Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Rockingham, NC
Considering a move to Rockingham, NC? This small city of 8,764 offers affordable living with median home prices around $104,000 and average rents at $750. Residents enjoy mild winters, 61% sunny days annually, and quick 20-minute commutes. While crime rates are higher than national averages, Rockingham features a welcoming community, local schools, and convenient access to healthcare at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital – Richmond. Explore Rockingham’s cost-effective lifestyle, friendly neighborhoods, and southern charm for your next chapter.
Demographics - Rockingham, NC
Demographics - Rockingham, NC
Rockingham, NC is home to about 8,764 residents, featuring a balanced mix of White (49.2%) and Black (42.4%) populations and a median age of 41.1 years. The city maintains a relatively dense community feel, and nearly 6% of residents speak a language other than English. Its slightly higher female population and diverse ethnic makeup contribute to a welcoming, small-town atmosphere.
Population:
8,764
Density:
1,050 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.1
Gender Ratio:
90 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
49.2%
Black:
42.4%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
7.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Rockingham, NC?
Rockingham offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value around $104,000 and average rents at $750 per month. Utilities and groceries are also reasonably priced, and the overall cost of living index is well below the national average, making the city appealing for budget-conscious individuals and families. State income tax remains steady at 4.75%, supporting predictable financial planning.
Median House Value:
$104,000
Gross Rent:
$750
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,025
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$320
State Taxes:
Low:
4.75%
|
High:
4.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
77.2
Grocery:
93.1
Housing:
46.8
Utilities:
97.3
Transportation:
83.6
Health Care:
94.5
Miscellaneous:
92.4
Crime
Is Rockingham, NC a safe place to live?
While Rockingham provides a friendly community, its crime rates are higher than average, with about 490 violent crimes and 3,250 property crimes reported per 100,000 residents annually. The chance of experiencing a property crime stands at 1 in 31, so new residents should be mindful of safety and take common precautions. Despite this, many residents appreciate the sense of community and local initiatives to improve safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
490
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,250
Crime Index:
3,740
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 204
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 31
Weather
What is the weather like in Rockingham, NC year-round?
Residents enjoy a mild climate in Rockingham, with winter lows averaging 32°F and summer highs reaching 90°F. The city receives about 46 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 61% sunny days, making it easy to enjoy outdoor activities year-round. Seasonal changes bring comfortable temperatures and a pleasant environment for families and retirees alike.

Winter
Min:
32°F
Max:
53°F

Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
75°F

Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
90°F

Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
76°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
Typical households in Rockingham earn about $38,900, while the area experiences a higher-than-average poverty rate at 28.2%. Most residents commute around 20 minutes for work, and educational attainment rates reflect that 82.7% have at least a high school diploma. The community is close-knit, with moderate unemployment and a low reliance on public transportation.
Median Income:
$32,600
Household Income:
$38,900
Family Income:
$44,100
Per Capita Income:
$21,400
Income Male:
$37,800
Income Female:
$28,900
Poverty Rate:
28.2%
Non English Speakers:
5.8%
Rent:
$750
Unemployment Rate:
6.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
20.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
82.7%
Bachelors or More:
13.1%
Education
How are the schools in Rockingham, NC?
Rockingham supports a range of educational opportunities, with public schools like Richmond Senior High and Washington Street Elementary serving local students. Private options and nearby Richmond Community College provide further choices for families and adult learners. With student-teacher ratios around 14–16 and several school types, residents have access to diverse and supportive learning environments.

Public Schools
Name:
Richmond Senior High School
Street:
838 US-1, Rockingham, NC 28379
Phone:
910-997-9812
Students:
1,700
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Name:
Washington Street Elementary
Street:
939 Washington St, Rockingham, NC 28379
Phone:
910-997-6902
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2

Private Schools
Name:
Faith Christian Academy
Street:
220 Greene St, Rockingham, NC 28379
Phone:
910-997-1167
Students:
110

Colleges
Name:
Richmond Community College
City:
Hamlet
State:
NC
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
2,300
Healthcare
Rockingham residents benefit from convenient healthcare access, including FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital – Richmond, which provides emergency and general services. The area has approximately 1.9 physicians per 1,000 residents and 86% of people have health insurance coverage. Overall, healthcare services are accessible, supporting the well-being of local families.

Major Hospitals
Name:
FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital – Richmond
Address:
925 S Long Dr, Rockingham, NC 28379
Phone:
(910) 417-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.0%
Health Care Index:
68.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Rockingham, NC?
The housing market in Rockingham remains highly affordable, with a median home price of $104,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $750. Over half of homes are owner-occupied, and recent appreciation rates suggest steady, if modest, growth. Low foreclosure and new construction rates indicate a stable, established housing environment.
Median Home Price:
$104,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$750
Owner Occupied Rate:
52.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.9%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Driver and vehicle services in Rockingham are managed by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located at 2310 Rockingham Rd. Residents can access licensing, registration, and other motor vehicle needs both in-person and online. For questions or appointments, the DMV is reachable by phone or through the state's official website.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2310 Rockingham Rd, Rockingham, NC 28379
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.