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US City Data

Rocky Mount, NC

Population 54,175 · North Carolina

Population
54,175
Median Income
$52,927
Median Home Value
$148,300
Median Rent
$919/mo

About Rocky Mount, NC

Rocky Mount is a mid-sized city in North Carolina with a population of 54,175 residents. The median household income is $52,927 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Rocky Mount is 41.8 years.

Housing in Rocky Mount has a median home value of $148,300 and median monthly rent of $919. Of the 27,052 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 10,989 owner-occupied and 12,170 renter-occupied units.

The unemployment rate in Rocky Mount is 8.1% and the poverty rate is 21.2%. 21.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 21.4 minutes.

How Rocky Mount Ranks in North Carolina

Most Populated Cities
#20
of 50 cities · 54,175

Cost of Living in Rocky Mount, NC

Compared to national averages, Rocky Mount has a median household income of $52,927 (30% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $148,300, which is 39% below the national median. Monthly rent at $919 is 21% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Rocky Mount's income is 18% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 35% below the state median of $228,922.

Income vs National
$52,927
National: $75,149
North Carolina: $64,468
Home Value vs National
$148,300
National: $244,900
North Carolina: $228,922
Rent vs National
$919
National: $1,163
North Carolina: $1,012
Unemployment vs National
8.1%
National: 3.7%
North Carolina: 7%

Why Live in Rocky Mount, NC?

Rocky Mount offers affordable housing with a median home value of $148,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $919/month, and short commute times averaging just 21.4 minutes.

Potential considerations include median household income ($52,927) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Rocky Mount provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.

Rocky Mount has a population of 54,175 with a median age of 41.8 years. Compare Rocky Mount with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.

Similar Cities Near Rocky Mount

Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.

CityPopulationMedian IncomeHome Value
Kannapolis56,470$70,691$245,500Compare
Mooresville51,447$88,592$348,500Compare
Wake Forest51,199$120,777$435,000Compare
Burlington58,599$54,941$188,700Compare
Chapel Hill59,889$85,825$576,500Compare
Wilson47,740$47,294$192,000Compare
Huntersville62,458$119,951$439,300Compare
Hickory43,747$63,361$248,300Compare

Demographics

41.8
Median Age
25,578
Male
28,597
Female
3.2%
Foreign Born

Racial & Ethnic Composition

White1.5Hispanic/Latino1.5Black0.7Asian1.5Two or More62.7

Economy & Education

8.1%
Unemployment Rate
21.2%
Poverty Rate
21.5%
Bachelor's Degree+
21.4 min
Avg Commute

Housing

27,052
Total Housing Units
10,989
Owner Occupied
12,170
Renter Occupied

Other Cities in North Carolina

Carolina BeachCarolina MeadowsCarolina ShoresMount AiryMount GileadMount Holly

Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.

Compare Rocky Mount With Other Cities

Rocky Mount vs Carolina BeachRocky Mount vs Carolina MeadowsRocky Mount vs Carolina ShoresRocky Mount vs Mount Airy

Frequently Asked Questions about Rocky Mount

What is the population of Rocky Mount, NC?

The population of Rocky Mount, NC is 54,175 according to the latest Census data.

What is the median household income in Rocky Mount?

The median household income in Rocky Mount, NC is $52,927 per year.

What is the median home value in Rocky Mount?

The median home value in Rocky Mount, NC is $148,300.

What is the average rent in Rocky Mount?

The median monthly rent in Rocky Mount, NC is $919.

What is the unemployment rate in Rocky Mount?

The unemployment rate in Rocky Mount, NC is 8.1%.

Explore More

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