Roper, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
384
-34.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$22,819/yr
19.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
350
-7.4% year-over-year change

Roper population

How many people live in Roper

Roper is home to 384 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.2% of Roper locals are male, and 51.8% are female.

Total population
384
-34.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.2%
185
Female
51.8%
199
Value Percent YoY change
Male 185 48.2% -43.2%
Female 199 51.8% -23.5%
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 Roper is 62, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.8% are children under 15, then 2.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 18.5% of the population, while another 20.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 44.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
61.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.8%
15 to 24
2.3%
25 to 44
18.5%
45 to 64
20.8%
Over 65
44.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 53 13.8% -62.9%
15 to 24 9 2.3% -74.3%
25 to 44 71 18.5% -46.6%
45 to 64 80 20.8% -29.2%
Over 65 171 44.5% 5.6%
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 Roper, 98.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.8% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 3.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.5%
Non-citizens
0.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 379 98.7% -32.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2 0.5% -50.0%
Non-citizens 3 0.8% -86.4%
Racial breakdown
White
15.9%
Black or African American
80.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.4%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 61 15.9%
Black or African American 310 80.7%
Two or more races 13 3.4%

Households in Roper

A peek inside Roper households

Roper has 233 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 26.2% are families, while the remaining 73.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
233
-18.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
172
Family households
61
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 172 73.8% -19.2%
Family households 61 26.2% -17.6%
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 Roper

The housing landscape of Roper

Roper's housing consists of 350 units, with 70.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.9% 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 14.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
350
-7.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 246 70.3%
1 unit, attached 10 2.9%
2 units 26 7.4%
3 or 4 units 4 1.1%
20 to 49 units 14 4%
Mobile home 50 14.3%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Roper

In Roper, the median construction year is 1968. About 25.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.6% 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 90 25.7% -1.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 16 4.6% 6.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 49 14% 0.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 26 7.4% -7.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 28 8% 7.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 55 15.7% 1.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 54 15.4% 25.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 28 8% -12.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 4 1.1% -90.0%
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.

Roper occupancy rates

Out of the 233 occupied housing units in Roper, 57.5% are owner-occupied, while 42.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 33.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
233
-18.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
99
Owner occupied
134
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 99 42.5% -38.5%
Owner occupied 134 57.5% 6.3%
Unoccupied housing units
33.4%
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.

Roper housing costs

Housing costs in Roper come to a median of $716 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $643.

Median housing costs per month
$716/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 Roper
$643/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 Roper

Roper education at a glance

About 46% of the population in Roper went to high school, while 21.6% pursued college studies. Another 2.8% earned an associate degree and 7.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 1.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 67 20.7% -4.3%
High school diploma 149 46% -38.7%
College diploma 70 21.6% -7.9%
Associate degree 9 2.8% 200.0%
Bachelor's degree 25 7.7% 13.6%
Graduate degree 4 1.2% 0.0%
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 Roper

How much people earn in Roper

The average annual household income in Roper was $23,115 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -7.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $22,819, reflecting a +19.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Roper
$23,115/year
-7.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Roper
$22,819/year
19.1% year-over-year change

Roper income by age

Overall, 65.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Over 65 $23,848 1.4%
Above poverty level
238
Below poverty level
123
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 238 65.9% -15.6%
Below poverty level 123 34.1% -55.0%

Average renter income in Roper

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Roper, their median household income was $11,280 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 68.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$11,280
Rent-to-income ratio
68.4%
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 Roper

Workforce and job types in Roper

The job market in Roper is powered by 71 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. Also, 4.2% run their own businesses, 73.2% are employed by private companies, and 9.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
71
-34.3% year-over-year change
White collar
71
Blue collar
0
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 71 100% -31.7%
Employer type
Self employees
4.2%
Private companies
73.2%
Governmental workers
9.9%
Not for profit companies
12.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 3 4.2% -86.4%
Private companies 52 73.2% -18.8%
Governmental workers 7 9.9% -53.3%
Not for profit companies 9 12.7% 28.6%
Unemployment rate
35.4%
-15.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Roper stands at 35.4%, 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 Roper

How people get around in Roper

Commuting methods vary: 69% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.8% 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 49 69% -48.4%
Walk 2 2.8% N/A
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 Roper by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
27970 2,439 1,353 $37,578 $53,307

Explore more communities

FAQs about Roper demographics 

What is the total population of Roper?

Roper has a total population of 384 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 -34.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Roper?

The gender ratio in Roper is as follows:
  • 48.2% males (185 residents)
  • 51.8% females (199 residents)

What is the median age in Roper?

The median age in Roper is 61.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Roper?

The age distribution in Roper is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.8% (53 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 2.3% (9 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 18.5% (71 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20.8% (80 residents)
  • Over 65: 44.5% (171 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Roper?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Roper is as follows:
  • White: 15.9% (61 residents)
  • Black or African American: 80.7% (310 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.4% (13 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.7% of the population in Roper.

How many housing units are there in Roper?

There are 350 housing units in Roper, reflecting a -7.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Roper has a total of 233 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Roper?

Roper has a median household income of $22,819, representing a +19.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 64.6% in Roper, with a workforce of 71 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 100% (71 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 0% (0 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 4.2% (3 residents)
  • Private companies: 73.2% (52 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9.9% (7 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.7% (9 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