Rockwood, VA, is a Richmond suburb and Census-Designated Place (CDP) in Chesterfield County. Since it’s a small CDP, many places, restaurants, or attractions in Rockwood will have a Richmond address. Rockwood has a rich history and boasts the county’s oldest park, Rockwood Park, which was once the site of Rockwood Plantation. The Rockwood Plantation was the home to three generations of the Gregory family, a notable Rockwood, VA family.
Living in Rockwood is great! Despite being a small town, the CDP has much to offer. Between its low cost of living, picturesque historic homes, and various attractions, you’ll find that moving to Rockwood is something to consider.
Table of Contents
Where Is Rockwood?
Rockwood, Virginia, is located southwest of Richmond in the Shenandoah Valley region and is bordered by Manchester, South Richmond, Brandermill, and North Chesterfield. It’s a part of Chesterfield County and the Richmond MSA; Rockwood is 13 miles from Richmond. The CDP is mostly developed into homes or commercial properties, but it still boasts a handful of natural elements. For example, there are three ponds; the Gregory, Lower Beaver, and Upper Lake Bexley. Sweet Magnolia and Bald Cypress trees line the streets and shade the parks, and the Allegheny and Blue Ridge Mountains surround the CDP.
Rockwood Population & Demographics
Rockwood, VA, has a population of 8,685 and has seen a 254-person increase since 2010. It has the 6th highest population in its county and the 3rd highest median household income ($81,528.) Most of the citizens are older, with a median age of 47.1, which is the oldest median age in the county; 46% of the population is 50 or older!
Additional Rockwood demographics:
- Gender demographics: 55% female and 45% male
- Racial and ethnic composition: 68.7% White (65.9% White, non-Hispanic), 19.9% Black or African American, 4.9% two or more races, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 3.4% Asian
- Foreign-born population: 7.6%
- Educational attainment: 93.1% have high school diplomas or higher, and 43.3% have bachelor’s degrees or higher.
- Veteran population: 13.2%
99% of the 3,345 units in Rockwood are single-family units/homes. 92% are owner-occupied, and 8% are renter-occupied. 57% of its population is married, whereas 43% is single. And there are 3,289 households in the CDP, and the average number of people per household is 2.4.
If you’re considering moving to Rockwood, it’s a good idea to gain more insight into the CDPs’ safety! Since Rockwood, VA, is so small, there are no FBI crime rate statistics; the figures below will be from Richmond, VA, which is the largest (and closest) city to Rockwood.
The Richmond, VA, crime rate is 3,270 per 100k people; Virginia’s crime rate is 1,665 per 100k people, and America’s crime rate is 2,346 per 100k people.
- Richmond violent crime rate per 100k people: 349 (10.0% lower than the country)
- Virginia violent crime rate per 100k people: 209
- US violent crime rate per 100k people: 388
- Richmond property crime rate per 100k people: 2,921
- Virginia property crime rate per 100k people: 1,456
- US violent crime rate per 100k people: 1,958
An interactive Richmond crime map can provide insight into high-crime areas you should avoid and safe, low-crime areas you should consider moving to. It’s important to note not all of Richmond and its surrounding areas have high crime rates, and there are plenty of areas to live in both Richmond and Rockwood that are safe. Since Richmond boasts a low violent crime rate, it was rated the 42nd best place to live in the US by U.S.News.
Cost of Living in Rockwood
If you’re considering moving to Rockwood, consider that it’s more affordable to live here than the average US city. This CDP boasts a Cost of Living Index (COLI) of 95.8, which is 4.2% below the US average. Its cost of housing index is 92, compared to Virginia’s 112.9, and its cost of groceries index is 98.9, compared to Virginia’s 99.6.
The Economic Policy Institute suggests an annual salary of $93,857 for a family of four to live comfortably.
Typical Rockwood living expenses:
- Inexpensive restaurant meal: $20
- Gallon of milk: $3.37
- Loaf of white bread: $2.39
- Dozen eggs: $3.32
- Pound of chicken filets: $3.86
- Pound of local cheese: $4.49
- Average Rockwood monthly utilities: $449 (per Doxo)
Source: Numbeo—the figures above are for Richmond, VA, which has a COLI of 104.2; you can expect similar or more affordable prices when living in Rockwood.
According to RedFin, Rockwood, VA, real estate is expensive, and the housing market is considered very competitive. The Rockwood median house price is $388,000, and the median price per square foot is $192, which has increased by 3.8% since 2022. While there are many beautiful homes for sale in Rockwood, VA, Rockwood rentals are another great option. According to RentCafe, the average Rockwood rent is $1,644 for a 1,001-square-foot rental, which is much more affordable than Richmond’s average rent of $1,440 for an 861-square-foot rental.
Rockwood Weather & Climate
Rockwood has a Köppen classification of Cfa, or humid subtropical climate, which is best described as hot, humid, and muggy summers with mild, cool winters. The Rockwood weather is enjoyable year-round and boasts some of the most enjoyable weather in its state.
The annual rainfall in Rockwood is 43.79, and the annual snowfall is 8.06. The average temperature is 57.8 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average humidity level is 73.25%. January is Rockwood’s coldest month, with a mean temperature of 36.9 degrees, and the hottest month is July, with a mean of 77.8 degrees Fahrenheit.
The best times to visit Rockwood are May, September, and October; the temperatures are pleasant, and the humidity levels are low.
Things to Do in Rockwood
There are tons of things to do in Rockwood! There are a few shopping centers—Oxbridge Square Shopping Center and Rockwood Square Shopping Center, and multiple parks, ponds, and other activities. Here is a list of the best things to do in and near Rockwood.
Rockwood Park
Rockwood Park is the most popular attraction in Rockwood! This notable park provides spaces for activities such as archery, softball, basketball, and tennis. There is even a playground, hiking trail, and dog park.
3401 Courthouse Rd, Richmond, VA 23236, (804) 276-6661
Rockwood Nature Center
Rockwood Nature Center is a nature preserve attached to Rockwood Park. This nature preserve provides educational hiking trails, making it an ideal activity for kids in Rockwood!
3401 Courthouse Rd, North Chesterfield, VA 23236, (804) 768-7448
Loch Braemar Pool
Loch Braemer Pool is a family-friendly activity optimal for a hot summer day. There is an admission fee, but you can buy annual passes, which will cut costs.
9940 Kingussle Ln, Richmond, VA 23236, (804) 675-9367
Additional Attractions in and Near Rockwood
Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation maintains the two parks in Rockwood. The county also hosts events within the CDP. You can keep up with Rockwood events on the county’s special events calendar!
Rockwood Restaurants | Where to Eat in and Near Rockwood
One thing you should consider before moving to Rockwood (or anywhere) is how many delicious restaurants there are to try. Not only is Rockwood located close to delicious eateries in Richmond, but the CDP itself also has a handful of tasty spots to check out.
Cafe & Sabor Bakery & Restaurant
Cafe & Sabor Bakery & Restaurant is known for its traditional Colombian cuisine, caffeinated beverages, and desserts. Customer favorites are their decadent cafe con leche and mouthwatering Bandeja Paisa.
7102 Hull Street Rd N, Richmond, VA 23235, (804) 271-1635
Chamo’s Arepa House
While Chamo’s Arepa House is most famous for (you guessed it) their arepa’s, this authentic Venezuelan restaurant offers various Venezuelan dishes. We suggest trying the Champo Burger Tequeños!
8211 Hull Street Rd N, Richmond, VA 23235, (804) 918-8965
Yummvees
Yummvees is a nearly 5-star rated Rockwood restaurant! If you’re seeking an eatery with natural ingredients and sustainability at the forefront of production, Yummvess is the spot for you.
3511 Courthouse Rd, Richmond, VA 23236, (804) 447-0385
Rockwood Jobs
The economy of Rockwood employs 4,230 people, and the main industries are retail trade, health care and social services, and educational services. Its unemployment rate is 1.2% below the US average, and they have seen a 1.8% job market increase since 2022—the projected job growth by 2033 is 37.5% (4% above the US average.)
People living in Rockwood earn more than the average person living in Virginia; 14.3% earn between $60,000 to $75,000 (Virginia 9.7%), 16.1% earn between $75,000 and $100,000 (Virginia 12.8%), 17.2% earn between $100,000 and $150,000 (Virginia 16.4%.) The average hourly wage in Rockwood is 26.92, and the average salary is $56,000.
Here is a sneak peek into what people are earning in Rockwood:
| Job Title | Company | Salary |
| Manufacturing Engineer | Maag Gala, Inc. | $100,000 |
| Security Officer | Sunstates Security | $30,262 |
| Continuous Improvement Engineer | Orion Talent | $85,000 |
According to the county’s economic website, the largest employers in Chesterfield County are HCA Virginia Health System, Amazon, U.P.S., and E.I. DuPont De Nemours Company. Out of the 144,143 Chesterfield County jobs, there are quite a few to fit your needs and desires. We understand job hunting can be stressful, so before moving to Rockwood, keep an eye on the available Rockwood jobs, so you can find one that will work for you and your family.
Rockwood Schools
Rockwood is part of the Chesterfield County School District, which has an array of advanced programs and resources that are necessary for a child’s development. Whether your kiddo is interested in the district’s arts program, has high enough grades to enter the gifted program, or excels best when studying from home, CCSD has the resources to accommodate their unique needs.
There are no schools within Rockwood, but residents are zoned for nearby Manchester Middle School (rated the 5th best middle school in its school district), Reams Road Elementary School, and Clover Hill High School (rated the 4th best high school in its school district and 71st in Virginia by U.S. News.)
Notable colleges in Rockwood are the University of Richmond and Roanoke College. Both are within 50 miles of Rockwood, meaning you can ditch the long commute to school. This makes advancing your education far more convenient!
Overall, expect exceptional educational institutes when living in Rockwood, VA; the CDP even has its own public library, LaPrade Library, which is a great place to study, bring your children, or enjoy recreational reading.
Rockwood Statistics & Information
- County: Chesterfield County
- Rockwood area: 5.34 square miles
- Rockwood zip code: 23236
- Rockwood area code: 804
- Rockwood elevation: 207 ft.
- Rockwood time zone: Eastern Daylight Time (UTC–4)
- Closest airport to Rockwood: Richmond International Airport is 18.8 miles from Rockwood
Map of Rockwood
Use this Rockwood to explore more attractions and things to do in Rockwood, Virginia!
Rockwood, Virginia is a wonderful place to live; it’s affordable, has enjoyable weather, a handful of notable attractions, and proximity to Richmond’s big city amenities. If you’re considering moving to Rockwood, you should reach out to On The Fly Moving Guys at 804-836-4954; we have trusted Rockwood VA movers to help make your transition simple and stress-free.
