Cost of Living in Rock Valley, IA
Population 4,061 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Buyers in Rock Valley can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $226,000 against $67,012 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country. An unemployment rate of 0.4% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Rock Valley is about 30 miles southeast of Sioux Falls, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 17% lower than Sioux Falls' $271,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Rock Valley
The median home value in Rock Valley is $225,800 — 26% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,070/month, 19% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $67,012/year is 10% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 0.4%, below the national average of 4.8%. Iowa's top state income tax rate is 5.7% and the combined sales tax is 6.9%. The climate averages highs of 58.0°F and lows of 36.6°F, with about 45.3" of annual snowfall. Overall, Rock Valley has a cost of living index of 77 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 23% less expensive.
Rock Valley is within a protected area
This area is within or adjacent to protected federal land. Residential housing is concentrated in nearby towns — here are the closest communities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 27 | 32 | 45 | 59 | 71 | 81 | 85 | 83 | 76 | 61 | 45 | 32 |
| Low °F | 9 | 13 | 24 | 36 | 48 | 59 | 63 | 61 | 52 | 38 | 25 | 13 |
| Precip" | 0.60 | 0.83 | 1.60 | 3.00 | 3.86 | 4.23 | 3.25 | 3.34 | 2.73 | 2.36 | 1.22 | 0.83 |
| Snow" | 8.0 | 8.6 | 7.2 | 5.1 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.4 | 6.2 | 8.7 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Rock Valley, IA?
Rock Valley has a cost index of 77 (100 = national average). It is 23% below the national average.
What is average rent in Rock Valley, IA?
The median gross rent in Rock Valley is $1,070 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Rock Valley?
The median home value in Rock Valley is $225,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Rock Valley?
The median household income in Rock Valley is $67,012 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Rock Valley, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Rock Valley is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Rock Valley, IA affordable?
Yes, Rock Valley is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 77 — about 23% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Rock Valley?
Rock Valley has average high temperatures of 58.0°F and average lows of 36.6°F. Annual precipitation is 27.9". Average annual snowfall is 45.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Rock Valley at a Glance
- Population
- 4,061
- Median Income
- $67,012
- Home Value
- $225,800
- Median Rent
- $1,070/mo
- Unemployment
- 0.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 58.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Iowa Rankings
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