Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Rock Valley, IA
Thinking of moving to Rock Valley, IA? With a friendly small-town feel and a population of just over 4,000, Rock Valley offers affordable living—median home prices are around $225,000 and average rents about $980. Residents enjoy low crime rates, short 14-minute average commutes, and strong local schools. With a tight-knit community, reliable healthcare, and plenty of sunny days, Rock Valley is a great choice for those seeking comfort, safety, and a slower pace of life in northwest Iowa.
Demographics - Rock Valley, IA
Demographics - Rock Valley, IA
Rock Valley is a close-knit community of just over 4,000 residents with a youthful median age of 32.7 years. The population is predominantly white, with a small but notable percentage of non-English speakers, creating a welcoming small-town atmosphere with some cultural diversity.
Population:
4,059
Density:
1,080 per sq mi
Median Age:
32.7
Gender Ratio:
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
91.4%
Black:
0.6%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
7.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Rock Valley, IA?
Rock Valley offers an affordable cost of living, with median home values around $225,000 and average rents at $980. Essential expenses like utilities and groceries remain below national averages, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious families and individuals.
Median House Value:
$225,000
Gross Rent:
$980
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,200
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$430
State Taxes:
Low:
0.33%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
86.8
Grocery:
94.2
Housing:
78.5
Utilities:
93.0
Transportation:
87.5
Health Care:
96.2
Miscellaneous:
93.8
Crime
Is Rock Valley, IA a safe place to live?
Rock Valley boasts a low crime rate, with violent crime being rare—about 85 incidents per 100,000 people—ensuring a strong sense of safety. Property crime is also relatively low, providing peace of mind for residents and families.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
85
Property Crimes Per 100k:
780
Crime Index:
865
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,176
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 128
Weather
What is the weather like in Rock Valley, IA year-round?
Residents experience four distinct seasons, with warm summers averaging highs in the mid-80s and cold winters dipping to the upper single digits. The area enjoys 59% sunny days annually and moderate rainfall, making for pleasant outdoor living most of the year.
Winter
Min:
8°F
Max:
29°F
Spring
Min:
34°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
59°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
39°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
27.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
59%
Neighbors
Rock Valley features a strong sense of community, with a median household income of $73,200 and a low unemployment rate of just 2.1%. Most residents have short, 14-minute commutes and high educational attainment, contributing to the city’s friendly and stable environment.
Median Income:
$38,900
Household Income:
$73,200
Family Income:
$88,400
Per Capita Income:
$32,900
Income Male:
$44,200
Income Female:
$35,100
Poverty Rate:
7.0%
Non English Speakers:
7.1%
Rent:
$980
Unemployment Rate:
2.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
14.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.0%
Bachelors or More:
28.4%
Education
How are the schools in Rock Valley, IA?
Rock Valley offers quality public and private schooling options, with small class sizes and a strong student-teacher ratio. Nearby higher education opportunities, like Northwestern College just 20 miles away, provide access to further learning close to home.
Public Schools
Name:
Rock Valley Community School
Street:
1712 20th Ave
Phone:
712-476-2701
Students:
910
Student Teacher Ratio:
15:1
Private Schools
Name:
Rock Valley Christian School
Street:
1405 17th Street
Phone:
712-476-2615
Students:
120
Colleges
Name:
Northwestern College
City:
Orange City
State:
IA
Distance:
20 miles
Students:
1,500
Healthcare
The city is served by Hegg Health Center, offering comprehensive general and emergency care. With 1.9 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 95% health insurance coverage, Rock Valley ensures accessible and reliable healthcare for its population.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Hegg Health Center
Address:
1202 21st Ave, Rock Valley, IA 51247
Phone:
(712) 476-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.1%
Health Care Index:
73.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Rock Valley, IA?
The housing market in Rock Valley is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $225,000 and an owner-occupancy rate exceeding 80%. Home values have seen modest appreciation, and rental vacancies remain low, reflecting a healthy demand for both buying and renting.
Median Home Price:
$225,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$980
Owner Occupied Rate:
80.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
2.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Residents handle motor vehicle services through the Iowa Department of Transportation, with convenient resources available online or at the Ankeny location. The DMV provides standard licensing, registration, and title services for Rock Valley and surrounding areas.
State:
Iowa
Department:
Iowa Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
6310 SE Convenience Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50021
Phone:
1-800-532-1121
Website:
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.