Rocky River city, Ohio Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Rocky River city, Ohio has a total population of 21,490, the 80th largest city in Ohio, with a median household income of $93,956, which is 35% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 4.9%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 35% above the state average — one of the wealthiest communities in Ohio.
- An exceptionally low poverty rate of 4.9% — among the lowest in Ohio.
- 64.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher — top 10% in Ohio.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 2.3%.
Rocky River city Quick Facts
How Rocky River city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 39 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Rocky River city Rankings in Ohio
Explore Ohio Rankings
Other Cities in Cuyahoga County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland city | 367,523 | $39,187 | 30.8% | $94,100 |
| Parma city | 80,131 | $67,425 | 9.8% | $157,600 |
| Lakewood city | 50,229 | $65,925 | 10.8% | $241,500 |
| Euclid city | 48,991 | $48,696 | 17.4% | $114,700 |
| Strongsville city | 46,022 | $102,574 | 5.1% | $279,600 |
| Cleveland Heights city | 44,694 | $72,302 | 14.7% | $176,700 |
| Westlake city | 34,036 | $110,101 | 5.1% | $336,100 |
| North Olmsted city | 32,031 | $85,435 | 10.1% | $202,400 |
| North Royalton city | 31,013 | $81,810 | 5.2% | $276,300 |
| Garfield Heights city | 29,369 | $52,006 | 21.4% | $100,000 |
Cities Similar to Rocky River city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Euclid city | 21,606 | $78,782 | $134,800 | 42.1% | 6.9% |
| Lebanon city | 21,216 | $78,598 | $257,100 | 28.7% | 6.8% |
| Twinsburg city | 19,346 | $95,097 | $288,700 | 45.8% | 3.6% |
| Broadview Heights city | 19,768 | $99,431 | $292,500 | 53.8% | 3.6% |
| Sylvania city | 19,038 | $95,610 | $233,700 | 50.6% | 5.3% |
Population Overview
Rocky River city is a small city located in Ohio, within Cuyahoga County. The total population is 21,490. It ranks as the 80th most populous out of 1,264 cities and towns in Ohio.
Age Demographics
The median age in Rocky River city is 43.5 years. This is 10% higher than the state median of 39.6 years. 11.1% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Rocky River city is $93,956. This is 35% higher than the state median of $69,680. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 20% higher. The poverty rate stands at 4.9%. This is 63% lower than the state poverty rate of 13.2%. This exceptionally low poverty rate indicates strong economic prosperity across the community. The unemployment rate is 2.3%. This is 52% lower than the state rate of 4.9%. The median home value is $327,600. Housing costs are 64% higher than the state median of $199,200. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x. 71.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 6% higher than the state average of 67.0%.
Race & Ethnicity
Rocky River city has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 91.0% of all residents. Asian residents account for 2.2%. The Black or African American population (2.1%) is well below the state average of 12.1%. The Hispanic or Latino population (2.2%) is well below the state average of 4.6%.
Education
64.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This places Rocky River city in the top 10% of all cities in the state for educational attainment. This is 107% higher than the state rate of 30.9%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 97.4%. Notably, 29.6% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Rocky River city, Ohio is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Ohio state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,264 Census-designated places in Ohio. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Rocky River city, Ohio?
Rocky River city, Ohio has a population of 21,490 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Rocky River city, OH?
The median household income in Rocky River city is $93,956, which is 20% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Rocky River city, OH?
The poverty rate in Rocky River city is 4.9%. This means approximately 1,037 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Rocky River city, Ohio?
Rocky River city's population is 91.0% White, 2.1% Black, 2.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 2.2% Asian.
What is the median home value in Rocky River city, OH?
The median home value in Rocky River city is $327,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x.
How educated is Rocky River city, Ohio?
64.0% of adults (25+) in Rocky River city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 29.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.