Rolla, MO — City Data & Statistics

Median Income $42,518

43% lower than US avg

Home Value $177,400

37% lower than US avg

Violent Crime 548/100K

44% higher than US avg

Bachelor's+ 35.5%

5% higher than US avg

Median Rent $790

32% lower than US avg

Obesity Rate 38.3%

19% higher than US avg

Unemployment 2.7%

25% lower than US avg

Poverty Rate 10.6%

15% lower than US avg

How Rolla Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population20,144

Median Age27.4 yrs

Density1,662/mi²

Male / Female54% / 46%

Largest GroupWhite 83%

Veterans6.8%

Economy

B+

Median Income$42,518

Per Capita$23,580

Unemployment2.7%

Poverty10.6%

Commute14 min

Housing

Home Value$177,400

Rent$790

OwnershipN/A

Zillow$231,091

Housing Units9,365

Rent Burden32.4%

Crime

Violent548/100K

Property3,975/100K

Murder5.0/100K

Assault408/100K

Burglary543/100K

Health

Obesity38.3%

Uninsured10.2%

Smoking20.2%

Depression27.0%

Heart Disease6.8%

Climate

Avg Temp55°F (13°C)

AQI41 (Good)

Rain42.8 in/yr

Sunny Days258/yr

Elevation1,125 ft (343 m)

Education

B+

Bachelor's+35.5%

High School+93.2%

Graduate+17.9%

School Score5.51

Community

2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%

Commute14 min

Broadband88.3%

EV Stations5

Is Rolla a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Rolla receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes. 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 $42,518, 43% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.7%. 10.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Rolla is $177,400, 37% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $790 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.

Safety & Crime

The violent crime rate of 548 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 — something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,975 per 100,000, 103% above the national average.

Education

Educational attainment is solid, with 35.5% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 93.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.

Climate & Weather

Rolla experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 258 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 42.8 inches, including 7.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.

Rolla has a population of 20,144 with a density of 1,662 people per square mile, spread across 12.1 square miles. The median age is 27.4 years, 30% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.6% female and 54.4% male. The city is predominantly White (83.1%), with 1.1% Hispanic, 3.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92% of residents, while 8% speak Spanish. 6.8% of the population are veterans. 15.0% of residents have a disability. 91.3% have health insurance coverage.

Population

20,144

Total Population

1,662

People / sq mi

27.4yrs

Median Age

30% below US avg

12.1mi²

Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 54.4%

Female 45.6%

Race & Ethnicity

Rolla vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only	92.0%
	17% above US avg
Spanish	8.0%
	40% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Rolla vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Rolla is $42,518, which is 43% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,580 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 2.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 — offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Rolla vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income	$42,518
	43% below US avg
Per Capita Income	$23,580

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment	2.7%
	25% below US avg
Poverty Rate	10.6%
	15% below US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living


Cost of Living	90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time	14.2 min
Drive Alone	73.6%
Public Transit	0.3%
Work from Home	5.4%

Walkability

The median home value in Rolla is $177,400, 37% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $231,091, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 99% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $790 (32% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. There are 9,365 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1986. 32.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.2x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median	$177,400
	37% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI	$231,091
Median List Price	$258,450

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Median List Price	$258,450
$/Sq Ft	$129
Homes Sold	14
Sale-to-List Ratio	99.0%
Price Drops	20.4%
Inventory	54

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent	$790
	32% below US avg
Zillow Rent (ZORI)	$831
Rent Burden	32.4%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio	$732
1 Bedroom	$775
2 Bedrooms	$970
3 Bedrooms	$1,265
4 Bedrooms	$1,457

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied	40.8%
Housing Units	9,365
Median Year Built	1986

Property Tax

In Rolla, 38.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.4% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.8% of residents, above the national average. 36.2% have high blood pressure. 20.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.6% report binge drinking. 32.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.7% experience frequent mental distress. 10.2% of residents lack health insurance.

Health Metrics: Rolla vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity	38.3%
	19% above US avg
Diabetes	12.4%
Heart Disease	6.8%
High Blood Pressure	36.2%
Asthma	10.9%
COPD	9.3%
Cancer	7.4%
Stroke	3.7%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking	20.2%
	44% above US avg
Binge Drinking	16.6%
Physical Inactivity	32.4%
Depression	27.0%
Mental Distress	19.7%
Physical Distress	15.8%
Short Sleep	42.2%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate	91.3%
Uninsured	10.2%
	19% above US avg
Checkup Rate	76.1%
Dental Visits	54.1%

Food & Exercise

Rolla has a violent crime rate of 548 per 100,000 residents, 44% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 407.5 per 100,000, robbery at 60.4, rape at 75.5. The murder rate is 5.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 3,975 per 100,000, 103% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 3,270, burglary at 543, vehicle theft at 161 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Rolla receives a safety grade of F.

Crime Rates: Rolla vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Total Violent	548.4/100K
	44% above US avg
Murder	5.0/100K
	20% below US avg
Rape	75.5/100K
Robbery	60.4/100K
Assault	407.5/100K

Property Crime

Total Property	3,974.6/100K
	103% above US avg
Burglary	543.4/100K
Theft	3,270.3/100K
Vehicle Theft	161.0/100K
Arson	0.0/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety Grade	F
Safety Score	1.0 / 5.0

Rolla experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 258 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 42.8 inches. The area receives 7.4 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 1,125 feet.

Temperature

30°F Jan (-1°C) 78°F Jul (25°C)

Annual Average	55.1°F
	2% above US avg
January Average	30°F (-1°C)
July Average	78°F (25°C)
Sunny Days	258 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall	42.8 inches
	13% above US avg
Snowfall	7.4 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median	41.0
Rating	Good

Geography

Elevation	1,125 ft (343 m)
Area	12.1 sq mi (31.4 km²)
Population Density	1,662/sq mi
Coordinates	37.9514°N, 91.7713°W
Timezone	America/Chicago

Monthly Weather

Month	Avg Temperature	Precipitation	Summary
January	30°F (-1°C)	2.0 in	Coldest, Driest
February	35°F (2°C)	2.2 in
March	45°F (7°C)	3.7 in
April	55°F (13°C)	4.0 in
May	64°F (18°C)	4.8 in	Wettest
June	72°F (22°C)	4.1 in
July	78°F (25°C)	3.9 in	Warmest
August	76°F (24°C)	3.7 in
September	68°F (20°C)	3.8 in
October	57°F (14°C)	3.5 in
November	45°F (7°C)	3.9 in
December	35°F (1°C)	3.2 in

Rolla has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F — from 30°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.8") and January the driest (2.0").

35.5% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 5% above the national average of 33.7%. 93.2% have completed high school. 17.9% hold a graduate or professional degree (above the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 5.5 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 76.6% of the vote, a 54.2-point margin. 88.3% of households have broadband internet access. The area has 5 EV charging stations. 73.6% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 76.6%

D 22.4%

Winner: Republican by 54.2 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+	35.5%
	5% above US avg
High School+	93.2%
Graduate Degree+	17.9%
School Test Score	5.51

B+ Education Grade (3.8/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density	1,662/sq mi
Total Area	12.1 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access	88.3%
EV Charging Stations	5
Alt Fuel Stations	7

Safety & Disasters

F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute	14.2 min
Drive Alone	73.6%
Public Transit	0.3%
Work from Home	5.4%

Frequently Asked Questions About Rolla

What is the population of Rolla?

Rolla has a population of 20,144 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,662 people per square mile, spread across 12.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 27.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.6% female and 54.4% male.

Is Rolla expensive to live in?

Rolla is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 — below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $42,518, 43% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $177,400 (37% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $790 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is Rolla safe?

The violent crime rate in Rolla is 548 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,975 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Rolla receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Rolla?

Rolla has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 258 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 42.8 inches, with 7.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.

How is the job market in Rolla?

The job market in Rolla is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.7% — well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 5.4% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Rolla?

The median home value in Rolla is $177,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $231,091. For renters, the median monthly rent is $790. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

How are the schools in Rolla?

Schools in Rolla score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 35.5% of adults in Rolla hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 93.2% have completed high school. 17.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Rolla?

The obesity rate in Rolla is 38.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.2% of adults are smokers. 32.4% are physically inactive. 27.0% of residents report depression. 10.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate).

What is transportation like in Rolla?

The average commute in Rolla is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 73.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.4% work from home.

What are the demographics of Rolla?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Rolla is 83.1% White, 3.5% Black or African American, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino. 92% of residents speak only English at home, while 8% speak Spanish. 6.8% of the population are military veterans. 15.0% of residents have a disability. 91.3% have health insurance coverage.

Nearby Cities

Dixon, MO 1,267 pop · 17.8 mi Indian Lake, MO 1,075 pop · 19.8 mi Cuba, MO 3,172 pop · 21.5 mi St. Robert, MO 5,327 pop · 22.1 mi Steelville, MO 1,410 pop · 22.7 mi Belle, MO 1,476 pop · 23.2 mi Salem, MO 4,673 pop · 24.7 mi Waynesville, MO 5,422 pop · 24.9 mi Fort Leonard Wood, MO 15,317 pop · 27.1 mi Owensville, MO 2,798 pop · 30.9 mi Licking, MO 2,816 pop · 31.6 mi Bourbon, MO 1,694 pop · 31.9 mi Richland, MO 2,256 pop · 35.1 mi Sullivan, MO 6,355 pop · 37.7 mi

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