Roanoke Rapids, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
14,856
-1.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$53,690/yr
-0.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
6,895
0.8% year-over-year change

Roanoke Rapids population

How many people live in Roanoke Rapids

Roanoke Rapids is home to 14,856 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.8% of Roanoke Rapids locals are male, and 52.2% are female.

Total population
14,856
-1.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.8%
7,108
Female
52.2%
7,748
Value Percent YoY change
Male 7,108 47.8% -1.0%
Female 7,748 52.2% -1.2%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Roanoke Rapids is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.7% are children under 15, then 12.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.3% of the population, while another 24.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.7%
15 to 24
12.8%
25 to 44
22.3%
45 to 64
24.5%
Over 65
19.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,072 20.7% -3.8%
15 to 24 1,901 12.8% 6.4%
25 to 44 3,315 22.3% -2.3%
45 to 64 3,643 24.5% -7.4%
Over 65 2,925 19.7% 7.6%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Roanoke Rapids, 95.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 50.7% of locals are Caucasian, 37.5% are African American and 1.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.5%
Non-citizens
2.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 14,198 95.6% -0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 229 1.5% -12.9%
Non-citizens 429 2.9% -7.7%
Racial breakdown
White
50.7%
Black or African American
37.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
1.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
6.7%
Other
3.8%
Value Percent
White 7,532 50.7%
Black or African American 5,565 37.5%
Asian 169 1.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 21 0.1%
Two or more races 998 6.7%
Other 571 3.8%

Households in Roanoke Rapids

A peek inside Roanoke Rapids households

Roanoke Rapids has 6,194 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 63.4% are families, while the remaining 36.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
6,194
1.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,266
Family households
3,928
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,266 36.6% 7.1%
Family households 3,928 63.4% -2.2%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Roanoke Rapids

The housing landscape of Roanoke Rapids

Roanoke Rapids's housing consists of 6,895 units, with 66.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.8% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 3.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
6,895
0.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,605 66.8%
1 unit, attached 468 6.8%
2 units 591 8.6%
3 or 4 units 181 2.6%
5 to 9 units 447 6.5%
10 to 19 units 132 1.9%
20 to 49 units 105 1.5%
50 or more units 126 1.8%
Mobile home 240 3.5%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Roanoke Rapids

In Roanoke Rapids, the median construction year is 1968. About 8.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 10.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 603 8.8% 1.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 735 10.7% -0.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,292 18.7% 31.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,072 15.6% -5.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 980 14.2% 17.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,162 16.8% -21.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 477 6.9% -15.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 331 4.8% 47.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 243 3.5% -15.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Roanoke Rapids occupancy rates

Out of the 6,194 occupied housing units in Roanoke Rapids, 49.9% are owner-occupied, while 50.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,194
1.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,102
Owner occupied
3,092
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,102 50.1% 0.9%
Owner occupied 3,092 49.9% 1.1%
Unoccupied housing units
10.2%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Roanoke Rapids housing costs

Housing costs in Roanoke Rapids come to a median of $891 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $858.

Median housing costs per month
$891/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Roanoke Rapids
$858/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Roanoke Rapids

Roanoke Rapids education at a glance

About 48.4% of the population in Roanoke Rapids went to high school, while 21.8% pursued college studies. Another 6.9% earned an associate degree and 13.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 356 3.2% -14.6%
High school diploma 5,426 48.4% -1.8%
College diploma 2,443 21.8% 6.0%
Associate degree 770 6.9% 3.2%
Bachelor's degree 1,498 13.4% -0.5%
Graduate degree 723 6.4% -1.8%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Roanoke Rapids

How much people earn in Roanoke Rapids

The average annual household income in Roanoke Rapids was $71,360 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $53,690, reflecting a -0.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Roanoke Rapids
$71,360/year
1.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Roanoke Rapids
$53,690/year
-0.5% year-over-year change

Roanoke Rapids income by age

In Roanoke Rapids, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $62,895. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $59,189 overall. Overall, 81.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $62,895 16.6%
45 - 64 $59,189 -4.4%
Over 65 $43,607 0.6%
Above poverty level
11,913
Below poverty level
2,631
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 11,913 81.9% 3.3%
Below poverty level 2,631 18.1% -17.1%

Average renter income in Roanoke Rapids

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Roanoke Rapids, their median household income was $26,972 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 38.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$26,972
Rent-to-income ratio
38.2%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Roanoke Rapids

Workforce and job types in Roanoke Rapids

The job market in Roanoke Rapids is powered by 6,223 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 73.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 26.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.8% run their own businesses, 62% are employed by private companies, and 21.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
6,223
1.6% year-over-year change
White collar
4,572
Blue collar
1,651
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,572 73.5% -0.7%
Blue collar 1,651 26.5% 8.7%
Employer type
Self employees
7.8%
Private companies
62%
Governmental workers
21.6%
Not for profit companies
8.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 484 7.8% 7.1%
Private companies 3,857 62% 3.5%
Governmental workers 1,346 21.6% -2.3%
Not for profit companies 536 8.6% -5.0%
Unemployment rate
8.1%
37.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Roanoke Rapids stands at 8.1%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Roanoke Rapids

How people get around in Roanoke Rapids

Commuting methods vary: 85.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 5,129 85.2% -0.5%
Bus or trolleybus 1 0% 0.0%
Walk 57 1% -6.6%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Roanoke Rapids by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
27870 24,958 10,569 $49,502 $67,380

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FAQs about Roanoke Rapids demographics 

What is the total population of Roanoke Rapids?

Roanoke Rapids has a total population of 14,856 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -1.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Roanoke Rapids?

The gender ratio in Roanoke Rapids is as follows:
  • 47.8% males (7,108 residents)
  • 52.2% females (7,748 residents)

What is the median age in Roanoke Rapids?

The median age in Roanoke Rapids is 40.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Roanoke Rapids?

The age distribution in Roanoke Rapids is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.7% (3,072 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.8% (1,901 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.3% (3,315 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.5% (3,643 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.7% (2,925 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Roanoke Rapids?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Roanoke Rapids is as follows:
  • White: 50.7% (7,532 residents)
  • Black or African American: 37.5% (5,565 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 1.1% (169 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (21 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.7% (998 residents)
  • Other: 3.8% (571 residents)

What percentage of the population in Roanoke Rapids are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.6% of the population in Roanoke Rapids.

How many housing units are there in Roanoke Rapids?

There are 6,895 housing units in Roanoke Rapids, reflecting a +0.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Roanoke Rapids and what is the average household size?

Roanoke Rapids has a total of 6,194 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Roanoke Rapids?

Roanoke Rapids has a median household income of $53,690, representing a -0.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Roanoke Rapids?

The employment rate is 91.9% in Roanoke Rapids, with a workforce of 6,223 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 73.5% (4,572 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 26.5% (1,651 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.8% (484 residents)
  • Private companies: 62% (3,857 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21.6% (1,346 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.6% (536 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025