North CarolinaPop. 54,297Smaller cities
Is Rocky Mount a Good Place to Live? Rocky Mount, North Carolina: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Rocky Mount ranks #1216 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #492 of 524 smaller cities and #22 of 22 in North Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (88, #28 of 524) and low rents ($957/mo, #30 of 524), and trails on high violent crime (672 per 100,000, #413 of 444) and high unemployment (6.1%, #438 of 476).
Rocky Mount by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Rocky Mount's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Rocky Mount?
Rocky Mount's cost of living index is 88, 12% below the US level of 100 and #136 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $957/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $188,603, 44% below the typical North Carolina home ($334,773).
| Measure | Rocky Mount | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 88#136 of 1,308 | 94.3 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $188,603#96 of 1,187 | $334,773 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,272/mo#143 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $165,700#124 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $957/mo#162 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3x#182 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 20.7%#534 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). North Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Rocky Mount housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Rocky Mount is in the Rocky Mount, NC metro.
North Carolina housing market →Is Rocky Mount safe?
Rocky Mount recorded 672 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.1 times the US rate of 328 and 2 times North Carolina's 330. That ranks #952 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #413 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Rocky Mount Police Department. Property crime runs 3,379 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Rocky Mount | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 672#952 of 1,085 | 330 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 3,379#996 of 1,085 | 1,780 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). North Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Rocky Mount?
The median household in Rocky Mount earns $55,534, 33% below the US figure of $83,163 and 25% below North Carolina ($73,958). Unemployment is 6.1% (US 4.3%). 19.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Rocky Mount | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $55,534#1142 of 1,312 | $73,958 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 6.1%#985 of 1,058 | 3.8% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 19.7%#1102 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.1%#723 of 1,132 | +1.3% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). North Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Rocky Mount?
The median resident of Rocky Mount is 40.7 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 22.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1068 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 49% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Rocky Mount | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 40.7 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 22.9%#1068 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 49% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Rocky Mount's schools and health?
Rocky Mount's 16 public schools graduate 85.7% of students in four years (North Carolina 86.4%), with 17.3 students per teacher and $12,212 spent per pupil. 42.4% of adults are obese and 17.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Rocky Mount | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 85.7%#695 of 1,063 | 86.4% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 17.3#776 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $12,212#914 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 42.4%#1222 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 17.7%#1280 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 18%#857 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 12.4%#907 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). North Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 7,939 students are enrolled in Rocky Mount's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Rocky Mount?
The average commute in Rocky Mount is 20.6 minutes (North Carolina 25.7); 1% of workers take transit and 8.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Rocky Mount scores 12.6 of 20 (above average walkable), #393 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 76.9°F and winters 42.5°F, with 48.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Rocky Mount | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 20.6 min#389 of 1,312 | 25.7 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 5.9%#697 of 1,312 | 6.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 80% | 71.6% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1% | 0.8% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.6% | 1.6% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 8.6% | 15.4% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 12.6#393 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). North Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 50.3 | 30.6 | 3.2 |
| Feb | 53.6 | 31.7 | 3 |
| Mar | 60.9 | 38.1 | 3.9 |
| Apr | 71.2 | 47.3 | 3.5 |
| May | 78 | 57 | 3.6 |
| Jun | 85.3 | 65.4 | 4.8 |
| Jul | 88.4 | 69.3 | 5.1 |
| Aug | 85.3 | 67.4 | 5.3 |
| Sep | 81.3 | 62.2 | 6.2 |
| Oct | 72.2 | 49.7 | 3.6 |
| Nov | 64.7 | 38.8 | 3.2 |
| Dec | 55 | 33.7 | 3.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Rocky Mt 8 Ese.
| Measure | Rocky Mount | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 59.9°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 76.9°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 42.5°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 48.6 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Rocky Mt 8 Ese.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Rocky Mount?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Rocky Mount's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Nash County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, inland flooding, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 57% of US counties.
| Measure | Rocky Mount | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.14%#581 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Nash County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Nash County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.022% | 81% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.085% | 55% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0096% | 53% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0023% | 52% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0029% | 50% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Rocky Mount compare with similar-size cities?
Rocky Mount is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #492 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 54,297.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rocky Mount, NCPop. 54,297 | #1216 | 44.4 | $55,534 | $957/mo | 672 | 20.6 min |
| Little Elm, TXPop. 54,820 | #601 | 56.7 | $119,219 | $1,953/mo | part year | 34.6 min |
| Peabody, MAPop. 54,695 | #322 | 61.6 | $96,657 | $1,950/mo | 292 | 25.8 min |
| Westfield, INPop. 54,677 | #20 | 72.7 | $122,789 | $1,667/mo | 66 | 25.1 min |
| Kentwood, MIPop. 54,296 | #772 | 53.8 | $74,373 | $1,260/mo | 583 | 19.7 min |
| Hacienda Heights, CAPop. 54,291 | #754 | 54.1 | $109,193 | $2,300/mo | no data | 33.8 min |
| Manhattan, KSPop. 54,239 | #691 | 55.1 | $60,172 | $1,003/mo | no data | 17.3 min |
| Twin Falls, IDPop. 54,164 | #627 | 56.3 | $61,205 | $1,082/mo | 359 | 15.7 min |
| Pensacola, FLPop. 54,036 | #835 | 52.7 | $74,212 | $1,322/mo | part year | 22 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Rocky Mount compare with the rest of North Carolina?
Rocky Mount ranks #22 of the 22 North Carolina cities we track, with a score of 44.4 against North Carolina's statewide 59.1. Its households earn 25% below the North Carolina median. Violent crime is 2 times the statewide rate. Homes are 44% below the typical North Carolina home.
| City | Rank in NC | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apex, NCPop. 70,630 | #1 | 74.9 | $144,135 | $1,902/mo | 53 |
| Cary, NCPop. 179,306 | #2 | 71.2 | $134,905 | $1,738/mo | 75 |
| Wake Forest, NCPop. 52,844 | #3 | 69.2 | $123,802 | $1,596/mo | 85 |
| Huntersville, NCPop. 63,969 | #4 | 68.0 | $120,516 | $1,834/mo | 115 |
| Chapel Hill, NCPop. 61,607 | #5 | 65.1 | $85,989 | $1,613/mo | 86 |
| Raleigh, NCPop. 481,031 | #6 | 61.2 | $85,395 | $1,572/mo | 395 |
| Concord, NCPop. 108,719 | #7 | 60.8 | $86,921 | $1,451/mo | 117 |
| Mooresville, NCPop. 52,381 | #8 | 60.5 | $89,647 | $1,626/mo | 247 |
| Kannapolis, NCPop. 57,890 | #9 | 57.9 | $73,836 | $1,319/mo | 170 |
| Durham, NCPop. 291,467 | #10 | 57.4 | $81,619 | $1,508/mo | 507 |
| Charlotte, NCPop. 903,844 | #11 | 56.3 | $82,068 | $1,612/mo | 559 |
| Wilmington, NCPop. 120,805 | #12 | 55.7 | $66,738 | $1,395/mo | 406 |
| Jacksonville, NCPop. 71,279 | #13 | 53.4 | $57,697 | $1,321/mo | 228 |
| High Point, NCPop. 116,245 | #14 | 53.3 | $64,561 | $1,116/mo | 521 |
| Asheville, NCPop. 94,535 | #15 | 51.7 | $71,102 | $1,402/mo | 753 |
| Greensboro, NCPop. 301,198 | #16 | 49.7 | $61,515 | $1,172/mo | 702 |
| Greenville, NCPop. 92,857 | #17 | 49.6 | $49,748 | $1,007/mo | 449 |
| Burlington, NCPop. 59,610 | #18 | 48.1 | $56,880 | $1,051/mo | 640 |
| Winston-Salem, NCPop. 252,037 | #19 | 47.8 | $59,268 | $1,087/mo | 744 |
| Gastonia, NCPop. 82,884 | #20 | 47.3 | $64,059 | $1,204/mo | 889 |
| Fayetteville, NCPop. 210,815 | #21 | 46.8 | $58,407 | $1,250/mo | 614 |
| Rocky Mount, NCPop. 54,297 | #22 | 44.4 | $55,534 | $957/mo | 672 |
All 22 North Carolina cities we track, by overall score. North Carolina statewide: median income $73,958, violent crime 330.3 per 100,000.
How is Rocky Mount's score calculated?
Rocky Mount scores 44.4 out of 100, #1216 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with North Carolina's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Rocky Mount. Similar-size median 55.5.
31.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Rocky Mount's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
39.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Rocky Mount. Similar-size median 58.9.
28.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Rocky Mount's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
49.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Rocky Mount's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
86.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Rocky Mount. Similar-size median 56.1.
28.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Rocky Mount. Similar-size median 42.4.
32.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Rocky Mount. Similar-size median 50.0.
44.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Rocky Mount's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
61.1 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 50.8.
57.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Rocky Mount's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Rocky Mount has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Rocky Mount
Is Rocky Mount, NC a good place to live?
Rocky Mount ranks #1216 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #492 of 524 smaller cities and #22 of 22 in North Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (88, #28 of 524) and low rents ($957/mo, #30 of 524), and trails on high violent crime (672 per 100,000, #413 of 444) and high unemployment (6.1%, #438 of 476).
What is the cost of living in Rocky Mount?
Rocky Mount's cost of living index is 88, 12% below the US level of 100 and #136 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $957/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $188,603, 44% below the typical North Carolina home ($334,773).
What is the crime rate in Rocky Mount?
Rocky Mount recorded 672 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.1 times the US rate of 328 and 2 times North Carolina's 330. That ranks #952 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #413 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Rocky Mount Police Department. Property crime runs 3,379 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Rocky Mount?
The median household in Rocky Mount earns $55,534, 33% below the US figure of $83,163 and 25% below North Carolina ($73,958). Unemployment is 6.1% (US 4.3%). 19.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Rocky Mount?
Median rent in Rocky Mount is $957/mo (Census), #162 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,272/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Rocky Mount?
The typical home value in Rocky Mount is $188,603, up 0.1% in a year, against $334,773 for North Carolina and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $165,700.
How are the public schools in Rocky Mount?
Rocky Mount's 16 public schools graduate 85.7% of students in four years (North Carolina 86.4%), with 17.3 students per teacher and $12,212 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Rocky Mount?
The average commute is 20.6 minutes, #389 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.7 minutes across North Carolina. 5.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Rocky Mount?
Rocky Mount averages 59.9°F over the year, 76.9°F in summer and 42.5°F in winter, with 48.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Rocky Mount walkable?
Rocky Mount scores 12.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #393 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Rocky Mount at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Nash County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, inland flooding, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 57% of US counties.
Who lives in Rocky Mount?
Rocky Mount has 54,297 residents. The median resident of Rocky Mount is 40.7 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 22.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1068 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 49% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Rocky Mount compare with the rest of North Carolina?
Rocky Mount ranks #22 of the 22 North Carolina cities we track, with a score of 44.4 against North Carolina's statewide 59.1. Its households earn 25% below the North Carolina median. Violent crime is 2 times the statewide rate. Homes are 44% below the typical North Carolina home.
What cities are similar in size to Rocky Mount?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Rocky Mount's population of 54,297 are Little Elm, TX (#601 overall), Peabody, MA (#322 overall), Westfield, IN (#20 overall), Kentwood, MI (#772 overall), and Hacienda Heights, CA (#754 overall). Rocky Mount is #1216.