Cost of Living in Rockdale, TX

Population 5,455 · Texas · Data vintage 2023

63
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Household incomes in Rockdale run well below national norms — a median of $47,550 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $164,000).

Located 40 miles east of Round Rock, Rockdale falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 57% lower than Round Rock's $384,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 54
Rent 77

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Rockdale

The median home value in Rockdale is $164,300 — 46% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,013/month, 23% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $47,550/year is 36% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.2%, above the national average of 4.8%. Texas charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 79.8°F and lows of 59.0°F. Overall, Rockdale has a cost of living index of 63 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 37% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$164,300
46% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$195,807
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,013/mo
23% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
13.5x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$766
1 BR
$811
2 BR
$981
3 BR
$1,307
4 BR
$1,509
Owner-occupied 67.1%
Renter-occupied 32.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,013
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,627/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
29.8 min
10% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
10.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
66.3%
Carpooled
14.8%
Walked
3.2%
Work from home
10.5%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) None
Total Sales Tax 8.2%
State rate 6.3%
Avg local rate 1.9%
Property Tax 1.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$47,550
36% below avg
Per Capita Income
$38,800
Unemployment Rate
5.2%
9% above avg
Poverty Rate
16.8%
Labor Force Participation
54.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 10.0%
Graduate degree 5.0%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 39.3
Male median age 39.2
Female median age 39.6

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
79.8°F
Avg Low
59.0°F
Annual Precip
41.8"
40° 55° 70° 85° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 626673798692959791827163
Low °F 414552586673757570605043
Precip" 3.432.903.412.874.604.011.983.103.504.933.313.71

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Rockdale, TX?

Rockdale has a cost index of 63 (100 = national average). It is 37% below the national average.

What is average rent in Rockdale, TX?

The median gross rent in Rockdale is $1,013 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Rockdale?

The median home value in Rockdale is $164,300 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Rockdale?

The median household income in Rockdale is $47,550 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Rockdale, TX?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Rockdale is 8.2%. Texas has no state income tax.

Is Rockdale, TX affordable?

Yes, Rockdale is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 63 — about 37% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Rockdale?

Rockdale has average high temperatures of 79.8°F and average lows of 59.0°F. Annual precipitation is 41.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Rockdale at a Glance

Population
5,455
Median Income
$47,550
Home Value
$164,300
Median Rent
$1,013/mo
Unemployment
5.2%
Avg High Temp
79.8°F
Sales Tax
8.2%
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