Rockwell, NC
Population 2,688 · North Carolina
About Rockwell, NC
Rockwell is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 2,688 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $64,141 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Rockwell features a median home value of $218,800, which is 11% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Rockwell in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $846, 27% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,085 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (634 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (431 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rockwell shows an unemployment rate of 5.3%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 8.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Rockwell have an average one-way commute time of 28.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
26.5% of Rockwell residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 1.2% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 2.2% Asian residents, with 2.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Rockwell, NC
Compared to national averages, Rockwell has a median household income of $64,141 (15% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $218,800, which is 11% below the national median. Monthly rent at $846 is 27% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Rockwell's income is 1% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 4% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Rockwell, NC?
Rockwell offers affordable housing with a median home value of $218,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $846/month, and a low poverty rate of 8.9%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($64,141) that falls below the national average. However, Rockwell’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rockwell has a population of 2,688 with a median age of 37.8 years. Compare Rockwell with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Rockwell
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Grange | 2,692 | $49,475 | $78,500 | Compare |
| Cajah's Mountain | 2,696 | $53,714 | $175,900 | Compare |
| Wrightsville Beach | 2,679 | $167,273 | $1,041,800 | Compare |
| Edneyville | 2,698 | $59,349 | $283,900 | Compare |
| Liberty | 2,678 | $39,293 | $152,800 | Compare |
| Wentworth | 2,670 | $67,455 | $165,700 | Compare |
| Brogden | 2,712 | $28,885 | $96,100 | Compare |
| Grifton | 2,661 | $36,664 | $122,100 | 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 Rockwell With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rockwell
What is the population of Rockwell, NC?
The population of Rockwell, NC is 2,688 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 Rockwell?
The median household income in Rockwell, NC is $64,141 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rockwell?
The median home value in Rockwell, NC is $218,800, which is 11% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rockwell?
The median monthly rent in Rockwell, NC is $846, which is 27% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rockwell?
The unemployment rate in Rockwell, NC is 5.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rockwell, NC a good place to live?
Rockwell offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,688 and a median age of 37.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rockwell, NC?
26.5% of residents in Rockwell 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 Rockwell?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rockwell, NC: median home value is $218,800 (11% below national), median rent is $846/month, and median household income is $64,141. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rockwell?
The poverty rate in Rockwell, NC is 8.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Rockwell, NC?
Rockwell's population is 1.2% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 2.2% Asian, and 1.4% two or more races. 2.3% of residents are foreign-born.