Rock Rapids ZIP Code List — Lyon County, IA

There is one unique ZIP code in Rock Rapids, Iowa and it is 51246. Area code: 712.

ZIP codes

161.11

sq mi land

0.06

sq mi water

712

area code

Rock Rapids, IA ZIP code map

About Rock Rapids, IA

Rock Rapids is a charming city located in Lyon County, Iowa. This small town is known for its friendly community and picturesque landscapes, providing both residents and visitors with a sense of tranquility. With a rich history and a vibrant local culture, Rock Rapids serves as a quaint representation of rural life in the Midwest.

Location & geography

Rock Rapids is situated in the northwestern corner of Iowa, approximately 25 miles from the South Dakota border. Nearby cities include Lyon County Seat Marshal, about 20 miles to the southwest, as well as Little Rock, which is just 8 miles to the east. The city covers a land area of 161.11 square miles, featuring gentle rolling terrain and minimal water coverage of 0.06 square miles.

Community & economy

The character of Rock Rapids is defined by its tight-knit community and welcoming atmosphere. Agriculture and small manufacturing are key industries that contribute to the local economy, providing a steady source of employment. Daily life in Rock Rapids revolves around local events, community gatherings, and a shared appreciation for the region's rich heritage.

Transportation

Key transportation routes in Rock Rapids include U.S. Highway 75, which provides access to larger neighboring cities and southward interstate connections. The nearest major airport is Sioux Falls Regional Airport, approximately 40 miles to the north in South Dakota. Local transit options are limited, so most residents rely on personal vehicles for transportation.

History

Rock Rapids was founded in the mid-19th century, with its establishment tied closely to the development of agriculture in the region. The city has historically been a center for farming and small-scale manufacturing, which contributed to its growth and vitality. Notable events in its history include the building of the iconic Lyon County Courthouse, which reflects the community's commitment to preserving its historical legacy.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about Rock Rapids is that it was named after the nearby Little Rock River, which features unique rapids that were once a notable landmark for early settlers. Additionally, the city hosts an annual festival called 'Rock Rapids Fun Days' that showcases local culture, crafts, and community spirit.

ZIP codes for Rock Rapids, IA (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
51246	Rock Rapids	Lyon	View map

Demographics & statistics

4,007

Population

38.2

Median age

$70,625

Median household income

$31,401

Per capita income

$221,600

Median home value

$756

Median monthly rent

82.4%

Home ownership

2.0%

Poverty rate

2.7%

Unemployment

1,356

Housing units

20.9%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

117

Under 5

110

226

5–9

212

202

10–14

189

179

15–19

167

20–24

108

25–34

101

360

35–44

337

173

45–54

163

159

55–59

149

119

60–64

111

166

65–74

155

75–84

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	1,285	32.1%
18 and over	2,722	67.9%
65 and over	669	16.7%
Median age	38.2 years

Race & ethnicity

White 92.5%

Two or more races 3.3%

Hispanic or Latino 2.9%

Other race 0.8%

Asian 0.3%

Black or African American 0.1%

American Indian / Alaska Native 0.1%

Group	Count	%
White	3,818	92.5%
Two or more races	136	3.3%
Hispanic or Latino	120	2.9%
Other race	31	0.8%
Asian	14	0.3%
Black or African American	4	0.1%
American Indian / Alaska Native	4	0.1%

Household income

Under $10k 1.1%

$10k–$15k 3.5%

$15k–$25k 4.6%

$25k–$35k 4.7%

$35k–$50k 14.2%

$50k–$75k 24.0%

$75k–$100k 16.2%

$100k–$150k 18.7%

$150k–$200k 6.2%

$200k+ 6.7%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	1.1%
$10k–$15k	3.5%
$15k–$25k	4.6%
$25k–$35k	4.7%
$35k–$50k	14.2%
$50k–$75k	24.0%
$75k–$100k	16.2%
$100k–$150k	18.7%
$150k–$200k	6.2%
$200k+	6.7%
Median income	$70,625

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 3.7%

$50k–$100k 13.7%

$100k–$150k 10.0%

$150k–$200k 12.1%

$200k–$300k 33.5%

$300k–$500k 17.0%

$500k–$1M 8.1%

$1M+ 1.9%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$221,600
Median rent / month	$756
Owner occupied	82.4%
Renter occupied	17.6%
Vacant	16.1%
Single-family detached	82.3%
Large apartment buildings	8.7%
Mobile homes	1.4%
Median rooms	6.9
Avg household size (owned)	3.03

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.6%
2010–2019	6.0%
2000–2009	6.6%
1990–1999	10.6%
1980–1989	4.0%
1970–1979	17.4%
1960–1969	16.3%
1950–1959	11.3%
1940–1949	7.4%
1939 or earlier	19.7%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	0.6%
1 bedroom	10.4%
2 bedrooms	20.3%
3 bedrooms	32.7%
4 bedrooms	27.4%
5+ bedrooms	8.6%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	2.5%
1 vehicle	19.1%
2 vehicles	37.1%
3 or more	41.3%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	58.7%
Electricity	25.4%
Propane / LP gas	11.5%
Fuel oil	0.4%
Wood	2.1%
No fuel used	0.5%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	857	64.2%
Cohabiting couple	86	6.4%
Male householder, no spouse	165	12.4%
Female householder, no spouse	227	17.0%
Households with children under 18	497	37.2%
Households with seniors (65+)	408	30.6%
Average household size	2.92

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	26.7%	21.2%
Married	60.5%	59.8%
Separated	2.4%	0.4%
Widowed	2.3%	13.7%
Divorced	8.0%	4.9%

Education

Less than 9th grade 2.8%

Some HS, no diploma 2.0%

HS graduate 41.4%

Some college, no degree 19.1%

Associate's degree 13.8%

Bachelor's degree 16.2%

Graduate / professional 4.7%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	95.1%
Bachelor's or higher	20.9%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	29	2.4%
Kindergarten	34	2.9%
Elementary school	651	54.8%
High school	348	29.3%
College / grad school	127	10.7%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 24.7%

Manufacturing 12.4%

Retail trade 11.7%

Agriculture & mining 9.6%

Professional & management 7.1%

Finance & real estate 6.5%

Public administration 5.4%

Arts, food & hospitality 5.0%

Transportation & utilities 4.8%

Construction 4.3%

Other services 4.1%

Wholesale trade 3.4%

Information 0.9%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	40.0%
Service	14.3%
Sales & office	20.8%
Natural resources & construction	8.2%
Production & transportation	16.7%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	70.8%
Government	20.9%
Self-employed	8.4%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	80.7%
Carpool	4.7%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	4.9%
Other means	0.0%
Avg commute (minutes)	12.7

Poverty

All people 2.0%

Under 18 years 0.4%

18 and over 2.8%

Married-couple families 0.6%

Female-led households 0.0%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	30.3%
Retirement income	19.5%
Supplemental Security	4.2%
Cash public assistance	4.8%
Food stamps / SNAP	3.3%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	32.7%
High cholesterol	32.6%
Heart disease	6.8%
Stroke	3.0%
Asthma	8.8%
Arthritis	24.9%
Kidney disease	2.9%
Pulmonary disease	6.5%
Cancer	8.0%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	20.0%
No physical activity	23.1%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	29.0%
Fair or poor health	11.8%
Poor mental health	12.5%
Poor physical health	9.0%
No health insurance	9.2%
Visited doctor (checkup)	77.0%
Visited dentist	68.4%
Cholesterol screening	89.4%
Teeth loss	12.4%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	128	4.7%

Disability	%
Any disability	11.9%
Under 18	2.7%
18–64 years	9.8%
65 and over	38.5%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	78.2%
Public insurance	35.6%
Uninsured under 19	1.2%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	3,780	94.3%
Spanish	28	0.7%
Other Indo-European	27	0.7%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	1	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	3,938	98.3%
Born in same state	3,924	97.9%
Born in different state	2,232	55.7%
Foreign born	14	0.3%
Naturalized citizen	69	1.7%
Not a US citizen	17	24.6%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
English	1,107	27.6%
Arab	210	5.2%
Italian	202	5%
French	149	3.7%

Ancestry	Count	%
Polish	135	3.4%
Dutch	64	1.6%
German	5	0.1%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	33.3%
Internet access	91.3%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What is the ZIP code for Rock Rapids, IA?

Rock Rapids, IA has one ZIP code: 51246.

What is the main ZIP code for Rock Rapids, IA?

The primary ZIP code for Rock Rapids, IA is 51246. The city uses area code 712 for phone service.

What county is Rock Rapids, IA in?

Rock Rapids is located in Lyon County, Iowa.

How many ZIP codes are in Rock Rapids, IA?

Rock Rapids, IA has 1 ZIP code.

What is the ZIP code for downtown Rock Rapids and the surrounding business district?

Downtown Rock Rapids and its central business district are located in ZIP code 51246, which serves as the primary commercial and administrative hub of the city.

What ZIP code should I use for mailing addresses to residences in Rock Rapids, Iowa?

All residential addresses in Rock Rapids, Iowa use the ZIP code 51246, as this is the only ZIP code serving the entire city in Lyon County.