Median Income
$61,250
18% lower than US avg
Home Value
$69,200
75% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
50/100K
87% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
30.1%
11% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$713
39% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.8%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.9%
47% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.9%
69% lower than US avg
How Rolla Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population545
Median Age43.0 yrs
Density1,473/mi²
Male / Female41% / 59%
Largest GroupWhite 56%
Veterans3.2%
Economy
A
Median Income$61,250
Per Capita$31,674
Unemployment1.9%
Poverty3.9%
County GDP$219M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$69,200
Rent$713
Ownership82.6%
Zillow$102,068
Housing Units373
Rent Burden18.8%
Crime
F
Violent50/100K
Property275/100K
Health
Obesity38.8%
Uninsured17.2%
Smoking16.4%
Depression20.5%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain17.7 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation3,327 ft (1,014 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+30.1%
High School+77.4%
Graduate+3.1%
School Score5.20
Community
2024 VoteR 86% / D 12%
Commute23 min
Broadband90.0%
Libraries2
Is Rolla a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rolla receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Rolla offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Rolla is $61,250, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.9%. Only 3.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Rolla is $69,200, 75% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $713 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Rolla is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 50 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 275 per 100,000, 86% below the national average.
Education
30.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Rolla enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 17.7 inches, including 18.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Rolla has a population of 545 with a density of 1,473 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 43.0 years, 11% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 59.4% female and 40.6% male. The city is predominantly White (56.3%), with 1.5% Hispanic, 6.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 57.8% of residents, while 42.2% speak Spanish. 3.2% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 13.2% of residents have a disability. 87.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.0yrs
Median Age
11% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
57.8%
26% below US avg
Spanish
42.2%
215% above US avg
The median household income in Rolla is $61,250, which is 18% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,674 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $835, 42% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 94 business establishments, including 3 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes. 0.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $61,250 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,674 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $835 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $58,901 |
| Gini Index | 0.394 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.9% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.9% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 94 |
| County GDP | $219M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 3 |
| Healthcare | 5 |
| Retail | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,250 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.25% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.4% |
The median home value in Rolla is $69,200, 75% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $102,068, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $713 (39% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 82.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 373 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1968. The average annual property tax is $2,250 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 18.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $69,200 |
| 75% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $102,068 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $713 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.4% |
| Housing Units | 373 |
| Median Year Built | 1968 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,250 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.25% |
In Rolla, 38.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 31.3% have high blood pressure. 16.4% are current smokers. 16.5% report binge drinking. 31.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 20.5% report depression. 17.6% experience frequent mental distress. 17.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:897. 88.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Rolla vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.8% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.3% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 6.3% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.5% |
| Depression | 20.5% |
| Mental Distress | 17.6% |
| Physical Distress | 13.7% |
| Short Sleep | 37.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.5% |
| Uninsured | 17.2% |
| 100% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:897 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,580 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.4% |
| Dental Visits | 62.2% |
| Premature Death | 11,546/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 88.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 5 |
Rolla has a violent crime rate of 50 per 100,000 residents, 87% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 275 per 100,000, 86% below the U.S. average. Overall, Rolla receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Rolla vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 50.1/100K |
| 87% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 275.4/100K |
| 86% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Rolla enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 330 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 17.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 18.4 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 3,327 feet.
Temperature
34°F Jan (1°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 55.5°F |
| 3% above US avg |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,327 ft (1,014 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,473/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.1179°N, 101.6318°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Morton County County |
| Nearest Airport | Liberal Mid-America Regional (LBL)
37 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
17.7"
54% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
2.80"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 4.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 10.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M2.7 on Apr 6, 2020.
| Jun 19, 2002 |
19 km NE of Clayton, New Mexico |
M3.7 |
139 km |
| Feb 27, 2012 |
25 km WSW of Lipscomb, Texas |
M2.8 |
145 km |
| Apr 6, 2020 |
14 km WNW of Pritchett, Colorado |
M2.7 |
127 km |
| Mar 25, 2016 |
Texas Panhandle region |
M2.6 |
149 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
437 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 2 fatalities, 43 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1993 |
EF4 |
32 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1977 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1971 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Nov 16, 2015 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1996 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1996 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1993 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1993 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1989 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1974 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1972 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1963 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1951 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1951 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2010 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2008 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2005 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 15, 2003 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 15, 2003 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 15, 2003 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BADGER HOLE (49,146 ac, 2018).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2018 |
BADGER HOLE |
49,146 |
53 km |
| 2022 |
BEAVER RIVER FIRE |
20,512 |
87 km |
| 2011 |
TUNNER |
17,774 |
16 km |
| 2018 |
RABBIT 22 |
10,393 |
96 km |
| 2021 |
COBB FIRE |
7,142 |
46 km |
| 2011 |
HASKELL COUNTY |
6,736 |
60 km |
| 1997 |
BUOY LINE |
6,118 |
64 km |
| 2016 |
OPTIMA |
5,084 |
68 km |
| 2006 |
MOUNT CARMEL |
4,061 |
67 km |
| 2019 |
C34 |
3,883 |
76 km |
| 2017 |
BLACK MONDAY |
3,376 |
65 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,162 |
74 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,605 |
77 km |
| 2006 |
STEELER |
2,471 |
9 km |
| 2006 |
ADAMS |
2,340 |
71 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,249 |
96 km |
| 2022 |
FEED YARD FIRE |
1,965 |
84 km |
| 2011 |
MATTHEWS |
1,639 |
97 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
1,496 |
96 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,476 |
89 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
34°F (1°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
38°F (3°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
2.8 in |
Wettest |
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
2.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
35°F (1°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Rolla has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 34°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (2.8") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Rolla. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $414 |
| Toddler | $423 |
| Preschool | $423 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $426 |
| Toddler | $361 |
| Preschool | $361 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rolla
What is the population of Rolla?
Rolla has a population of 545 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 1,473 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 59.4% female and 40.6% male.
Is Rolla expensive to live in?
Rolla is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $61,250, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $69,200 (75% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $713 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Rolla safe?
Rolla is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 50 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 275 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Rolla receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Rolla?
Rolla enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 34°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 17.7 inches, with 18.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Rolla?
The job market in Rolla is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $835. There are 94 business establishments in the area, including 3 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 0.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Rolla?
The median home value in Rolla is $69,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $102,068. For renters, the median monthly rent is $713. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 82.6%. The average annual property tax is $2,250.
How are the schools in Rolla?
Schools in Rolla score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 30.1% of adults in Rolla hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.4% have completed high school. 3.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Rolla?
The obesity rate in Rolla is 38.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.4% of adults are smokers. 31.5% are physically inactive. 20.5% of residents report depression. 17.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 88.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:897.
What is transportation like in Rolla?
The average commute in Rolla is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Rolla?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Rolla is 56.3% White, 6.2% Black or African American, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino. 57.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 42.2% speak Spanish. 3.2% of the population are military veterans. 13.2% of residents have a disability. 87.5% have health insurance coverage.
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