Roanoke Rapids, NC
Population 15,024 · North Carolina
About Roanoke Rapids, NC
Roanoke Rapids is a mid-sized city in North Carolina with a population of 15,024 residents. The median household income is $53,981 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Roanoke Rapids is 38 years.
Housing in Roanoke Rapids has a median home value of $129,400 and median monthly rent of $816. Of the 6,843 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 3,058 owner-occupied and 3,075 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Roanoke Rapids is 6.1% and the poverty rate is 21.8%. 21.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 20.5 minutes.
Cost of Living in Roanoke Rapids, NC
Compared to national averages, Roanoke Rapids has a median household income of $53,981 (28% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $129,400, which is 47% below the national median. Monthly rent at $816 is 30% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Roanoke Rapids's income is 16% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 43% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Roanoke Rapids, NC?
Roanoke Rapids offers affordable housing with a median home value of $129,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $816/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,981) that falls below the national average. However, Roanoke Rapids’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Roanoke Rapids has a population of 15,024 with a median age of 38 years. Compare Roanoke Rapids with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Roanoke Rapids
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laurinburg | 15,079 | $39,258 | $121,500 | Compare |
| Henderson | 14,922 | $38,780 | $116,800 | Compare |
| Belmont | 15,140 | $86,442 | $349,700 | Compare |
| Davidson | 14,852 | $152,969 | $626,000 | Compare |
| Hendersonville | 15,253 | $52,337 | $282,500 | Compare |
| Eden | 15,353 | $50,959 | $122,800 | Compare |
| Reidsville | 14,547 | $42,702 | $139,000 | Compare |
| Piney Green | 14,205 | $65,179 | $220,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Carolina
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Roanoke Rapids
What is the population of Roanoke Rapids, NC?
The population of Roanoke Rapids, NC is 15,024 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Roanoke Rapids?
The median household income in Roanoke Rapids, NC is $53,981 per year.
What is the median home value in Roanoke Rapids?
The median home value in Roanoke Rapids, NC is $129,400.
What is the average rent in Roanoke Rapids?
The median monthly rent in Roanoke Rapids, NC is $816.
What is the unemployment rate in Roanoke Rapids?
The unemployment rate in Roanoke Rapids, NC is 6.1%.