Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina is 15,024 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 71st-largest city in North Carolina. The median household income is $53,981, the median home value is $129,400, and the median age is 38.0.
The population has declined 7.0% since 2010 (15,666 → 14,573).
15,024
Population
1516
People / sq mi
$53,981
Median Income
$129,400
Median Home Value
Roanoke Rapids covers 9.9 sq mi of land at 1516 people per square mile.
About Roanoke Rapids, NC
Roanoke Rapids is a city in North Carolina with a population of 15,024. It ranks #71 among cities in North Carolina by population. The median age is 38.0, in line with the national median. The population is 47.8% male and 52.2% female.
The median household income in Roanoke Rapids is $53,981, below the US median of $74,580. 20.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $129,400, with monthly rent averaging $816. The homeownership rate of 49.9% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Roanoke Rapids reflects 21.8% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.5% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 20.5 minutes each way.
Roanoke Rapids city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Roanoke Rapids city had a population of 15,666 in 2010 and 14,573 in 2024, a -7.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 15,666 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.50%.
14,573
Population (2024)
15,666
Population (2010)
15,666
Peak (2010)
-0.50%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 15,666 |
| 2011 | 15,661 |
| 2012 | 15,546 |
| 2013 | 15,357 |
| 2014 | 15,296 |
| 2015 | 15,100 |
| 2016 | 14,967 |
| 2017 | 14,777 |
| 2018 | 14,494 |
| 2019 | 14,320 |
| 2020 | 15,195 |
| 2021 | 15,078 |
| 2022 | 14,835 |
| 2023 | 14,654 |
| 2024 | 14,573 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 51.1% |
| Black or African American | 36.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 4.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$53,981
Median Household Income
$29,306
Per Capita Income
20.7%
Poverty Rate
3.4%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$129,400
Median Home Value
$816
Median Rent
49.9%
Owner-Occupied
Education
87.4%
High School+
21.8%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.0%
Drive Alone
74.2%
Public Transit
7.5%
Work From Home
20.5 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
23.4%
Foreign Born
92.4%
Non-English at Home
6.5%
Veterans
19.9%
With Disability
90.5%
Health Insurance
88.2%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 33.7% |
| Manufacturing | 15.2% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 8.6% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 8.3% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 5.9% |
| Public Administration | 5.9% |
| Retail Trade | 4.8% |
| Construction | 3.0% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 1.7% |
| Information | 1.3% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 0.5% |
Largest cities in North Carolina
Largest counties in North Carolina
Part of North Carolina
Metro areas in North Carolina
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina has a population of 15,024 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 71st-largest city in North Carolina.
The median household income in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina is $53,981, with 20.7% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina is $129,400, with median monthly rent at $816 and a homeownership rate of 49.9%.
The median age in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina is 38.0 years. The population is 47.8% male and 52.2% female.
The population has declined 7.0% since 2010 (15,666 → 14,573).
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Full rankings of North Carolina cities by population
Statewide data for North Carolina
Population, race, income, age, and trends across North Carolina
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.