Cost of Living in Rockwood, VA

Population 8,834 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023

119
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Rockwood sits on the smaller end of the Virginia city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible.

Rockwood sits roughly 7 miles southwest of Richmond — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with Richmond's $328,000 median.

Cost Overview

Housing 102
Rent 143

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

About the Cost of Living in Rockwood

The median home value in Rockwood is $312,500 — 2% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,875/month, 43% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $90,804/year is 22% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.0%, below the national average of 4.8%. Virginia's top state income tax rate is 5.8% and the combined sales tax is 5.6%. The climate averages highs of 69.5°F and lows of 48.4°F, with about 8.8" of annual snowfall. Overall, Rockwood has a cost of living index of 119 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 19% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$312,500
2% above avg
Median Rent
$1,875/mo
43% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
13.9x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.8%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$970
1 BR
$989
2 BR
$1,200
3 BR
$1,645
4 BR
$1,885
Owner-occupied 82.3%
Renter-occupied 17.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,875
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,489/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
27.2 min
1% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
17.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
76.6%
Carpooled
5.5%
Walked
0.0%
Work from home
17.2%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 5.8%
Total Sales Tax 5.6%
State rate 4.3%
Avg local rate 1.3%
Property Tax 0.8%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$90,804
22% above avg
Per Capita Income
$44,308
Unemployment Rate
3.0%
37% below avg
Poverty Rate
5.8%
Labor Force Participation
62.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 30.4%
Graduate degree 14.2%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 42.4
Male median age 40
Female median age 44.7

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
69.5°F
Avg Low
48.4°F
Annual Precip
45.5"
Annual Snowfall
8.8"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 485260707886908881716052
Low °F 293037465665696861493932
Precip" 3.232.614.003.184.004.644.374.904.613.393.063.51
Snow" 3.72.21.10.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.01.8

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 41 — Good
87.1%
Good air days/yr
139
Max AQI recorded
71
PM2.5 days
207
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Rockwood, VA?

Rockwood has a cost index of 119 (100 = national average). It is 19% above the national average.

What is average rent in Rockwood, VA?

The median gross rent in Rockwood is $1,875 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Rockwood?

The median home value in Rockwood is $312,500 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Rockwood?

The median household income in Rockwood is $90,804 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Rockwood, VA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Rockwood is 5.6%. The Virginia state income tax top rate is 5.8%.

Is Rockwood, VA affordable?

Rockwood is above average in cost of living, with an index of 119 — about 19% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Rockwood?

Rockwood has average high temperatures of 69.5°F and average lows of 48.4°F. Annual precipitation is 45.5". Average annual snowfall is 8.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Rockwood at a Glance

Population
8,834
Median Income
$90,804
Home Value
$312,500
Median Rent
$1,875/mo
Unemployment
3.0%
Avg High Temp
69.5°F
Sales Tax
5.6%
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🗺️ County data for Virginia

Explore county-level cost of living data

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