Education, Employment and Housing

Rock County, WI, is served by 22 public high schools and several private institutions. The high school graduation rate is approximately 89%, while about 22% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. School districts, such as Janesville and Beloit, offer diverse educational programs, including AP and career tech. Average test scores are slightly below the state average, with an accountability score of 60–70/100. School safety initiatives and adult education opportunities—like Blackhawk Technical College—support a comprehensive educational environment for residents.

As of 2022, Rock County, WI had an employment rate of approximately 60.3%. Major industries include manufacturing (20.3% of jobs), health care/social assistance (15.2%), and retail trade (11.7%). Leading occupation types are production (15.8%) and office/administrative support (12.1%). The median commute time is 22.3 minutes; about 53% of employed residents work within the county, while the rest commute to nearby areas like Dane and Walworth counties, notably Janesville and Beloit serving as regional employment hubs.

Rock County, WI has a homeownership rate of approximately 68%, with median home values around $220,000 and median gross rents about $950 monthly. The housing market has seen value increases of roughly 7% year-over-year. Housing types include single-family homes, duplexes, and some apartments, with popular neighborhoods in Janesville and Beloit. Property tax rates average 2.05%, higher than the national average. The area offers a mix of established neighborhoods and new developments, attracting both families and young professionals.

County Crime & Safety

Rock County, WI, reports a moderate crime rate compared to national averages. In 2022, the violent crime rate was approximately 2.9 per 1,000 residents, while property crime was 17.5 per 1,000. The sheriff’s office, along with local police, actively encourage neighborhood watch and online crime reporting. Overall, crime rates have seen a slight decrease in recent years due to increased community policing and public awareness efforts, contributing to improved safety for Rock County’s population of approximately 163,000.

Elections

Rock County, WI, has over 111,000 registered voters as of 2024. The county conducts general, primary, local, and school board elections, managed by the Rock County Clerk’s office and 29 municipal clerks. In the 2020 presidential election, turnout reached 80.2%; Joe Biden received 50.8% and Donald Trump 47.1%. Polling locations number about 43, varying by municipality. Key issues include economic development and education. Both Democratic and Republican parties are active, often closely contesting races. Voter registration can be completed online, by mail, or in person, requiring valid ID.

Demographics

As of 2022, Rock County, WI has a population of approximately 164,000. The median age is about 40 years. Females make up 50.5% and males 49.5%. The county is 82% White, 6.1% Black or African American, 2% Asian, and 9.3% Hispanic or Latino of any race. Other racial groups include Native American (0.3%) and people of two or more races (3.2%).