Rockwell, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,782
3.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$69,632/yr
8.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,121
3.3% year-over-year change

Rockwell population

How many people live in Rockwell

Rockwell is home to 2,782 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47% of Rockwell locals are male, and 53% are female.

Total population
2,782
3.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47%
1,308
Female
53%
1,474
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,308 47% 11.0%
Female 1,474 53% -2.4%
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 Rockwell is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 21.3% are children under 15, then 12.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.7% of the population, while another 24.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.3%
15 to 24
12.2%
25 to 44
27.7%
45 to 64
24.6%
Over 65
14.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 593 21.3% 9.2%
15 to 24 339 12.2% -7.4%
25 to 44 771 27.7% 4.0%
45 to 64 684 24.6% 15.0%
Over 65 395 14.2% -10.8%
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 Rockwell, 97.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 79.7% of locals are Caucasian, 7.9% are African American and 1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.6%
Non-citizens
0.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,716 97.6% 3.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 45 1.6% -2.2%
Non-citizens 21 0.8% 23.5%
Racial breakdown
White
79.7%
Black or African American
7.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.2%
Other
3.2%
Value Percent
White 2,217 79.7%
Black or African American 219 7.9%
Asian 29 1%
Two or more races 228 8.2%
Other 89 3.2%

Households in Rockwell

A peek inside Rockwell households

Rockwell has 1,087 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 61.9% are families, while the remaining 38.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,087
2.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
414
Family households
673
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 414 38.1% 6.4%
Family households 673 61.9% -0.4%
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 Rockwell

The housing landscape of Rockwell

Rockwell's housing consists of 1,121 units, with 76.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.1% 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 2.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,121
3.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 861 76.8%
1 unit, attached 12 1.1%
2 units 196 17.5%
3 or 4 units 10 0.9%
5 to 9 units 8 0.7%
10 to 19 units 10 0.9%
Mobile home 24 2.1%
Homes built since 2020
66
0.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Rockwell

In Rockwell, the median construction year is 1986. About 9.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 17.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 5.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 103 9.2% -1.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 10 0.9% -67.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 127 11.3% 27.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 59 5.3% 34.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 155 13.8% 21.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 166 14.8% -8.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 142 12.7% -25.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 196 17.5% 17.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 97 8.6% 34.7%
Built in 2020 or later 66 5.9% 0.0%
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.

Rockwell occupancy rates

Out of the 1,087 occupied housing units in Rockwell, 68.3% are owner-occupied, while 31.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,087
2.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
345
Owner occupied
742
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 345 31.7% -19.9%
Owner occupied 742 68.3% 17.0%
Unoccupied housing units
3.0%
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.

Rockwell housing costs

Housing costs in Rockwell come to a median of $964 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $952.

Median housing costs per month
$964/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 Rockwell
$952/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 Rockwell

Rockwell education at a glance

About 35.2% of the population in Rockwell went to high school, while 19.7% pursued college studies. Another 15.9% earned an associate degree and 22.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 43 2.1% 2.4%
High school diploma 721 35.2% 2.6%
College diploma 403 19.7% -9.2%
Associate degree 325 15.9% 2.9%
Bachelor's degree 462 22.6% -0.9%
Graduate degree 95 4.6% 137.5%
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 Rockwell

How much people earn in Rockwell

The average annual household income in Rockwell was $89,580 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +12.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $69,632, reflecting a +8.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Rockwell
$89,580/year
12.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Rockwell
$69,632/year
8.6% year-over-year change

Rockwell income by age

In Rockwell, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $80,000. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $82,875 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $56,016, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $36,487 in earnings. Overall, 93% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $56,016 3.4%
25 - 44 $80,000 2.5%
45 - 64 $82,875 6.7%
Over 65 $36,487 0.4%
Above poverty level
2,580
Below poverty level
195
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,580 93% 6.2%
Below poverty level 195 7% -18.4%

Average renter income in Rockwell

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Rockwell, their median household income was $34,680 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 32.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$34,680
Rent-to-income ratio
32.9%
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 Rockwell

Workforce and job types in Rockwell

The job market in Rockwell is powered by 1,312 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 71.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 28.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 3.5% run their own businesses, 72.7% are employed by private companies, and 18.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,312
5.6% year-over-year change
White collar
935
Blue collar
377
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 935 71.3% 11.1%
Blue collar 377 28.7% -5.8%
Employer type
Self employees
3.5%
Private companies
72.7%
Governmental workers
18.4%
Not for profit companies
5.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 46 3.5% 27.8%
Private companies 954 72.7% 7.3%
Governmental workers 242 18.4% 5.2%
Not for profit companies 70 5.3% -19.5%
Unemployment rate
5.3%
5.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Rockwell stands at 5.3%, 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 Rockwell

How people get around in Rockwell

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,129 85.8% 10.2%
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 Rockwell by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28138 10,271 4,178 $66,896 $81,995

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FAQs about Rockwell demographics 

What is the total population of Rockwell?

Rockwell has a total population of 2,782 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 +3.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Rockwell?

The gender ratio in Rockwell is as follows:
  • 47% males (1,308 residents)
  • 53% females (1,474 residents)

What is the median age in Rockwell?

The median age in Rockwell is 37.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Rockwell?

The age distribution in Rockwell is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21.3% (593 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.2% (339 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.7% (771 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.6% (684 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.2% (395 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Rockwell?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Rockwell is as follows:
  • White: 79.7% (2,217 residents)
  • Black or African American: 7.9% (219 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 1% (29 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.2% (228 residents)
  • Other: 3.2% (89 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.6% of the population in Rockwell.

How many housing units are there in Rockwell?

There are 1,121 housing units in Rockwell, reflecting a +3.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Rockwell has a total of 1,087 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Rockwell?

Rockwell has a median household income of $69,632, representing a +8.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Rockwell?

The employment rate is 94.7% in Rockwell, with a workforce of 1,312 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 71.3% (935 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 28.7% (377 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 3.5% (46 residents)
  • Private companies: 72.7% (954 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18.4% (242 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.3% (70 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