Rock County, WI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
164,350
0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$75,673/yr
1.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
71,109
0.6% year-over-year change

Rock County population

How many people live in Rock County

Rock County is home to 164,350 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.8% of Rock County locals are male, and 50.2% are female.

Total population
164,350
0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.8%
81,804
Female
50.2%
82,546
Value Percent YoY change
Male 81,804 49.8% 0.5%
Female 82,546 50.2% 0.0%
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 Rock County is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.2% are children under 15, then 12.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25% of the population, while another 26.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.2%
15 to 24
12.6%
25 to 44
25%
45 to 64
26.4%
Over 65
17.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 29,935 18.2% -1.2%
15 to 24 20,680 12.6% 0.3%
25 to 44 41,027 25% 0.6%
45 to 64 43,440 26.4% -0.9%
Over 65 29,268 17.8% 3.1%
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 Rock County, 95% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 81.6% of locals are Caucasian, 4.7% are African American and 1.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 9.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.4%
Non-citizens
2.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 156,082 95% 0.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 3,865 2.4% 1.1%
Non-citizens 4,403 2.7% -6.8%
Racial breakdown
White
81.6%
Black or African American
4.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
1.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
9.3%
Other
2.9%
Value Percent
White 134,161 81.6%
Black or African American 7,727 4.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 564 0.3%
Asian 1,779 1.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 9 0%
Two or more races 15,328 9.3%
Other 4,782 2.9%

Households in Rock County

A peek inside Rock County households

Rock County has 67,201 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 63% are families, while the remaining 37% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
67,201
0.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
24,835
Family households
42,366
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 24,835 37% 0.4%
Family households 42,366 63% 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 Rock County

The housing landscape of Rock County

Rock County's housing consists of 71,109 units, with 74.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.5% 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 2.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
71,109
0.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 52,914 74.4%
1 unit, attached 3,186 4.5%
2 units 3,102 4.4%
3 or 4 units 1,721 2.4%
5 to 9 units 2,732 3.8%
10 to 19 units 1,712 2.4%
20 to 49 units 2,074 2.9%
50 or more units 1,794 2.5%
Mobile home 1,852 2.6%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 22 0%
Homes built since 2020
844
62.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Rock County

In Rock County, the median construction year is 1970. About 19.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 10.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 13,653 19.2% 1.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 5,089 7.2% -0.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 7,637 10.7% -1.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 9,506 13.4% 1.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 10,212 14.4% -5.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 5,706 8% 3.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 7,690 10.8% -6.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 7,686 10.8% 7.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 3,086 4.3% 12.2%
Built in 2020 or later 844 1.2% 62.6%
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.

Rock County occupancy rates

Out of the 67,201 occupied housing units in Rock County, 71.2% are owner-occupied, while 28.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
67,201
0.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
19,382
Owner occupied
47,819
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 19,382 28.8% -0.9%
Owner occupied 47,819 71.2% 1.6%
Unoccupied housing units
5.5%
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.

Rock County housing costs

Housing costs in Rock County come to a median of $1,112 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,037.

Median housing costs per month
$1,112/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 Rock County
$1,037/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 Rock County

Rock County education at a glance

About 39.7% of the population in Rock County went to high school, while 22.8% pursued college studies. Another 11.4% earned an associate degree and 16.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2,936 2.3% 8.1%
High school diploma 50,679 39.7% 1.2%
College diploma 29,027 22.8% -2.3%
Associate degree 14,583 11.4% 2.0%
Bachelor's degree 21,075 16.5% 0.9%
Graduate degree 9,247 7.2% 1.6%
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 Rock County

How much people earn in Rock County

The average annual household income in Rock County was $91,984 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $75,673, reflecting a +1.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Rock County
$91,984/year
2.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Rock County
$75,673/year
1.7% year-over-year change

Rock County income by age

In Rock County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $85,777. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $87,521 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $60,292, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $54,841 in earnings. Overall, 90.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $60,292 2.6%
25 - 44 $85,777 3.5%
45 - 64 $87,521 3.1%
Over 65 $54,841 -0.8%
Above poverty level
145,130
Below poverty level
14,681
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 145,130 90.8% 1.1%
Below poverty level 14,681 9.2% -7.0%

Employment in Rock County

Workforce and job types in Rock County

The job market in Rock County is powered by 82,942 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 69.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 30.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.6% run their own businesses, 71.4% are employed by private companies, and 12.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
82,942
0.9% year-over-year change
White collar
57,570
Blue collar
25,372
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 57,570 69.4% 2.1%
Blue collar 25,372 30.6% -1.8%
Employer type
Self employees
7.6%
Private companies
71.4%
Governmental workers
12.9%
Not for profit companies
8.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 6,318 7.6% 1.1%
Private companies 59,227 71.4% 1.2%
Governmental workers 10,713 12.9% 2.8%
Not for profit companies 6,684 8.1% -4.2%
Unemployment rate
3.8%
-4.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Rock County stands at 3.8%, 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 Rock County

How people get around in Rock County

Commuting methods vary: 87.3% 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.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 71,180 87.3% -0.1%
Taxicab 56 0.1% 3.7%
Bus or trolleybus 360 0.4% 2.0%
Railroad 12 0% 20.0%
Motorcycle 116 0.1% -16.6%
Bicycle 97 0.1% -21.1%
Walk 1,404 1.7% -0.5%
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 Rock County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
53114 1,979 809 $72,708 $85,121
53190 20,499 7,126 $66,069 $83,260
53501 165 85 $0 $0
53505 358 164 $91,500 $132,696
53511 48,701 18,392 $67,067 $83,706
53520 6,687 2,914 $75,205 $86,014
53521 3,640 1,393 $108,036 $124,294
53525 4,066 1,641 $79,323 $108,203
53534 12,241 4,808 $89,045 $107,784
53536 9,547 4,116 $87,667 $102,204

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FAQs about Rock County demographics 

What is the total population of Rock County?

Rock County has a total population of 164,350 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 +0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Rock County?

The gender ratio in Rock County is as follows:
  • 49.8% males (81,804 residents)
  • 50.2% females (82,546 residents)

What is the median age in Rock County?

The median age in Rock County is 40.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Rock County?

The age distribution in Rock County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.2% (29,935 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.6% (20,680 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25% (41,027 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.4% (43,440 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.8% (29,268 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Rock County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Rock County is as follows:
  • White: 81.6% (134,161 residents)
  • Black or African American: 4.7% (7,727 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (564 residents)
  • Asian: 1.1% (1,779 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (9 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.3% (15,328 residents)
  • Other: 2.9% (4,782 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 95% of the population in Rock County.

How many housing units are there in Rock County?

There are 71,109 housing units in Rock County, reflecting a +0.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Rock County has a total of 67,201 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Rock County?

Rock County has a median household income of $75,673, representing a +1.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Rock County?

The employment rate is 96.2% in Rock County, with a workforce of 82,942 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 69.4% (57,570 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 30.6% (25,372 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.6% (6,318 residents)
  • Private companies: 71.4% (59,227 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.9% (10,713 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.1% (6,684 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