Rockingham, NC
Population 9,094 · North Carolina
About Rockingham, NC
Rockingham is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 9,094 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $36,695 per year, which is 51% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Rockingham features a median home value of $133,900, which is 45% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Rockingham one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $717, 38% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,414 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (2,268 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (1,683 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rockingham shows an unemployment rate of 9.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 33.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Rockingham have an average one-way commute time of 22.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
19.4% of Rockingham 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 6.3% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.8% Black or African American, and 0.2% Asian residents, with 2.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Rockingham, NC
Compared to national averages, Rockingham has a median household income of $36,695 (51% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $133,900, which is 45% below the national median. Monthly rent at $717 is 38% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Rockingham's income is 43% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 42% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Rockingham, NC?
Rockingham offers affordable housing with a median home value of $133,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $717/month, and short commute times averaging just 22.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($36,695) that falls below the national average. However, Rockingham’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rockingham has a population of 9,094 with a median age of 35.9 years. Compare Rockingham with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Rockingham
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kings Grant | 9,061 | $60,009 | $258,200 | Compare |
| Hampstead | 9,129 | $90,184 | $395,900 | Compare |
| Aberdeen | 8,969 | $72,955 | $287,200 | Compare |
| Wesley Chapel | 8,923 | $129,962 | $493,900 | Compare |
| Gibsonville | 9,289 | $105,981 | $262,400 | Compare |
| Oxford | 8,897 | $48,135 | $177,200 | Compare |
| Oak Island | 8,888 | $83,483 | $407,400 | Compare |
| Lake Norman of Catawba | 9,308 | $106,836 | $522,300 | 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 Rockingham With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rockingham
What is the population of Rockingham, NC?
The population of Rockingham, NC is 9,094 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 Rockingham?
The median household income in Rockingham, NC is $36,695 per year, which is 51% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rockingham?
The median home value in Rockingham, NC is $133,900, which is 45% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rockingham?
The median monthly rent in Rockingham, NC is $717, which is 38% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rockingham?
The unemployment rate in Rockingham, NC is 9.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rockingham, NC a good place to live?
Rockingham offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 9,094 and a median age of 35.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rockingham, NC?
19.4% of residents in Rockingham 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 Rockingham?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rockingham, NC: median home value is $133,900 (45% below national), median rent is $717/month, and median household income is $36,695. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Rockingham?
The poverty rate in Rockingham, NC is 33.8%, 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 Rockingham, NC?
Rockingham's population is 6.3% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.8% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 36.4% two or more races. 2.5% of residents are foreign-born.