Economic development and resilience shape Rock Valley’s future
In northwest Iowa, Rock Valley is looking towards the future. In 2024, the city experienced severe flooding that damaged around 150 homes, as well as businesses and schools. Now, Rock Valley is on the road to recovery thanks to residents and volunteers who rallied to support their city. Adam Rosman is Rock Valley's director of economic development and says that the hardworking community has plenty of incentives for new businesses to move in. “The ‘Silicon Valley of Metal Manufacturing’ is a place of opportunity,” Rosman. “The community has a thriving downtown.” Rock Valley experienced over 20% growth from 2010 to 2020 as the population grew from around 3,350 to 4,050. Around 195 new homes are being built to meet housing demands.
Home values are lower than Sioux Falls Metro Area averages
Ranch-style and Craftsman-inspired houses are common. Some homes date back to the early 1900s up to the 1980s. Others were built in the early 2000s, up to new homes currently being developed in the northeast section of Rock Valley. “With new housing options going up across town and employment available, the city has opportunities to put down roots and be welcomed and supported,” Rosman says.
The average size of a single-family home is around 1,700 square feet, lower than the national average of about 2,000 square feet. The median lot size is between a quarter and a half acre. The average home value is around $260,000, lower than the average home value of the Sioux Falls Metro Area, which is closer to $350,000.
A mix of public and private schools with varied ratings
Rock Valley Community School District has a B-minus rating from Niche. It consists of three schools: B-minus-rated Rock Valley Elementary, Rock Valley Middle and Rock Valley High. The latter two schools have a B grade. High schoolers can participate in the Senior Year Plus program and earn college-level credits through Northwest Iowa Community College. Rock Valley Christian is a private school serving preschool through eighth grade and does not currently have a Niche grade. Preschoolers through twelfth graders can attend Netherlands Reformed Christian School, which has a C-minus grade.
The city invests in parks, playgrounds and public spaces
“Outdoor recreation is a large draw in Rock Valley,” Rosman says. “Incredible trails and parks, along with river access and campground, are great quality of life pieces that the city has invested in. The Rock Valley Community Pool was recently renovated as well.” City Park is next to the public pool. It is also receiving updates like new playground equipment and surfacing. The area’s extensive trail system connects to the Rock Valley Golf Club and River Bend Campground. Rock Valley Sports Complex has multiple fields and courts. “The Sports Complex hosts baseball and softball tournaments, youth flag football and soccer,” Rosman says. “It is publicly accessible and used by the community all the time.”
Most restaurants and shops are clustered along Main Street
The majority of restaurants in Rock Valley are along Main Street. “Residents are encouraged to start local,” Rosman says. “From building materials to groceries, clothing to coffee, Rock Valley has great retail and restaurant offerings to drop in and discover.” Koldy's Sports Bar and Grill is a casual family-owned spot. Fuego On Main serves Mexican-inspired cuisine and has daily specials. There are also several coffee shops. Sunshine Foods is a Midwestern grocery chain. The area also has smaller markets like Abarrotes Gasca and Dollar General. There are more options 15 miles away in Sioux Center.
Farmers market and movie nights bring neighbors together
The Rock Valley Chamber of Commerce hosts many annual events throughout the year. Rally in the Valley celebrates the city’s summer season with a parade, mud volleyball and a children’s pageant. Drive-Inn Movie Night shows family-friendly movies at the Rock Valley Sports Complex once a month during the warm weather. The Rock Valley Farmers Market takes place on Wednesday evenings from June to August. Holly Jolly Days is a holiday market with unique gifts and a soup dinner.
U.S. Route 18 connects Rock Valley to nearby cities
U.S. Route 18 runs through the city and leads to larger cities like Mason City and Charles City. It connects to U.S. Route 75 near Hull, about 10 miles east. There are no public transportation options, but some homes may be within walking distance of restaurants and businesses in the downtown area. Hegg Health Center is in Rock Valley. Sioux Gateway Airport is the closest commercial airport, and it has daily flights to Chicago and Denver.
