Median Income
$19,155
75% lower than US avg
Home Value
$72,100
74% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
508/100K
34% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.4%
81% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$645
45% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
46.4%
45% higher than US avg
Unemployment
10.4%
189% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.9%
52% higher than US avg
How Roper Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population586
Median Age40.9 yrs
Density681/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 27%
Veterans5.7%
Economy
D
Median Income$19,155
Per Capita$13,738
Unemployment10.4%
Poverty18.9%
County GDP$356M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$72,100
Rent$645
Ownership43.9%
Zillow$108,146
Housing Units324
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent508/100K
Property4,009/100K
Health
Obesity46.4%
Uninsured13.0%
Smoking18.7%
Depression23.1%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp62°F (17°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain54.6 in/yr
Sunny Days301/yr
Elevation43 ft (13 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.4%
High School+70.3%
Graduate+1.2%
School Score4.07
Community
2024 VoteR 47% / D 53%
Commute20 min
Broadband43.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Roper a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Roper receives an overall livability score of 2.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Roper has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Roper is $19,155, 75% below the national average of $75,149. At 10.4%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 18.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Roper is $72,100, 74% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $645 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.8x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 508 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,009 per 100,000, 105% above the national average.
Education
6.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 70.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Roper enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F. Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 301 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 54.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Roper has a population of 586 with a density of 681 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 40.9 years, 5% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.4% female and 55.6% male. The city is predominantly Black (66%), with 27.1% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.2% of residents. 5.7% of the population are veterans. 31.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 87.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.9yrs
Median Age
5% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.2%
21% above US avg
Spanish
4.8%
64% below US avg
The median household income in Roper is $19,155, which is 75% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $13,738 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $960, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 10.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 18.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 282 business establishments, including 22 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $19,155 |
| 75% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $13,738 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $960 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $47,246 |
| Gini Index | 0.507 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 10.4% |
| 189% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.9% |
| 52% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 282 |
| County GDP | $356M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 22 |
| Healthcare | 37 |
| Retail | 45 |
| Manufacturing | 11 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,464 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.42% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 28.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.5% |
The median home value in Roper is $72,100, 74% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $108,146, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $645 (45% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $981 for a one-bedroom to $1,161 for a two-bedroom apartment. 43.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 324 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. The average annual property tax is $2,464 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $72,100 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $108,146 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $645 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 43.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 43.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 56.1% |
| Housing Units | 324 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,464 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.42% |
In Roper, 46.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.4% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 44.7% have high blood pressure. 18.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 11.3% report binge drinking. 33.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 23.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.3% experience frequent mental distress. 13.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,178. The dentist ratio is 1:5,414. 92.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Roper vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 46.4% |
| 45% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 44.7% |
| Asthma | 13.4% |
| COPD | 8.2% |
| Cancer | 4.9% |
| Stroke | 5.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.7% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 11.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.1% |
| Depression | 23.1% |
| Mental Distress | 20.3% |
| Physical Distress | 14.8% |
| Short Sleep | 44.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.7% |
| Uninsured | 13.0% |
| 51% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,178 |
| Dentists | 1:5,414 |
| Mental Health | 1:974 |
| Checkup Rate | 82.5% |
| Dental Visits | 53.6% |
| Premature Death | 16,100/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 92.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 37 |
Roper has a violent crime rate of 508 per 100,000 residents, 34% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,009 per 100,000, 105% above the U.S. average. Overall, Roper receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Roper vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 507.8/100K |
| 34% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,008.6/100K |
| 105% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Roper enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 301 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 54.6 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 1.4 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 43 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
44°F Jan (7°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 62.1°F |
| 15% above US avg |
| January Average | 44°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 301 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 43 ft (13 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 681/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.8786°N, 76.6171°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Washington County County |
| Nearest Airport | Northeastern Regional (EDE)
11 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
54.6"
44% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.79"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 59.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 94.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 48.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.9 on Feb 11, 2014.
| Aug 6, 1994 |
4 km SSW of Bayboro, North Carolina |
M3.6 |
88 km |
| Feb 11, 2014 |
7 km NW of Hobucken, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
65 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
23 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Isaias (2020, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
279 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 2 |
119 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 2 |
193 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 1 |
143 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
85 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
51 km |
| 2010 |
Earl |
Category 2 |
263 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
151 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
141 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
299 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
36 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 2 |
176 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
26 km |
| 1999 |
Dennis |
Category 2 |
225 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
65 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
202 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
132 km |
| 1994 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
256 km |
| 1993 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
157 km |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 3 |
161 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
347 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 28 fatalities, 431 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 3, 2020 |
EF3 |
25 km |
2 |
| Apr 25, 2014 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
38 km |
12 |
| Apr 28, 2008 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
55 km |
2 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
59 km |
6 |
| Mar 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1972 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1967 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 1952 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 2014 |
EF2 |
22 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 2014 |
EF2 |
22 km |
1 |
| Apr 25, 2014 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 2014 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2011 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2008 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 9, 2008 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ALLAN ROAD (110,696 ac, 1985).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1985 |
ALLAN ROAD |
110,696 |
38 km |
| 2008 |
EVANS ROAD |
41,560 |
32 km |
| 2011 |
PAINS BAY |
40,218 |
75 km |
| 2016 |
WHIPPING CREEK ROAD |
12,512 |
70 km |
| 2011 |
LATERAL WEST |
6,188 |
78 km |
| 2008 |
SOUTH 1 |
5,940 |
78 km |
| 2023 |
LAST RESORT |
4,974 |
27 km |
| 2009 |
2-2-1 ROANOKE MARSHES |
4,953 |
77 km |
| 2006 |
BELL ISLAND CENTRAL UNIT 2 1 2 |
3,307 |
57 km |
| 2017 |
NCALR FY17 RX A 2.2 |
3,303 |
77 km |
| 2003 |
ROANOKE MARSH 2 2 5 A |
3,156 |
79 km |
| 2006 |
ROANOKE MARSHES - 2.2.5 |
3,139 |
79 km |
| 1999 |
NORTH RIVER |
3,055 |
76 km |
| 1999 |
LSR 2 5 6 |
2,629 |
80 km |
| 2009 |
SW MASHOES |
2,499 |
71 km |
| 2005 |
LONG SHOAL RIVER 2.5.2-5 |
2,333 |
79 km |
| 2003 |
FIRST FIRE-CODE 1 |
2,319 |
76 km |
| 2009 |
2-1-3 BELL ISLAND SOUTH |
2,297 |
57 km |
| 2008 |
MCPHERSON ROAD |
2,087 |
77 km |
| 2000 |
QUAD 2 1 2 |
2,068 |
72 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
44°F (7°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| February |
44°F (7°C) |
3.5 in |
Coldest |
| March |
51°F (11°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| April |
60°F (15°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
68°F (20°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
5.8 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
78°F (25°C) |
5.5 in |
|
| September |
73°F (23°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| October |
62°F (17°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| November |
54°F (12°C) |
2.9 in |
Driest |
| December |
46°F (8°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Roper has a seasonal temperature swing of 36°F / from 44°F in February to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 49.2 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.8") and November the driest (2.9").
Average costs for common services in Roper. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$236 ($141–$377) |
| Specialist Visit |
$330 ($189–$519) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$189 ($94–$330) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,075 ($754–$4,715) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$123 ($71–$189) |
| Dental Filling |
$236 ($141–$377) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$283 ($141–$472) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$566 ($377–$943) |
| Battery Replacement |
$189 ($94–$330) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($57–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$377 ($141–$754) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,601 ($3,772–$11,316) |
| Roof Repair |
$943 ($377–$1,886) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,487 ($5,187–$14,145) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,415 ($472–$3,301) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,145 ($4,715–$28,290) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,715 ($1,886–$9,430) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,415 ($754–$2,829) |
| Will Preparation |
$472 ($189–$943) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,358 ($943–$4,715) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$236) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$123) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.87 ($2.83–$5.19) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.30 ($2.36–$4.72) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.36–$5.19) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.24 ($2.83–$6.13) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.19 ($3.77–$7.07) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.57–$1.70) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$236) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$189 ($71–$472) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,886 ($1,132–$3,301) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$123) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.54–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$236) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,132 ($566–$2,358) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$943 ($472–$1,886) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$377 ($189–$660) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$943 ($377–$2,358) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,788 ($4,715–$28,290) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$57 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$189) |
| Dog Grooming |
$57 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$283 ($141–$472) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$189 ($94–$377) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $667 |
| Toddler | $560 |
| Preschool | $471 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $593 |
| Toddler | $568 |
| Preschool | $568 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Roper
What is the population of Roper?
Roper has a population of 586 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 681 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.9 years. The population is 44.4% female and 55.6% male.
Is Roper expensive to live in?
Roper is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $19,155, 75% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $72,100 (74% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $645 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Roper safe?
The violent crime rate in Roper is 508 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 4,009 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Roper receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Roper?
Roper enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 44°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 301 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 54.6 inches, with 1.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Roper?
The job market in Roper faces challenges, with unemployment at 10.4% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $960. There are 282 business establishments in the area, including 22 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 6.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Roper?
The median home value in Roper is $72,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $108,146. For renters, the median monthly rent is $645. Fair market rent is $981 for a 1-bedroom and $1,161 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 43.9%. The average annual property tax is $2,464.
How are the schools in Roper?
Schools in Roper have an average test score of 4.1 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 6.4% of adults in Roper hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 70.3% have completed high school. 1.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Roper?
The obesity rate in Roper is 46.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.7% of adults are smokers. 33.1% are physically inactive. 23.1% of residents report depression. 13.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 92.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,178.
What is transportation like in Roper?
The average commute in Roper is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 28.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Roper?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Roper is 27.1% White, 66% Black or African American. 95.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.8% speak Spanish. 5.7% of the population are military veterans. 31.9% of residents have a disability. 87.7% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
