Rolla, KS
Population 545 · Kansas
About Rolla, KS
Rolla is a small community located in Kansas with a population of 545 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $61,250 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Rolla features a median home value of $69,200, which is 72% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Rolla one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $713, 39% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 332 total housing units, 83% are owner-occupied (181 units) and 17% are renter-occupied (38 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rolla shows an unemployment rate of 2.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 8.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Rolla have an average one-way commute time of 23.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
30.1% of Rolla residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 39.6% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 22.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Rolla, KS
Compared to national averages, Rolla has a median household income of $61,250 (18% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $69,200, which is 72% below the national median. Monthly rent at $713 is 39% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Rolla's income is 4% below the state average of $63,989, and home values are 39% below the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Rolla, KS?
Rolla offers affordable housing with a median home value of $69,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $713/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.9%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 8.4%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 23.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($61,250) that falls below the national average. However, Rolla’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rolla has a population of 545 with a median age of 43 years. Compare Rolla with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Rolla
What is the population of Rolla, KS?
The population of Rolla, KS is 545 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Kansas.
What is the median household income in Rolla?
The median household income in Rolla, KS is $61,250 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rolla?
The median home value in Rolla, KS is $69,200, which is 72% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rolla?
The median monthly rent in Rolla, KS is $713, which is 39% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rolla?
The unemployment rate in Rolla, KS is 2.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Rolla, KS a good place to live?
Rolla offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 545 and a median age of 43, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rolla, KS?
30.1% of residents in Rolla aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Rolla?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rolla, KS: median home value is $69,200 (72% below national), median rent is $713/month, and median household income is $61,250. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rolla?
The poverty rate in Rolla, KS is 8.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Rolla, KS?
Rolla's population is 39.6% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 6.2% two or more races. 22.9% of residents are foreign-born.