Roper, NC
Population 586 · North Carolina
About Roper, NC
Roper is a small community located in North Carolina with a population of 586 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $19,155 per year, which is 75% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Roper features a median home value of $72,100, which is 71% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Roper one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $645, 45% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 378 total housing units, 44% are owner-occupied (126 units) and 56% are renter-occupied (161 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 Roper shows an unemployment rate of 29.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 47.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Roper have an average one-way commute time of 20.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
6.4% of Roper 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 19.3% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 6.8% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 4.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Roper Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Roper, NC
Compared to national averages, Roper has a median household income of $19,155 (75% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $72,100, which is 71% below the national median. Monthly rent at $645 is 45% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Roper's income is 70% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 69% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Roper, NC?
Roper offers affordable housing with a median home value of $72,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $645/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($19,155) that falls below the national average. However, Roper’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Roper has a population of 586 with a median age of 40.9 years. Compare Roper with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Roper
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawndale | 585 | $31,691 | $105,600 | Compare |
| Cove City | 583 | $50,893 | $78,800 | Compare |
| St. Helena | 580 | $77,000 | $209,200 | Compare |
| Whitsett | 592 | $66,625 | $201,800 | Compare |
| Ansonville | 578 | $39,375 | $88,500 | Compare |
| New London | 594 | $59,688 | $256,300 | Compare |
| Newton Grove | 574 | $68,750 | $155,000 | Compare |
| Fallston | 602 | $49,250 | $86,800 | 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 Roper With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Roper
What is the population of Roper, NC?
The population of Roper, NC is 586 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Roper?
The median household income in Roper, NC is $19,155 per year, which is 75% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Roper?
The median home value in Roper, NC is $72,100, which is 71% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Roper?
The median monthly rent in Roper, NC is $645, which is 45% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Roper?
The unemployment rate in Roper, NC is 29.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Roper, NC a good place to live?
Roper offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 586 and a median age of 40.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Roper, NC?
6.4% of residents in Roper 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 Roper?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Roper, NC: median home value is $72,100 (71% below national), median rent is $645/month, and median household income is $19,155. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Roper?
The poverty rate in Roper, NC is 47.8%, 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 Roper, NC?
Roper's population is 19.3% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 6.8% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 66.0% two or more races. 4.4% of residents are foreign-born.