Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Roanoke Rapids, NC
Thinking of moving to Roanoke Rapids, NC? With a population of just over 14,500, this friendly city offers affordable living—median home prices are around $112,000 and average rents about $825—plus a short average commute of 20 minutes. While the cost of living is low and the climate is warm with 62% sunny days, crime rates are higher than the national average. Families appreciate the close-knit community and access to local schools and healthcare, making Roanoke Rapids a practical choice for budget-minded movers.
Demographics - Roanoke Rapids, NC
Demographics - Roanoke Rapids, NC
Roanoke Rapids is home to about 14,500 residents, with a balanced mix of White (46.8%) and Black (45.2%) populations and a median age of 41.2 years. The city has a moderate population density and a slightly higher number of females than males, making it a diverse and family-friendly community.
Population:
14,506
Density:
1,350 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
87 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.4%
Ethnic Composition
White:
46.8%
Black:
45.2%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
6.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Roanoke Rapids, NC?
Living in Roanoke Rapids is notably affordable, with a median home value of $112,000 and average rent at $825. The overall cost of living index is well below the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking budget-friendly housing and daily expenses.
Median House Value:
$112,000
Gross Rent:
$825
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$135
Auto Insurance:
$1,130
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,020
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$340
State Taxes:
Low:
5.25%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.6
Grocery:
94.2
Housing:
54.9
Utilities:
103.6
Transportation:
89.0
Health Care:
105.1
Miscellaneous:
94.3
Crime
Is Roanoke Rapids, NC a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Roanoke Rapids are higher than average, with a chance of property crime at 1 in 25 and violent crime at 1 in 169. While many residents enjoy the small-town atmosphere, newcomers should remain vigilant and consider safety measures.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
592
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,992
Crime Index:
4,584
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 169
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 25
Weather
What is the weather like in Roanoke Rapids, NC year-round?
The city experiences mild winters and warm summers, with winter lows around 32°F and summer highs near 89°F. With about 62% sunny days and over 44 inches of annual rainfall, residents enjoy a pleasant climate throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
32°F
Max:
50°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
72°F
Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
75°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Local households in Roanoke Rapids have a median income of $34,900 and a poverty rate of 23.8%, with most residents enjoying a short 20-minute average commute. Community engagement is strong, and public transportation usage is low, reflecting the city’s small-town character.
Median Income:
$34,900
Household Income:
$38,800
Family Income:
$49,200
Per Capita Income:
$23,600
Income Male:
$37,400
Income Female:
$31,600
Poverty Rate:
23.8%
Non English Speakers:
5.4%
Rent:
$825
Unemployment Rate:
6.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
20.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
82.6%
Bachelors or More:
13.1%
Education
How are the schools in Roanoke Rapids, NC?
Roanoke Rapids offers a selection of public and private schools, including Roanoke Rapids High School and Halifax Academy, with student-teacher ratios around 15:1. Halifax Community College is just a few miles away, providing higher education opportunities for local students.
Public Schools
Name:
Roanoke Rapids High School
Street:
800 Hamilton St
Phone:
252-519-7200
Students:
950
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.7
Name:
Manning Elementary School
Street:
1102 Barrett St
Phone:
252-519-7600
Students:
450
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Private Schools
Name:
Halifax Academy
Street:
1400 Three Bridges Rd
Phone:
252-537-8527
Students:
370
Colleges
Name:
Halifax Community College
City:
Weldon
State:
NC
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
1,150
Healthcare
Healthcare in Roanoke Rapids is supported by ECU Health North Hospital and a physician availability of 1.8 per 1,000 residents. The city maintains a high health insurance coverage rate of 86.9%, ensuring accessible medical care for most locals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
ECU Health North Hospital
Address:
250 Smith Church Rd, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870
Phone:
(252) 535-8011
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.9%
Health Care Index:
61.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Roanoke Rapids, NC?
The housing market features affordable options, with a median home price of $112,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $825. Nearly half the homes are owner-occupied, and the area sees modest home appreciation, which is ideal for first-time buyers.
Median Home Price:
$112,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$825
Owner Occupied Rate:
48.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.5%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Residents can access vehicle and licensing services at the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles office located on Roanoke Ave. State DMV services are easily reachable both in person and online for driver, vehicle, and registration needs.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1070 Roanoke Ave, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870
Phone:
1-919-715-7000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.