Rockfish, NC
Population 3,807 · North Carolina
About Rockfish, NC
Rockfish is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 3,807 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $63,046 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.6 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 Rockfish features a median home value of $191,000, which is 22% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Rockfish in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,236, 6% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,485 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (1,051 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (380 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rockfish shows an unemployment rate of 6.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 15.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Rockfish have an average one-way commute time of 34.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
22.0% of Rockfish 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 4.8% White, 6.7% Hispanic or Latino, 4.6% Black or African American, and 5.1% Asian residents, with 6.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Rockfish, NC
Compared to national averages, Rockfish has a median household income of $63,046 (16% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $191,000, which is 22% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,236 is 6% above the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Rockfish's income is 2% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 17% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Rockfish, NC?
Rockfish offers affordable housing with a median home value of $191,000, below the US average of $244,900.
Potential considerations include median household income ($63,046) that falls below the national average. However, Rockfish’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rockfish has a population of 3,807 with a median age of 34.6 years. Compare Rockfish with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Rockfish
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Troutman | 3,813 | $76,389 | $349,100 | Compare |
| Dana | 3,824 | $55,801 | $223,400 | Compare |
| Skippers Corner | 3,834 | $67,469 | $249,200 | Compare |
| Hudson | 3,777 | $61,600 | $196,200 | Compare |
| Maiden | 3,777 | $52,102 | $219,300 | Compare |
| Lowesville | 3,737 | $117,835 | $381,600 | Compare |
| Swansboro | 3,887 | $112,382 | $356,900 | Compare |
| Landis | 3,726 | $82,645 | $233,400 | 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 Rockfish With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rockfish
What is the population of Rockfish, NC?
The population of Rockfish, NC is 3,807 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Rockfish?
The median household income in Rockfish, NC is $63,046 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rockfish?
The median home value in Rockfish, NC is $191,000, which is 22% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rockfish?
The median monthly rent in Rockfish, NC is $1,236, which is 6% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rockfish?
The unemployment rate in Rockfish, NC is 6.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rockfish, NC a good place to live?
Rockfish offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,807 and a median age of 34.6, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Rockfish, NC?
22.0% of residents in Rockfish 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 Rockfish?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rockfish, NC: median home value is $191,000 (22% below national), median rent is $1,236/month, and median household income is $63,046. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rockfish?
The poverty rate in Rockfish, NC is 15.7%, 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 Rockfish, NC?
Rockfish's population is 4.8% White, 6.7% Hispanic or Latino, 4.6% Black or African American, 5.1% Asian, and 16.7% two or more races. 6.9% of residents are foreign-born.