Cost Of Living
Taking into account the cost of goods and services like housing, groceries, transportation and utilities, the overall cost of living in this area is well below average.
Crime
Crime per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the national average, making it a safe place to live. These crime statistics include both violent and property crimes.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Health & Safety
Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.
Schools
The schools category earns a high score due to factors like exceptional test scores, strong education levels and the close proximity of elementary and high schools in this area.
Amenities
The majority of amenities are not ideally located within walking distance. To access these amenities, residents may be required to rely on a vehicle or public transit.
Commute
A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.
Rock Valley, Iowa is a small-sized city with a population of 3,858 inhabitants. The majority of Rock Valley residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Rock Valley is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 12 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very discouraging task. However, it could also be a good experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Rock Valley, Iowa. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. To help you find the best places to live in and around Rock Valley, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, cost of living, education and more.
Rock Valley, IA receives 82 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #22 in Iowa and #749 in the USA. This is a phenomenal score, as Rock Valley ranks well in multiple categories! Rock Valley has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Rock Valley ranks very well for crime (A+), cost of living (A+), education (A+) and housing (A+). There are some categories that Rock Valley scores poorly for, including: amenities (D-). It might be worth taking a closer look to figure out why.
Feeling a sense of safety in the area that you live in is a must for most people. Low crime rates can have a positive impact on things like home prices, home appreciation rates and can help foster positive community dynamics and social cohesion. Rock Valley has a violent crime rate of 122 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average.
When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Rock Valley, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2.63% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.
Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In Rock Valley, the average school test scores reached an impressive 77%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making Rock Valley an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Rock Valley can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Rock Valley is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Rock Valley come in at $178,700, which is 34.6% higher than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Rock Valley, the home price to income ratio is 2.9, which is 20.8% higher than the Iowa average.
| Statistic | Rock Valley | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 12min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 78.6% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 4.8% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.9% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 3.3% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 4.3% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 7.5% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
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