Iowa / County

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.

  • 100% Free Moving Quotes
  • No Obligation
  • Vetted & Licensed Movers
  • Secure & Private
Plan smarter before requesting quotes. Use local costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, and DMV details below to compare Rock Rapids before you move.

Moving Help for Your Rock Rapids, IA Relocation

After you review the local facts on this page, use the service links below to compare quote options for the type of Rock Rapids move you are planning, including local, long-distance, apartment, piano, small, and budget-conscious moves.

Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Rock Rapids, IA

Considering a move to Rock Rapids, IA? This welcoming community of 2,611 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $184,000 and average rents near $725. Commute times average 13 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (63% 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 2,611 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 97% White, 1% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 3% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
2,611
Density
1,150 per sq mi
Median Age
42.3
Gender Ratio
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
3.1%

Ethnic Composition

White
96.5%
Black
0.5%
Asian
0.7%
Others
2.3%

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 85.2. Median home values are around $184,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $725. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$184,000
Gross Rent
$725
Monthly Electricity Charges
$115
Auto Insurance
$950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$415
State Taxes
Low: 4.40%| High: 8.53%
Cost Of Living Index
85.2
Grocery
92.8
Housing
78.5
Utilities
90.4
Transportation
83.1
Health Care
91.6
Miscellaneous
86.2

Crime

Is Rock Rapids, IA a safe place to live?

Rock Rapids is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 98 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 140. 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
98
Property Crimes Per 100k
715
Crime Index
813
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 1,020
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 140

Weather

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

Rock Rapids experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 83°F and cold winters dipping to 7°F. The area receives about 29 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 63% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
7°F
Max
27°F

Summer

Min
58°F
Max
83°F

Spring

Min
35°F
Max
62°F

Fall

Min
38°F
Max
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches
28.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
63%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $63,210 and a low poverty rate of 8.1%. Over 95% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 24% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 13 minutes, and almost 0% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$38,400
Household Income
$63,210
Family Income
$74,800
Per Capita Income
$32,500
Income Male
$44,100
Income Female
$31,400
Poverty Rate
8.1%
Non English Speakers
3.1%
Rent
$725
Unemployment Rate
2.3%
Public Transport Usage
0.2%
Commute Time
13.2 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
94.8%
Bachelors or More
24.1%

Education

How are the schools in Rock Rapids, IA?

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

Public Schools

Name
Central Lyon Elementary School
Street
1010 S Greene St
Phone
712-472-2664
Students
440
Student Teacher Ratio
13.1
Name
Central Lyon High School
Street
1010 S Greene St
Phone
712-472-4051
Students
270
Student Teacher Ratio
13.7

Colleges

Name
Northwestern College
City
Orange City
State
IA
Distance
36 miles
Students
1,500
Name
Dordt University
City
Sioux Center
State
IA
Distance
43 miles
Students
1,800

Healthcare

Rock Rapids residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Sanford Rock Rapids Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.5 per 1,000 people and 94.6% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Sanford Rock Rapids Medical Center
Address
702 8th Ave E, Rock Rapids, IA 51246
Phone
(712) 472-2591
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage
94.6%
Health Care Index
72.8

Housing Market

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

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $184,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 81%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.1%. Rock Rapids offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$184,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$725
Owner Occupied Rate
80.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate
0.3%

DMV Information

Residents of Rock Rapids handle vehicle services through the Iowa Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division, conveniently located in Le Mars. 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 - Motor Vehicle Division
Address
1420 Highway 60 S., Le Mars, IA 51031
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 2,611, median home value $184,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $725, commute time 13.2 minutes, and sunny days percentage 63%.

Ready to Move to Rock Rapids, IA?

When your relocation research is done, request quote options and plan your move with confidence.

Get Free Moving Quotes