Roanoke Rapids, NC
Population 15,024 · North Carolina
About Roanoke Rapids, NC
Roanoke Rapids is a mid-sized city located in North Carolina with a population of 15,024 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,981 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Roanoke Rapids features a median home value of $129,400, which is 47% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Roanoke Rapids one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $816, 30% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,843 total housing units, 50% are owner-occupied (3,058 units) and 50% are renter-occupied (3,075 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 Roanoke Rapids shows an unemployment rate of 6.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 21.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Roanoke Rapids have an average one-way commute time of 20.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
21.8% of Roanoke Rapids residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 1.5% White, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, and 3.7% Asian residents, with 3.8% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Roanoke Rapids With Other Cities
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 US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Roanoke Rapids?
The median household income in Roanoke Rapids, NC is $53,981 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Roanoke Rapids?
The median home value in Roanoke Rapids, NC is $129,400, which is 47% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Roanoke Rapids?
The median monthly rent in Roanoke Rapids, NC is $816, which is 30% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Roanoke Rapids?
The unemployment rate in Roanoke Rapids, NC is 6.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Roanoke Rapids, NC a good place to live?
Roanoke Rapids offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 15,024 and a median age of 38, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Roanoke Rapids, NC?
21.8% of residents in Roanoke Rapids 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 Roanoke Rapids?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Roanoke Rapids, NC: median home value is $129,400 (47% below national), median rent is $816/month, and median household income is $53,981. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Roanoke Rapids?
The poverty rate in Roanoke Rapids, NC is 21.8%, 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 Roanoke Rapids, NC?
Roanoke Rapids's population is 1.5% White, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, 3.7% Asian, and 36.3% two or more races. 3.8% of residents are foreign-born.