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 Valley is a smaller city located in the state of Iowa. The city has a population of 3,981 people. If we look at the most recent Census, Rock Valley is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Rock Valley. With an average one way commute time of only 12 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
Living in Rock Valley can be a great experience for anyone moving to the town. Having said that, in the state of Iowa, there are many amazing 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. To help you find the best places to live in and around Rock Valley, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, cost of living, commute, education and more.
The livability score in Rock Valley is 84 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 97th percentile of all cities across America. Based on this score, Rock Valley would be considered a very livable city! Rock Valley has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Rock Valley ranks very well for crime (A+), cost of living (A+), education (A+), employment (B-) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that does not have great scores in Rock Valley. The following was graded with a disappointing score: amenities (D-).
Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Rock Valley shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 0 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.
Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Rock Valley schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 77%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Rock Valley an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Rock Valley excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
Rock Valley real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Rock Valley. Median real estate prices in Rock Valley come in at $315,182, which is 31.3% higher than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Rock Valley, the home price to income ratio is 3.3, which is 10% higher than the Iowa average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Rock Valley | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 12min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 78.6% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 4.8% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.9% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 3.3% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 4.3% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 7.5% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
Here are the best places to live in Iowa
These are the largest cities in Iowa
See the best places to live in Rock Valley
Check out the 10 safest cities in Iowa