Rocky River, OH demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
21,490
0.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$94,026/yr
0.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
10,438
-0.1% year-over-year change

Rocky River population

How many people live in Rocky River

Rocky River is home to 21,490 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.7% of Rocky River locals are male, and 53.3% are female.

Total population
21,490
0.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.7%
10,039
Female
53.3%
11,451
Value Percent YoY change
Male 10,039 46.7% 1.0%
Female 11,451 53.3% -0.9%
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 Rocky River is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 18% are children under 15, then 8.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.3% of the population, while another 23.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 24.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
43.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
18%
15 to 24
8.8%
25 to 44
25.3%
45 to 64
23.4%
Over 65
24.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,878 18% -2.6%
15 to 24 1,891 8.8% 8.9%
25 to 44 5,436 25.3% 0.5%
45 to 64 5,023 23.4% -3.1%
Over 65 5,262 24.5% 1.6%
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 Rocky River, 88.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 8.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 89.6% of locals are Caucasian, 2.3% are African American and 2.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
88.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
8.1%
Non-citizens
3.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 19,070 88.7% 0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,733 8.1% -9.8%
Non-citizens 687 3.2% 32.1%
Racial breakdown
White
89.6%
Black or African American
2.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
2.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.3%
Other
0.4%
Value Percent
White 19,266 89.6%
Black or African American 503 2.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 12 0.1%
Asian 480 2.2%
Two or more races 1,140 5.3%
Other 89 0.4%

Households in Rocky River

A peek inside Rocky River households

Rocky River has 9,738 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 55.4% are families, while the remaining 44.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
9,738
-0.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
4,338
Family households
5,400
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,338 44.6% 3.0%
Family households 5,400 55.4% -2.6%
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 Rocky River

The housing landscape of Rocky River

Rocky River's housing consists of 10,438 units, with 55.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.6% 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 0.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
10,438
-0.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 5,790 55.5%
1 unit, attached 686 6.6%
2 units 210 2%
3 or 4 units 96 0.9%
5 to 9 units 574 5.5%
10 to 19 units 568 5.4%
20 to 49 units 524 5%
50 or more units 1,921 18.4%
Mobile home 69 0.7%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Rocky River

In Rocky River, the median construction year is 1962. About 17% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.9% 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 1,780 17% -5.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 926 8.9% -3.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,044 19.6% 0.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,624 25.1% 1.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,047 10% -6.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 790 7.6% -1.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 492 4.7% -8.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 147 1.4% -12.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 588 5.6% 57.6%
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.

Rocky River occupancy rates

Out of the 9,738 occupied housing units in Rocky River, 69.7% are owner-occupied, while 30.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
9,738
-0.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,952
Owner occupied
6,786
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,952 30.3% 5.1%
Owner occupied 6,786 69.7% -2.3%
Unoccupied housing units
6.7%
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.

Rocky River housing costs

Housing costs in Rocky River come to a median of $1,354 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,175.

Median housing costs per month
$1,354/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 Rocky River
$1,175/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 Rocky River

Rocky River education at a glance

About 17.3% of the population in Rocky River went to high school, while 14.7% pursued college studies. Another 4.9% earned an associate degree and 33.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 28.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 203 1.2% -16.1%
High school diploma 2,922 17.3% -2.3%
College diploma 2,494 14.7% 8.1%
Associate degree 822 4.9% -1.9%
Bachelor's degree 5,623 33.2% -1.7%
Graduate degree 4,858 28.7% 2.3%
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 Rocky River

How much people earn in Rocky River

The average annual household income in Rocky River was $151,082 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $94,026, reflecting a +0.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Rocky River
$151,082/year
0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Rocky River
$94,026/year
0.1% year-over-year change

Rocky River income by age

In Rocky River, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $116,450. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $127,477 overall. Overall, 94.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $116,450 -2.7%
45 - 64 $127,477 -3.1%
Over 65 $67,470 -4.1%
Above poverty level
19,791
Below poverty level
1,141
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 19,791 94.6% 0.1%
Below poverty level 1,141 5.4% 10.0%

Average renter income in Rocky River

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Rocky River, their median household income was $48,157 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 29.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$48,157
Rent-to-income ratio
29.3%
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 Rocky River

Workforce and job types in Rocky River

The job market in Rocky River is powered by 10,958 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 92.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 7.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.8% run their own businesses, 59.5% are employed by private companies, and 11.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
10,958
-0.7% year-over-year change
White collar
10,166
Blue collar
792
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 10,166 92.8% -0.6%
Blue collar 792 7.2% -2.0%
Employer type
Self employees
10.8%
Private companies
59.5%
Governmental workers
11.9%
Not for profit companies
17.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,184 10.8% -0.4%
Private companies 6,522 59.5% -1.6%
Governmental workers 1,302 11.9% 0.1%
Not for profit companies 1,950 17.8% 1.7%
Unemployment rate
2.6%
12.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Rocky River stands at 2.6%, 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 Rocky River

How people get around in Rocky River

In Rocky River, the average commute time is 22 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 76.6% 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
22 min
-0.9% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 8,373 76.6% -2.6%
Taxicab 35 0.3% -22.2%
Bus or trolleybus 254 2.3% 33.0%
Bicycle 8 0.1% -55.6%
Walk 189 1.7% 68.8%
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 Rocky River by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
44116 21,532 9,780 $93,799 $150,479

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FAQs about Rocky River demographics 

What is the total population of Rocky River?

Rocky River has a total population of 21,490 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 0.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Rocky River?

The gender ratio in Rocky River is as follows:
  • 46.7% males (10,039 residents)
  • 53.3% females (11,451 residents)

What is the median age in Rocky River?

The median age in Rocky River is 43.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Rocky River?

The age distribution in Rocky River is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18% (3,878 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.8% (1,891 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.3% (5,436 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.4% (5,023 residents)
  • Over 65: 24.5% (5,262 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Rocky River?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Rocky River is as follows:
  • White: 89.6% (19,266 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.3% (503 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (12 residents)
  • Asian: 2.2% (480 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.3% (1,140 residents)
  • Other: 0.4% (89 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 88.7% of the population in Rocky River.

How many housing units are there in Rocky River?

There are 10,438 housing units in Rocky River, 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 Rocky River and what is the average household size?

Rocky River has a total of 9,738 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Rocky River?

Rocky River has a median household income of $94,026, representing a +0.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Rocky River?

The employment rate is 97.4% in Rocky River, with a workforce of 10,958 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 92.8% (10,166 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 7.2% (792 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.8% (1,184 residents)
  • Private companies: 59.5% (6,522 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.9% (1,302 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 17.8% (1,950 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