Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Rocky Mount, NC
Considering a move to Rocky Mount, NC? This welcoming city of 54,341 offers affordable living with a median home price of $142,000 and average rents around $970. Residents enjoy a mild climate with 62% sunny days, a reasonable 22.8-minute average commute, and access to local colleges. While crime rates are higher than average, Rocky Mount features a community-focused lifestyle, diverse schools, and easy access to healthcare. Explore the city's cost of living and amenities below to see if it’s the right fit for you!
Demographics - Rocky Mount, NC
Demographics - Rocky Mount, NC
Rocky Mount is home to about 54,000 residents with a median age of 39.1, offering a balanced urban-suburban feel and a diverse community where over 60% identify as Black and about one-third as White. The city has a slightly higher female population and a small but notable percentage of non-English speakers, contributing to its multicultural atmosphere.
Population:
54,341
Density:
1,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.1
Gender Ratio:
85 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
33.6%
Black:
61.1%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
4.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Rocky Mount, NC?
Living in Rocky Mount is highly affordable, with a median home value of $142,000 and average rent at $970, well below national averages. The cost of living index sits at 79.4, making everyday expenses—especially housing—much more manageable compared to larger cities.
Median House Value:
$142,000
Gross Rent:
$970
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,150
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
5.25%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
79.4
Grocery:
94.1
Housing:
47.8
Utilities:
97.2
Transportation:
86.9
Health Care:
99.2
Miscellaneous:
99.4
Crime
Is Rocky Mount, NC a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Rocky Mount are higher than average, with a violent crime rate of 769 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 3,498 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 130 chance of experiencing violent crime, so it's important to consider safety when choosing neighborhoods.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
769
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,498
Crime Index:
4,267
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 130
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 29
Weather
What is the weather like in Rocky Mount, NC year-round?
Rocky Mount enjoys a temperate climate with mild winters, warm summers reaching highs near 89°F, and over 62% sunny days throughout the year. Annual rainfall is moderate at about 46 inches, supporting lush landscapes and comfortable outdoor living.
Winter
Min:
32°F
Max:
52°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
75°F
Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
52°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
The city’s median household income is $42,021, and about 22% of residents live below the poverty line, reflecting a community with economic diversity. Most adults have completed high school, while nearly 19% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Commutes are reasonable at around 23 minutes, and public transportation usage is minimal.
Median Income:
$18,700
Household Income:
$42,021
Family Income:
$50,800
Per Capita Income:
$23,700
Income Male:
$37,300
Income Female:
$31,200
Poverty Rate:
22.1%
Non English Speakers:
6.5%
Rent:
$970
Unemployment Rate:
6.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
22.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
84.9%
Bachelors or More:
18.7%
Education
How are the schools in Rocky Mount, NC?
Rocky Mount features a range of educational opportunities, including several public and private schools as well as local colleges like Nash Community College and North Carolina Wesleyan University. The student-teacher ratios in public schools offer a supportive learning environment, while higher education options are just a few miles from the city center.
Public Schools
Name:
Rocky Mount High School
Street:
1400 Bethlehem Rd
Phone:
252-937-9050
Students:
1,250
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.7
Name:
Edwards Middle School
Street:
720 Edwards St
Phone:
252-937-9030
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.4
Private Schools
Name:
Rocky Mount Academy
Street:
1313 Avondale Ave
Phone:
252-443-4126
Students:
470
Colleges
Name:
Nash Community College
City:
Rocky Mount
State:
NC
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
2,800
Name:
North Carolina Wesleyan University
City:
Rocky Mount
State:
NC
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
1,500
Healthcare
Rocky Mount offers reliable healthcare access, anchored by UNC Nash General Hospital, and 86.8% of residents have health insurance coverage. With 1.4 physicians per 1,000 people, the city meets basic healthcare needs for most families.
Major Hospitals
Name:
UNC Nash General Hospital
Address:
2460 Curtis Ellis Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Phone:
(252) 962-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.8%
Health Care Index:
68.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Rocky Mount, NC?
The housing market in Rocky Mount is characterized by affordability, with a median home price of $142,000 and a 51% owner-occupancy rate. Rental vacancies are moderate at 8.7%, and home values have appreciated by 4.1% over the past year, making it appealing for both renters and buyers.
Median Home Price:
$142,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$970
Owner Occupied Rate:
51.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Local DMV services are provided by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles at 2617 N. Wesleyan Blvd. Residents can conveniently access driver's licensing, vehicle registration, and other motor vehicle services in town.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2617 N. Wesleyan Blvd, Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Phone:
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.