Cost Of Living
Taking into account the cost of goods and services like housing, groceries, transportation and utilities, the overall cost of living in this area is well below average.
Crime
Crime per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the national average, making it a safe place to live. These crime statistics include both violent and property crimes.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Health & Safety
Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.
Schools
The schools category earns a high score due to factors like exceptional test scores, strong education levels and the close proximity of elementary and high schools in this area.
Amenities
The majority of amenities are not ideally located within walking distance. To access these amenities, residents may be required to rely on a vehicle or public transit.
Commute
A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.
Rock Rapids, Iowa is a small-sized city with a population of 2,621 people. At 94%, the majority of the Rock Rapids population is White; this is followed by 1% Asian and 0% Black. Rock Rapids has a high percentage of people who are married with children when compared to the rest of the country. In total, more than 76% of the population is classified as married and 46% have kids. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Rock Rapids is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 12 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Living in Rock Rapids can be a fulfilling experience for anyone moving to the city. Having said that, in the state of Iowa, there are many desirable places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, health & safety, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in Rock Rapids and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Rock Rapids to Iowa and the national average.
Using data and statistics Rock Rapids has received a livability score of 82/100. This score is ranked in the 96th percentile when compared to all other cities. Clearly, Rock Rapids is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. The cherry on top is that Rock Rapids also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Rock Rapids ranks well for crime (A+), education (A+) and employment (B-) There are some categories that Rock Rapids does not rank well for, including: amenities (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to determine why.
Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In Rock Rapids, the average school test scores are an impressive 79%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Rock Rapids can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Rock Rapids. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Rock Rapids are affordable. Median real estate prices in Rock Rapids come in at $282,273, which is 17.6% higher than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Rock Rapids, the home price to income ratio is 3, which is 0% lower than the Iowa average.
| Statistic | Rock Rapids | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 12min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 80.5% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 6.3% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.5% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 4.0% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 8.8% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
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