Rockdale, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,553
-1.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$59,135/yr
4.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
951
-0.1% year-over-year change

Rockdale population

How many people live in Rockdale

Rockdale is home to 2,553 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.8% of Rockdale locals are male, and 51.2% are female.

Total population
2,553
-1.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.8%
1,245
Female
51.2%
1,308
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,245 48.8% 0.7%
Female 1,308 51.2% -4.0%
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 Rockdale is 27, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.2% are children under 15, then 21% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.6% of the population, while another 27.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 8.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
27
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.2%
15 to 24
21%
25 to 44
22.6%
45 to 64
27.6%
Over 65
8.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 517 20.2% -6.0%
15 to 24 535 21% 9.9%
25 to 44 578 22.6% -7.7%
45 to 64 706 27.6% -1.1%
Over 65 217 8.5% -1.8%
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 Rockdale, 89.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 7.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 57% of locals are Caucasian, 3.2% are African American and 1.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 19.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
89.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
7.4%
Non-citizens
3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,288 89.6% 0.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 189 7.4% -5.5%
Non-citizens 76 3% -38.2%
Racial breakdown
White
57%
Black or African American
3.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
5.6%
Asian
1.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
19.2%
Other
13.1%
Value Percent
White 1,454 57%
Black or African American 83 3.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 143 5.6%
Asian 47 1.8%
Two or more races 491 19.2%
Other 335 13.1%

Households in Rockdale

A peek inside Rockdale households

Rockdale has 888 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 74% are families, while the remaining 26% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
888
0.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
231
Family households
657
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 231 26% 0.0%
Family households 657 74% 1.1%
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 Rockdale

The housing landscape of Rockdale

Rockdale's housing consists of 951 units, with 75.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
951
-0.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 715 75.2%
1 unit, attached 14 1.5%
2 units 94 9.9%
3 or 4 units 80 8.4%
5 to 9 units 48 5%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Rockdale

In Rockdale, the median construction year is 1953. About 23.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 21.1% 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 220 23.1% -3.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 201 21.1% 10.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 177 18.6% -11.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 148 15.6% 17.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 119 12.5% -5.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 32 3.4% -21.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 19 2% 11.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 29 3% 16.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 6 0.6% -14.3%
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.

Rockdale occupancy rates

Out of the 888 occupied housing units in Rockdale, 46.2% are owner-occupied, while 53.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
888
0.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
478
Owner occupied
410
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 478 53.8% 4.1%
Owner occupied 410 46.2% -2.8%
Unoccupied housing units
6.6%
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.

Rockdale housing costs

Housing costs in Rockdale come to a median of $1,321 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,256.

Median housing costs per month
$1,321/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 Rockdale
$1,256/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 Rockdale

Rockdale education at a glance

About 55.4% of the population in Rockdale went to high school, while 22.8% pursued college studies. Another 4.1% earned an associate degree and 7.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 144 7.3% -18.6%
High school diploma 1,091 55.4% 1.2%
College diploma 449 22.8% -2.0%
Associate degree 81 4.1% 15.7%
Bachelor's degree 142 7.2% 1.4%
Graduate degree 64 3.2% 18.5%
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 Rockdale

How much people earn in Rockdale

The average annual household income in Rockdale was $81,213 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $59,135, reflecting a +4.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Rockdale
$81,213/year
2.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Rockdale
$59,135/year
4.1% year-over-year change

Rockdale income by age

In Rockdale, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $49,643. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $66,845 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $152,946, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $49,167 in earnings. Overall, 74.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $152,946 3.4%
25 - 44 $49,643 0.7%
45 - 64 $66,845 -12.1%
Over 65 $49,167 3.2%
Above poverty level
1,871
Below poverty level
651
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,871 74.2% -0.8%
Below poverty level 651 25.8% -3.6%

Average renter income in Rockdale

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Rockdale, their median household income was $46,020 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 32.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$46,020
Rent-to-income ratio
32.8%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Rockdale

Workforce and job types in Rockdale

The job market in Rockdale is powered by 1,426 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 67.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 32.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 2.1% run their own businesses, 79.7% are employed by private companies, and 13.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,426
1.0% year-over-year change
White collar
968
Blue collar
458
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 968 67.9% 1.6%
Blue collar 458 32.1% -0.2%
Employer type
Self employees
2.1%
Private companies
79.7%
Governmental workers
13.4%
Not for profit companies
4.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 30 2.1% 76.5%
Private companies 1,136 79.7% -1.2%
Governmental workers 191 13.4% 13.7%
Not for profit companies 69 4.8% -10.4%
Unemployment rate
8.7%
5.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Rockdale stands at 8.7%, 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 Rockdale

How people get around in Rockdale

Commuting methods vary: 81.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 12% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,121 81.8% 0.8%
Walk 164 12% -4.1%
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 Rockdale by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
60436 19,423 6,615 $62,961 $75,308

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FAQs about Rockdale demographics 

What is the total population of Rockdale?

Rockdale has a total population of 2,553 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 -1.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Rockdale?

The gender ratio in Rockdale is as follows:
  • 48.8% males (1,245 residents)
  • 51.2% females (1,308 residents)

What is the median age in Rockdale?

The median age in Rockdale is 27.

What is the age distribution of the population in Rockdale?

The age distribution in Rockdale is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.2% (517 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 21% (535 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.6% (578 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.6% (706 residents)
  • Over 65: 8.5% (217 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Rockdale?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Rockdale is as follows:
  • White: 57% (1,454 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.2% (83 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 5.6% (143 residents)
  • Asian: 1.8% (47 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 19.2% (491 residents)
  • Other: 13.1% (335 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 89.6% of the population in Rockdale.

How many housing units are there in Rockdale?

There are 951 housing units in Rockdale, reflecting a -0.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Rockdale has a total of 888 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Rockdale?

Rockdale has a median household income of $59,135, representing a +4.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Rockdale?

The employment rate is 91.3% in Rockdale, with a workforce of 1,426 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 67.9% (968 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 32.1% (458 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 2.1% (30 residents)
  • Private companies: 79.7% (1,136 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.4% (191 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.8% (69 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