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
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Roanoke Rapids covers 9.9 sq mi of land at 1516 people per square mile.
About Roanoke Rapids, NC
The poverty rate is what most separates Roanoke Rapids from the typical city: 20.7% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. Roanoke Rapids is a city in North Carolina with a population of 15,024.
The typical household earns $53,981, below the US median of $78,538. Hardship is pronounced — at 20.7%, poverty is near the top of the range for US cities, above the national 12.4%. Real estate is inexpensive, with a typical home worth only $129,400, with typical rent around $816.
College attainment is 21.8%, below the national 35.0%. Just 7.5% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
The elevated poverty rate is the context for the rest of the profile in Roanoke Rapids: it pulls on median income, housing tenure, and the share of residents with a college degree.
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).
Roanoke Rapids city, NC Climate
Roanoke Rapids city, NC has an average annual temperature of 15.2°C (59°F) and receives about 1122 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
15.2°C
Avg Temp
1122
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4° / 39° | 90 mm |
| February | 6° / 42° | 93 mm |
| March | 10° / 50° | 96 mm |
| April | 15° / 59° | 78 mm |
| May | 19° / 67° | 100 mm |
| June | 24° / 75° | 97 mm |
| July | 26° / 79° | 125 mm |
| August | 25° / 77° | 118 mm |
| September | 22° / 72° | 89 mm |
| October | 16° / 60° | 75 mm |
| November | 11° / 51° | 77 mm |
| December | 6° / 43° | 84 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Roanoke Rapids city, NC
The most comfortable months to visit Roanoke Rapids city, NC are typically September, May and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -2°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Roanoke Rapids
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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.