Rolla, MO
Population 20,144 · Missouri
About Rolla, MO
Rolla is a mid-sized city located in Missouri with a population of 20,144 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $42,518 per year, which is 43% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 27.4 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Rolla features a median home value of $177,400, which is 28% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Rolla in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $790, 32% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,231 total housing units, 41% are owner-occupied (3,291 units) and 59% are renter-occupied (4,773 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rolla shows an unemployment rate of 5.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 23.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Rolla have an average one-way commute time of 14.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
35.5% 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 1.5% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 1.8% Asian residents, with 7.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Rolla Ranks in Missouri
Cost of Living in Rolla, MO
Compared to national averages, Rolla has a median household income of $42,518 (43% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $177,400, which is 28% below the national median. Monthly rent at $790 is 32% below the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, Rolla's income is 30% below the state average of $61,047, and home values are 18% above the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in Rolla, MO?
Rolla offers affordable housing with a median home value of $177,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $790/month, and a well-educated community where 35.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 14.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($42,518) 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 20,144 with a median age of 27.4 years. Compare Rolla with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near Rolla
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Affton | 20,035 | $77,337 | $200,300 | Compare |
| Warrensburg | 19,437 | $57,232 | $216,900 | Compare |
| Arnold | 20,884 | $75,194 | $209,700 | Compare |
| Republic | 19,233 | $64,364 | $190,300 | Compare |
| Old Jamestown | 21,121 | $107,250 | $230,100 | Compare |
| Creve Coeur | 18,643 | $119,454 | $566,100 | Compare |
| Sedalia | 21,869 | $50,668 | $136,500 | Compare |
| Ferguson | 18,350 | $46,106 | $99,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Missouri
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Rolla With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rolla
What is the population of Rolla, MO?
The population of Rolla, MO is 20,144 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Missouri.
What is the median household income in Rolla?
The median household income in Rolla, MO is $42,518 per year, which is 43% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rolla?
The median home value in Rolla, MO is $177,400, which is 28% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Rolla?
The median monthly rent in Rolla, MO is $790, which is 32% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rolla?
The unemployment rate in Rolla, MO is 5.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rolla, MO a good place to live?
Rolla offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 20,144 and a median age of 27.4, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Rolla, MO?
35.5% of residents in Rolla aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Rolla?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rolla, MO: median home value is $177,400 (28% below national), median rent is $790/month, and median household income is $42,518. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Rolla?
The poverty rate in Rolla, MO is 23.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Rolla, MO?
Rolla's population is 1.5% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 1.8% Asian, and 3.5% two or more races. 7.7% of residents are foreign-born.