Rolla, ND
Population 1,164 · North Dakota
About Rolla, ND
Rolla is a small town located in North Dakota with a population of 1,164 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $52,841 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33.9 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Rolla features a median home value of $121,500, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Rolla one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $695, 40% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 466 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (225 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (178 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rolla shows an unemployment rate of 7.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 21.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Rolla have an average one-way commute time of 9.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
23.0% of Rolla 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 2.7% White, 56.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Rolla Ranks in North Dakota
Cost of Living in Rolla, ND
Compared to national averages, Rolla has a median household income of $52,841 (30% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $121,500, which is 50% below the national median. Monthly rent at $695 is 40% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Dakota, Rolla's income is 27% below the state average of $72,691, and home values are 13% below the state median of $139,496.
Why Live in Rolla, ND?
Rolla offers affordable housing with a median home value of $121,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $695/month, and short commute times averaging just 9.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($52,841) that falls below the national average. However, Rolla’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rolla has a population of 1,164 with a median age of 33.9 years. Compare Rolla with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Rolla
Cities in North Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington | 1,169 | $95,216 | $237,800 | Compare |
| Hettinger | 1,141 | $50,750 | $112,600 | Compare |
| Cando | 1,199 | $49,375 | $149,300 | Compare |
| Crosby | 1,116 | $80,000 | $111,800 | Compare |
| Shell Valley | 1,112 | $43,281 | $55,200 | Compare |
| Thompson | 1,092 | $110,909 | $274,000 | Compare |
| Mapleton | 1,243 | $116,364 | $285,500 | Compare |
| Larimore | 1,262 | $78,846 | $180,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Dakota
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Rolla With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rolla
What is the population of Rolla, ND?
The population of Rolla, ND is 1,164 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in North Dakota.
What is the median household income in Rolla?
The median household income in Rolla, ND is $52,841 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rolla?
The median home value in Rolla, ND is $121,500, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rolla?
The median monthly rent in Rolla, ND is $695, which is 40% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rolla?
The unemployment rate in Rolla, ND is 7.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rolla, ND a good place to live?
Rolla offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,164 and a median age of 33.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Rolla, ND?
23.0% of residents in Rolla 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 Rolla?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rolla, ND: median home value is $121,500 (50% below national), median rent is $695/month, and median household income is $52,841. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rolla?
The poverty rate in Rolla, ND is 21.3%, 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 Rolla, ND?
Rolla's population is 2.7% White, 56.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.1% two or more races. 1.6% of residents are foreign-born.