Rolla, MO
Population 20,144 · Missouri
About Rolla, MO
Rolla is a mid-sized city in Missouri with a population of 20,144 residents. The median household income is $42,518 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Rolla is 27.4 years.
Housing in Rolla has a median home value of $177,400 and median monthly rent of $790. Of the 9,231 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 3,291 owner-occupied and 4,773 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Rolla is 5.4% and the poverty rate is 23.8%. 35.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 14.2 minutes.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Rolla
What is the population of Rolla, MO?
The population of Rolla, MO is 20,144 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Rolla?
The median household income in Rolla, MO is $42,518 per year.
What is the median home value in Rolla?
The median home value in Rolla, MO is $177,400.
What is the average rent in Rolla?
The median monthly rent in Rolla, MO is $790.
What is the unemployment rate in Rolla?
The unemployment rate in Rolla, MO is 5.4%.