Rocky Mount, NC
Population 54,175 · North Carolina
About Rocky Mount, NC
Rocky Mount is a mid-sized city located in North Carolina with a population of 54,175 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $52,927 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Rocky Mount features a median home value of $148,300, which is 39% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Rocky Mount in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $919, 21% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 27,052 total housing units, 47% are owner-occupied (10,989 units) and 53% are renter-occupied (12,170 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 Rocky Mount shows an unemployment rate of 8.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 21.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Rocky Mount have an average one-way commute time of 21.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
21.5% of Rocky Mount 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, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 1.5% Asian residents, with 3.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Rocky Mount Ranks in North Carolina
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.
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.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kannapolis | 56,470 | $70,691 | $245,500 | Compare |
| Mooresville | 51,447 | $88,592 | $348,500 | Compare |
| Wake Forest | 51,199 | $120,777 | $435,000 | Compare |
| Burlington | 58,599 | $54,941 | $188,700 | Compare |
| Chapel Hill | 59,889 | $85,825 | $576,500 | Compare |
| Wilson | 47,740 | $47,294 | $192,000 | Compare |
| Huntersville | 62,458 | $119,951 | $439,300 | Compare |
| Hickory | 43,747 | $63,361 | $248,300 | 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 Rocky Mount With Other Cities
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 US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Rocky Mount?
The median household income in Rocky Mount, NC is $52,927 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rocky Mount?
The median home value in Rocky Mount, NC is $148,300, which is 39% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Rocky Mount?
The median monthly rent in Rocky Mount, NC is $919, which is 21% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rocky Mount?
The unemployment rate in Rocky Mount, NC is 8.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rocky Mount, NC a good place to live?
Rocky Mount offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 54,175 and a median age of 41.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rocky Mount, NC?
21.5% of residents in Rocky Mount 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 Rocky Mount?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rocky Mount, NC: median home value is $148,300 (39% below national), median rent is $919/month, and median household income is $52,927. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rocky Mount?
The poverty rate in Rocky Mount, NC is 21.2%, 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 Rocky Mount, NC?
Rocky Mount's population is 1.5% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 1.5% Asian, and 62.7% two or more races. 3.2% of residents are foreign-born.