Rockwell City, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,401
-2.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$56,741/yr
-7.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
908
3.6% year-over-year change

Rockwell City population

How many people live in Rockwell City

Rockwell City is home to 2,401 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 56.8% of Rockwell City locals are male, and 43.2% are female.

Total population
2,401
-2.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
56.8%
1,363
Female
43.2%
1,038
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,363 56.8% -1.7%
Female 1,038 43.2% -2.4%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Rockwell City is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 15% are children under 15, then 8.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 31.9% of the population, while another 25.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
15%
15 to 24
8.4%
25 to 44
31.9%
45 to 64
25.3%
Over 65
19.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 360 15% -10.0%
15 to 24 201 8.4% 3.1%
25 to 44 765 31.9% -9.1%
45 to 64 607 25.3% 14.1%
Over 65 468 19.5% -2.5%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Rockwell City, 98% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 85.4% of locals are Caucasian, 4.5% are African American and 0.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.3%
Non-citizens
1.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,354 98% -3.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 8 0.3% -33.3%
Non-citizens 39 1.6% 1,200.0%
Racial breakdown
White
85.4%
Black or African American
4.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.3%
Other
4.3%
Value Percent
White 2,051 85.4%
Black or African American 107 4.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 6 0.2%
Asian 7 0.3%
Two or more races 127 5.3%
Other 103 4.3%

Households in Rockwell City

A peek inside Rockwell City households

Rockwell City has 819 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 59.6% are families, while the remaining 40.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
819
3.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
331
Family households
488
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 331 40.4% 8.5%
Family households 488 59.6% 0.6%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Rockwell City

The housing landscape of Rockwell City

Rockwell City's housing consists of 908 units, with 83% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.4% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
908
3.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 754 83%
1 unit, attached 13 1.4%
2 units 8 0.9%
3 or 4 units 2 0.2%
5 to 9 units 42 4.6%
10 to 19 units 3 0.3%
20 to 49 units 26 2.9%
50 or more units 23 2.5%
Mobile home 3 0.3%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 34 3.7%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Rockwell City

In Rockwell City, the median construction year is 1955. About 31.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 9.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 285 31.4% 17.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 85 9.4% 21.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 160 17.6% -3.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 163 18% -7.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 110 12.1% -5.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 45 5% -2.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 28 3.1% 27.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 6 0.7% -62.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 26 2.9% 23.8%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Rockwell City occupancy rates

Out of the 819 occupied housing units in Rockwell City, 73.9% are owner-occupied, while 26.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
819
3.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
214
Owner occupied
605
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 214 26.1% 7.5%
Owner occupied 605 73.9% 2.4%
Unoccupied housing units
9.8%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Rockwell City housing costs

Housing costs in Rockwell City come to a median of $651 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $796.

Median housing costs per month
$651/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Rockwell City
$796/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Rockwell City

Rockwell City education at a glance

About 48.1% of the population in Rockwell City went to high school, while 23.5% pursued college studies. Another 9.7% earned an associate degree and 9.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 2.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 120 6.1% 192.7%
High school diploma 944 48.1% -1.8%
College diploma 462 23.5% -5.5%
Associate degree 190 9.7% 2.7%
Bachelor's degree 191 9.7% -6.8%
Graduate degree 56 2.8% -15.2%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Rockwell City

How much people earn in Rockwell City

The average annual household income in Rockwell City was $73,000 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $56,741, reflecting a -7.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Rockwell City
$73,000/year
-1.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Rockwell City
$56,741/year
-7.8% year-over-year change

Rockwell City income by age

In Rockwell City, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $71,667. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $61,012 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $41,250, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $44,821 in earnings. Overall, 89.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $41,250 -7.5%
25 - 44 $71,667 -6.9%
45 - 64 $61,012 28.4%
Over 65 $44,821 -11.7%
Above poverty level
1,678
Below poverty level
196
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,678 89.5% -5.2%
Below poverty level 196 10.5% 36.1%

Employment in Rockwell City

Workforce and job types in Rockwell City

The job market in Rockwell City is powered by 786 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 71.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 28.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.8% run their own businesses, 50% are employed by private companies, and 24.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
786
0.9% year-over-year change
White collar
563
Blue collar
223
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 563 71.6% 0.5%
Blue collar 223 28.4% 1.8%
Employer type
Self employees
10.8%
Private companies
50%
Governmental workers
24.8%
Not for profit companies
14.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 85 10.8% -5.6%
Private companies 393 50% 0.5%
Governmental workers 195 24.8% -1.5%
Not for profit companies 113 14.4% 13.0%
Unemployment rate
1.8%
-39.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Rockwell City stands at 1.8%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Rockwell City

How people get around in Rockwell City

In Rockwell City, the average commute time is 23 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 89.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
23 min
8.7% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 700 89.5% 1.4%
Bicycle 17 2.2% -15.0%
Walk 13 1.7% 18.2%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Rockwell City by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
50579 3,034 1,085 $61,108 $79,475

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FAQs about Rockwell City demographics 

What is the total population of Rockwell City?

Rockwell City has a total population of 2,401 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -2.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Rockwell City?

The gender ratio in Rockwell City is as follows:
  • 56.8% males (1,363 residents)
  • 43.2% females (1,038 residents)

What is the median age in Rockwell City?

The median age in Rockwell City is 41.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Rockwell City?

The age distribution in Rockwell City is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15% (360 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.4% (201 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 31.9% (765 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.3% (607 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.5% (468 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Rockwell City?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Rockwell City is as follows:
  • White: 85.4% (2,051 residents)
  • Black or African American: 4.5% (107 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (6 residents)
  • Asian: 0.3% (7 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.3% (127 residents)
  • Other: 4.3% (103 residents)

What percentage of the population in Rockwell City are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 98% of the population in Rockwell City.

How many housing units are there in Rockwell City?

There are 908 housing units in Rockwell City, reflecting a +3.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Rockwell City and what is the average household size?

Rockwell City has a total of 819 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Rockwell City?

Rockwell City has a median household income of $56,741, representing a -7.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Rockwell City?

The employment rate is 98.2% in Rockwell City, with a workforce of 786 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 71.6% (563 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 28.4% (223 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.8% (85 residents)
  • Private companies: 50% (393 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 24.8% (195 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 14.4% (113 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025