 584 per 100,000, 70% below the national average.
Education
9.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Rolfe 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 32.8 inches, including 38.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Rolfe has a population of 618 with a density of 589 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 43.0 years, 11% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 40.8% female and 59.2% male. The city is predominantly White (94%), with 3.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.6% of residents. 9.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 24.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.0yrs
Median Age
11% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.6%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.4%
90% below US avg
The median household income in Rolfe is $54,861, which is 27% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,560 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,015, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 11.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 2.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 265 business establishments, including 12 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $54,861 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,560 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,015 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,570 |
| Gini Index | 0.400 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 11.3% |
| 214% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.6% |
| 79% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 265 |
| County GDP | $642M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 12 |
| Healthcare | 17 |
| Retail | 26 |
| Manufacturing | 11 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,850 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.20% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.4% |
The median home value in Rolfe is $46,000, 84% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $72,615, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $563 (52% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 81.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 328 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $2,850 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 18.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $46,000 |
| 84% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $72,615 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $563 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 81.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.9% |
| Housing Units | 328 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,850 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.20% |
In Rolfe, 36.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 30.7% have high blood pressure. 17.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.5% report binge drinking. 25.9% are physically inactive. 21.9% report depression. 18.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,537. The dentist ratio is 1:1,763. 73.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Rolfe vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.6% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.7% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.9% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Short Sleep | 33.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.6% |
| Uninsured | 8.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,537 |
| Dentists | 1:1,763 |
| Mental Health | 1:6,976 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.1% |
| Dental Visits | 66.8% |
| Premature Death | 9,324/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 73.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 17 |
Rolfe has a violent crime rate of 130 per 100,000 residents, 66% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 584 per 100,000, 70% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Rolfe receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Rolfe vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 129.8/100K |
| 66% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 584.0/100K |
| 70% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Rolfe 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 32.8 inches. The area receives 38.8 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 1,179 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-9°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.9°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,179 ft (359 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 589/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.8132°N, 94.5319°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Pocahontas County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.8"
14% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 33.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 31.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 68.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively 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 |
47 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
579 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 13 fatalities, 339 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
72 km |
6 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
28 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
21 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
27 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
61 km |
1 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
81 km |
1 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1994 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
63 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 |
52 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-9°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-6°C) |
1.0 in |
|
Rolfe has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 17°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Rolfe. 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 | $691 |
| Toddler | $596 |
| Preschool | $596 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $454 |
| Toddler | $447 |
| Preschool | $447 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rolfe
What is the population of Rolfe?
Rolfe has a population of 618 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 589 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 40.8% female and 59.2% male.
Is Rolfe expensive to live in?
Rolfe 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 $54,861, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $46,000 (84% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $563 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Rolfe safe?
Rolfe 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 584 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Rolfe receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Rolfe?
Rolfe 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 32.8 inches, with 38.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Rolfe?
The job market in Rolfe faces challenges, with unemployment at 11.3% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,015. There are 265 business establishments in the area, including 12 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 8.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Rolfe?
The median home value in Rolfe is $46,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $72,615. For renters, the median monthly rent is $563. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 81.1%. The average annual property tax is $2,850.
How are the schools in Rolfe?
Schools in Rolfe score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.1% of adults in Rolfe hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.7% have completed high school. 1.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Rolfe?
The obesity rate in Rolfe is 36.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.1% of adults are smokers. 25.9% are physically inactive. 21.9% of residents report depression. 8.1% lack health insurance. 73.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,537.
What is transportation like in Rolfe?
The average commute in Rolfe is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Rolfe?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Rolfe is 94% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino. 98.6% of residents speak only English at home. 9.5% of the population are military veterans. 24.0% of residents have a disability. 89.6% have health insurance coverage.
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