Rockwood basement risk at a glance
| Basement Risk Index | 35 / 100 (ELEVATED) |
| Metro rank | #63 of 116 |
| Homes built before 1960 | 27% |
| Peak building era | 1960s (24% of homes) |
| Median year built | 1970 |
| Median home value | $188,600 |
| Median household income | $88,080 |
| Owner-occupied | 75% |
| Neighborhoods analyzed | 1 |
Rockwood's score is modeled from U.S. Census housing data; no municipal flood records are integrated yet. The Basement Risk Index is built from U.S. Census housing data and documented flood records. See our full methodology.
When Rockwood was built
The housing stock in Rockwood peaked in the 1960s, when about 24% of today's homes were built. In total, 27% of Rockwood homes predate 1960. That matters because basements built before the 1960s typically lack the sump pumps, perimeter drain tile, and backwater valves that became standard later, leaving many on their original, aging clay drain tiles.
How basement risk varies inside Rockwood
We score 1 individual neighborhoods inside Rockwood. Of those, 0 fall in the high or very high band, 0 are elevated, and 1 are moderate or lower. Risk is rarely uniform across a city, so the most useful number is the one for your own block.
What this means for Rockwood homeowners
Rockwood sits above the lighter end of the scale. The averages hide block-to-block variation, so the most useful step is finding out where your specific home stands.
Why Rockwood homes face basement risk
Basement flooding in Rockwood is mostly a function of housing age and soil. Older homes were built with clay drain tiles that crack and clog over decades, and the dense clay across southeast Michigan holds water against foundations rather than letting it drain. Rockwood sits on the Huron River near its mouth at Lake Erie, and low-lying ground near the water keeps the seasonal water table close to basement floors, so hydrostatic seepage can matter as much as sewer capacity here.
FEMA disaster assistance after June 2021
13 Rockwood households registered for FEMA disaster assistance after the June 2021 floods (DR-4607-MI), and FEMA approved 3 of those claims for a combined $4,346, according to FEMA's OpenFEMA Housing Assistance data (pulled and re-verified July 2026). That count is a floor, not a ceiling: it only includes households who applied to FEMA, not every home that took on water.
How Rockwood compares
Rockwood's Index of 35 is below the metro Detroit median of 37. It ranks #63 of 116 communities region-wide.
Does insurance cover it?
Often not. Standard Michigan homeowners policies commonly exclude sewer backup and groundwater unless you carry a specific endorsement. Before the next storm, it is worth reading our guide on whether insurance covers basement flooding in Michigan and checking your declarations page.
What to do about it
- Compare your block on the metro map to see how your specific area compares within the community.
- Walk the basement after the next hard rain for dampness, white mineral lines, or a musty smell.
- Extend downspouts and check grading so water flows away from the foundation. More on keeping a basement dry.
Hiring in Rockwood?
We keep public-record profiles of metro Detroit basement waterproofing contractors, drawn from their own listings and Michigan licensing records. No ratings and no pay-to-play, just the record. Browse the contractor records →
See Rockwood on the full metro Detroit Basement Risk Index map →