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Moving to Rock Rapids, IA

Thinking of making a move to Rock Rapids, IA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Rock Rapids, IA

Considering a move to Rock Rapids, IA? This welcoming community of 2,600 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $185,000 and average rents near $780. Commute times average 16 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (56% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Rock Rapids's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Rock Rapids, IA

Rock Rapids has a population of 2,600 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 42 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 95% White, 1% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 5% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
2,600
Density
1,250 per sq mi
Median Age
41.8
Gender Ratio
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
4.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
94.5%
Black
0.6%
Asian
0.7%
Others
4.2%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Rock Rapids, IA?

The cost of living in Rock Rapids is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 82.4. Median home values are around $185,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $780. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$185,000
Gross Rent
$780
Monthly Electricity Charges
$118
Auto Insurance
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,240
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$430
State Taxes
Low: 0.6%| High: 8.5%
Cost Of Living Index
82.4
Grocery
96.5
Housing
68.9
Utilities
101.2
Transportation
91.0
Health Care
98.7
Miscellaneous
88.4

Crime

Is Rock Rapids, IA a safe place to live?

Rock Rapids is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 110 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 115. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Iowa.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
110
Property Crimes Per 100k
870
Crime Index
980
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 909
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 115

Weather

What is the weather like in Rock Rapids, IA year-round?

Rock Rapids experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 84°F and cold winters dipping to 10°F. The area receives about 27 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 56% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
10°F
Max
31°F

Summer

Min
61°F
Max
84°F

Spring

Min
38°F
Max
65°F

Fall

Min
40°F
Max
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches
26.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
56%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $68,000 and a low poverty rate of 9.8%. Over 92% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 22% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 16 minutes, and almost 1% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$35,500
Household Income
$68,000
Family Income
$84,500
Per Capita Income
$31,200
Income Male
$42,000
Income Female
$31,500
Poverty Rate
9.8%
Non English Speakers
6.1%
Rent
$780
Unemployment Rate
3.5%
Public Transport Usage
1.2%
Commute Time
15.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
92.1%
Bachelors or More
21.6%

Education

How are the schools in Rock Rapids, IA?

Rock Rapids offers quality education options, with public schools like Rock Rapids Christian School and Central Lyon Community School District known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Northeastern Community College and Iowa State University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Rock Rapids Christian School
Street
702 S River Rd
Phone
712-472-3555
Students
120
Student Teacher Ratio
10.8
Name
Central Lyon Community School District
Street
1010 S Greene St
Phone
712-472-2664
Students
780
Student Teacher Ratio
13.7

Private Schools

Name
Our Savior Lutheran School
Street
2550 160th St
Phone
712-472-2646
Students
85

Colleges

Name
Northeastern Community College
City
Mason City
State
IA
Distance
95 miles
Students
2,100
Name
Iowa State University
City
Ames
State
IA
Distance
145 miles
Students
30,000

Healthcare

Rock Rapids residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Lyon Specialty Care and Lyon County Health Services nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.6 per 1,000 people and 92.4% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Lyon Specialty Care
Address
1010 S Union St, Rock Rapids, IA 51246
Phone
(712) 472-2511
Type
Long-Term & Specialty Care
Emergency Services
No
Name
Lyon County Health Services
Address
1000 S Union St, Rock Rapids, IA 51246
Phone
(712) 472-1461
Type
Clinic & Outpatient Care
Emergency Services
No

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage
92.4%
Health Care Index
69.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Rock Rapids, IA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $185,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 75%. The market has seen a 3.4% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.1%. Rock Rapids offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$185,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$780
Owner Occupied Rate
74.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.4%
New Construction Rate
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Rock Rapids handle vehicle services through the Iowa Department of Transportation, conveniently located in Ames. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Iowa
Department
Iowa Department of Transportation
Address
800 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50010
Phone
1-515-244-8725

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Rock Rapids, IA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Rock Rapids, review the core fields on this page: population 2,600, median home value $185,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $780, commute time 15.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 56%.

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