Median Income
$42,518
43% lower than US avg
Home Value
$177,400
37% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
532/100K
40% 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
A
Home Value$177,400
Rent$790
Ownership40.8%
Zillow$231,091
Housing Units9,365
Rent Burden32.4%
Crime
F
Violent532/100K
Property3,974/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault425/100K
Burglary801/100K
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 532 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,974 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 11.9 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
27.4yrs
Median Age
30% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.0%
17% above US avg
Spanish
8.0%
40% below US avg
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
| 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 |
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% |
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. 40.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). 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 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
| Homeownership | 40.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 40.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 59.2% |
| 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.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-26)
PM2.5
4.6
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
5.0
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
1.7
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
1.5
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
135.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
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 532 per 100,000 residents, 40% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 424.8 per 100,000, robbery at 29.3, rape at 78.1. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 3,974 per 100,000, 103% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,949, burglary at 801, vehicle theft at 225 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 | 532.2/100K |
| 40% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 78.1/100K |
| Robbery | 29.3/100K |
| Assault | 424.8/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,974.2/100K |
| 103% above US avg |
| Burglary | 800.7/100K |
| Theft | 2,948.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 224.6/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 99 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
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 |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,125 ft (343 m) |
| Area | 11.9 sq mi (30.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,662/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.9514°N, 91.7713°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Waynesville-St Robert Regional Forney Field (TBN) 25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
42.8"
13% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.76"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
33 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.6 on Apr 23, 2025.
| Jun 7, 2011 |
18 km NNW of Potosi, Missouri |
M3.9 |
77 km |
| Jul 7, 1991 |
11 km ENE of Brandsville, Missouri |
M3.9 |
142 km |
| Aug 16, 2003 |
5 km W of Thomasville, Missouri |
M3.7 |
130 km |
| Jul 31, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
119 km |
| Aug 27, 1993 |
5 km SSE of Olympian Village, Missouri |
M3.3 |
118 km |
| Jan 21, 1992 |
5 km SE of Linn Creek, Missouri |
M3.1 |
79 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 |
1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri |
M3.1 |
136 km |
| Mar 18, 1990 |
9 km W of Alton, Missouri |
M3.0 |
142 km |
| May 18, 2006 |
9 km SSE of De Soto, Missouri |
M2.9 |
110 km |
| Jul 8, 2003 |
1 km N of Leasburg, Missouri |
M2.9 |
45 km |
| Apr 29, 2022 |
1 km SSW of Peerless Park, Missouri |
M2.8 |
128 km |
| Jul 31, 1995 |
8 km SSW of Caledonia, Missouri |
M2.8 |
89 km |
| May 5, 2008 |
3 km SSE of Fenton, Missouri |
M2.8 |
133 km |
| May 14, 2007 |
12 km NE of Alton, Missouri |
M2.7 |
136 km |
| Jul 22, 1998 |
12 km NE of Mine La Motte, Missouri |
M2.7 |
143 km |
| Oct 26, 1998 |
10 km NE of Van Buren, Missouri |
M2.7 |
123 km |
| Nov 5, 1996 |
11 km SW of Marquand, Missouri |
M2.7 |
147 km |
| Nov 12, 1996 |
15 km SSE of Olympian Village, Missouri |
M2.7 |
120 km |
| Jul 15, 1990 |
7 km SW of Potosi, Missouri |
M2.7 |
82 km |
| Sep 5, 2015 |
5 km SE of High Ridge, Missouri |
M2.7 |
124 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
311 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 33 fatalities, 332 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 22, 1969 |
EF4 |
59 km |
2 |
| Dec 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
64 km |
3 |
| Feb 24, 1956 |
EF4 |
93 km |
6 |
| Mar 25, 1954 |
EF4 |
81 km |
2 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
3 km |
2 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
93 km |
4 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
10 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Dec 8, 1966 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1957 |
EF3 |
77 km |
8 |
| May 21, 1957 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2023 |
EF2 |
20 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2016 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2011 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (5,344 ac, 1994).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
5,344 |
92 km |
| 2011 |
MINNINGHAW |
4,792 |
66 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
4,767 |
100 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
4,602 |
66 km |
| 2023 |
ELM SPRINGS RX |
4,378 |
23 km |
| 2009 |
MOUNTAIN CREEK |
4,322 |
92 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
4,179 |
99 km |
| 2022 |
SMITH MILL HOLLOW |
3,978 |
67 km |
| 2023 |
CANNON RANGE RX |
3,870 |
55 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
3,665 |
61 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,533 |
95 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
3,336 |
89 km |
| 2021 |
KAINTUCK |
3,325 |
18 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
3,252 |
68 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,135 |
99 km |
| 2021 |
COUNCIL BLUFF |
3,035 |
78 km |
| 2022 |
LITTLE CREEK |
3,004 |
68 km |
| 2021 |
HODGE HOLLOW |
2,922 |
63 km |
| 2012 |
KINFOLK RD |
2,883 |
92 km |
| 2024 |
COUNCIL BLUFF WEST RX |
2,846 |
78 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
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").
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) |
$227 ($136–$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182–$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91–$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726–$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68–$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136–$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363–$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91–$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54–$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45–$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136–$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632–$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363–$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994–$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454–$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540–$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816–$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726–$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182–$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908–$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68–$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45–$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72–$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27–$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27–$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72–$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63–$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54–$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73–$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68–$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090–$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27–$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545–$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454–$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182–$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363–$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540–$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45–$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91–$363) |
View all 9 services
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 11.9 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 532 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 3,974 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. The homeownership rate is 40.8%.
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.