Rock Valley, Iowa Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Rock Valley, Iowa had a total population of 4,059, the 103rd largest city in Iowa, with a median household income of $76,250, which is 2% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 9.3%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 0.4%.
Rock Valley Quick Facts
How Rock Valley Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 4,061 | 4,059 | -0.0% |
| Median household income | $67,012 | $76,250 | +13.8% |
| Median home value | $225,800 | $231,200 | +2.4% |
How Rock Valley Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 31 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Rock Valley Rankings in Iowa
Explore Iowa Rankings
Other Cities in Sioux County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux Center | 8,454 | $92,983 | 2.2% | $290,800 |
| Orange City | 6,426 | $82,122 | 11.2% | $264,000 |
| Sheldon | 5,474 | $62,159 | 15.3% | $192,700 |
| Hawarden | 2,658 | $74,167 | 7.2% | $136,300 |
| Hull | 2,317 | $72,344 | 5.5% | $225,700 |
| Alton | 1,459 | $98,036 | 2.6% | $218,900 |
| Hospers | 916 | $69,444 | 17.4% | $155,300 |
| Boyden | 757 | $88,125 | 10.4% | $177,700 |
| Ireton | 552 | $71,250 | 18.7% | $156,600 |
| Granville | 265 | $68,750 | 7.2% | $162,500 |
Cities Similar to Rock Valley
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monticello | 4,071 | $70,015 | $175,200 | 19.7% | 5.9% |
| Forest City | 4,290 | $69,205 | $143,500 | 29.2% | 12.4% |
| West Liberty | 3,776 | $69,345 | $180,000 | 16.2% | 11.3% |
| Carter Lake | 3,767 | $85,349 | $169,400 | 9.5% | 11.5% |
| Dyersville | 4,423 | $83,559 | $234,100 | 29.1% | 4.9% |
Population Overview
Rock Valley is a small community located in Iowa, within Sioux County. The total population is 4,059. It ranks as the 103rd most populous out of 1,017 Census-designated places in Iowa.
Age Demographics
The median age in Rock Valley is 35.1 years. This is 9% lower than the state median of 38.6 years. With 28.8% of the population under 18, Rock Valley has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Rock Valley is $76,250. This is 2% higher than the state median of $75,059. It is also 6% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 9.3%. This is 16% lower than the state poverty rate of 11.1%. The unemployment rate is 0.4%. This is 88% lower than the state rate of 3.6%. The median home value is $231,200. Housing costs are 11% higher than the state median of $208,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x. 51.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 29% lower than the state average of 71.7%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Rock Valley is White (non-Hispanic), making up 60.9% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 38.1%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (38.1% vs 7.3%). The Asian population (0.5%) is well below the state average of 2.5%.
Education
16.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 47% lower than the state rate of 31.4%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 82.4%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Rock Valley, Iowa is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Iowa state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,017 Census-designated places in Iowa. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Rock Valley, Iowa?
Rock Valley, Iowa has a population of 4,059 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Rock Valley, IA?
The median household income in Rock Valley is $76,250, which is 6% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Rock Valley, IA?
The poverty rate in Rock Valley is 9.3%. This means approximately 368 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Rock Valley, Iowa?
Rock Valley's population is 60.9% White, 0.0% Black, 38.1% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.5% Asian.
What is the median home value in Rock Valley, IA?
The median home value in Rock Valley is $231,200. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x.
How educated is Rock Valley, Iowa?
16.6% of adults (25+) in Rock Valley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 2.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.