Median Income
$77,143
3% higher than US avg
Home Value
$65,500
77% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
290/100K
24% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.4%
69% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.7%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.8%
50% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.4%
81% lower than US avg
How Rose Hill Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population286
Median Age42.4 yrs
Density2,043/mi²
Male / Female59% / 41%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans12.4%
Economy
A+
Median Income$77,143
Per Capita$28,527
Unemployment1.8%
Poverty2.4%
County GDP$1,192M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$65,500
Ownership89.0%
Zillow$231,355
Housing Units128
Rent Burden20.0%
Crime
F
Violent290/100K
Property4,328/100K
Health
Obesity38.7%
Uninsured6.9%
Smoking17.3%
Depression22.8%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation811 ft (247 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.4%
High School+87.0%
Graduate+4.4%
School Score5.36
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 24%
Commute30 min
Broadband79.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Rose Hill a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rose Hill 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. Rose Hill offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Rose Hill is $77,143, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.8%. Only 2.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Rose Hill is $65,500, 77% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 0.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Rose Hill is below the national average at 290 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,328 per 100,000, 121% above the national average.
Education
10.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Rose Hill experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Rose Hill has a population of 286 with a density of 2,043 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 42.4 years, 9% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 41.3% female and 58.7% male. The city is predominantly White (99.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 12.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.4yrs
Median Age
9% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Rose Hill vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Rose Hill vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Rose Hill is $77,143, which is 3% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,527 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,067, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 625 business establishments, including 44 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 8.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Rose Hill vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $77,143 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,527 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,067 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $73,144 |
| Gini Index | 0.426 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.8% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.4% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 625 |
| County GDP | $1,192M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 44 |
| Healthcare | 43 |
| Retail | 75 |
| Manufacturing | 26 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,289 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.55% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.5% |
| Public Transit | 2.2% |
| Work from Home | 8.1% |
The median home value in Rose Hill is $65,500, 77% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $231,355, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 89.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 128 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,289 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 20.0% 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 | $65,500 |
| 77% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $231,355 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 89.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 11.0% |
| Housing Units | 128 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,289 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.55% |
In Rose Hill, 38.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 31.3% have high blood pressure. 17.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.3% report binge drinking. 26.4% are physically inactive. 22.8% report depression. 18.5% experience frequent mental distress. 6.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,374. The dentist ratio is 1:1,995. 70.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Rose Hill vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.7% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.3% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.3% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.4% |
| Depression | 22.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.5% |
| Physical Distress | 12.7% |
| Short Sleep | 34.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.5% |
| Uninsured | 6.9% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,374 |
| Dentists | 1:1,995 |
| Mental Health | 1:706 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.0% |
| Dental Visits | 68.8% |
| Premature Death | 7,887/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 43 |
Rose Hill has a violent crime rate of 290 per 100,000 residents, 24% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,328 per 100,000, 121% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Rose Hill receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Rose Hill vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 290.4/100K |
| 24% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,328.0/100K |
| 121% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Rose Hill experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 37.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 811 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.9°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 811 ft (247 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,043/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.3204°N, 92.4636°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Mahaska County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ottumwa Regional (OTM)
15 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.4"
2% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 29.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 23.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 78.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
546 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 16 fatalities, 346 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
36 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1959 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
88 km |
1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1978 |
EF3 |
94 km |
6 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Nov 9, 1975 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1971 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 (1,050 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 |
1,050 |
74 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
63 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
63 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
64 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
65 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Rose Hill has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 21°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.1 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Rose Hill. 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 | $680 |
| Toddler | $586 |
| Preschool | $586 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $459 |
| Toddler | $452 |
| Preschool | $452 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rose Hill
What is the population of Rose Hill?
Rose Hill has a population of 286 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 2,043 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 41.3% female and 58.7% male.
Is Rose Hill expensive to live in?
Rose Hill 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 $77,143, 3% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $65,500 (77% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 0.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Rose Hill safe?
Rose Hill is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 290 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,328 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Rose Hill receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Rose Hill?
Rose Hill has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Rose Hill?
The job market in Rose Hill is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,067. There are 625 business establishments in the area, including 44 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 8.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Rose Hill?
The median home value in Rose Hill is $65,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $231,355. The homeownership rate is 89.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,289.
How are the schools in Rose Hill?
Schools in Rose Hill score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.4% of adults in Rose Hill hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.0% have completed high school. 4.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Rose Hill?
The obesity rate in Rose Hill is 38.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.3% of adults are smokers. 26.4% are physically inactive. 22.8% of residents report depression. 6.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 70.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,374.
What is transportation like in Rose Hill?
The average commute in Rose Hill is 30 minutes. 73.5% of workers drive alone to work, 2.2% use public transit, and 8.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Rose Hill?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Rose Hill is 99.3% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 12.4% of the population are military veterans. 17.0% of residents have a disability. 95.5% have health insurance coverage.
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