Rocky Mount, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Rocky Mount, North Carolina is 54,175 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 20th-largest city in North Carolina. The median household income is $52,927, the median home value is $148,300, and the median age is 41.8.
The population has declined 5.4% since 2010 (57,680 → 54,541).
54,175
Population
1197
People / sq mi
$52,927
Median Income
$148,300
Median Home Value
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Rocky Mount covers 45.2 sq mi of land at 1197 people per square mile.
About Rocky Mount, NC
In Rocky Mount, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $148,300. With 54,175 residents, Rocky Mount is a city in North Carolina. It ranks #20 among cities in North Carolina by population.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $52,927, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 16.7%, above the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $148,300, with typical rent around $919.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 21.5%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 7.6%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
Rocky Mount city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Rocky Mount city had a population of 57,680 in 2010 and 54,541 in 2024, a -5.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 57,680 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.40%.
54,541
Population (2024)
57,680
Population (2010)
57,680
Peak (2010)
-0.40%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 57,680 |
| 2011 | 57,401 |
| 2012 | 56,735 |
| 2013 | 56,300 |
| 2014 | 55,880 |
| 2015 | 55,003 |
| 2016 | 54,992 |
| 2017 | 54,634 |
| 2018 | 54,232 |
| 2019 | 53,922 |
| 2020 | 54,382 |
| 2021 | 53,996 |
| 2022 | 54,196 |
| 2023 | 54,388 |
| 2024 | 54,541 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 28.2% |
| Black or African American | 62.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$52,927
Median Household Income
$30,511
Per Capita Income
16.7%
Poverty Rate
4.7%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$148,300
Median Home Value
$919
Median Rent
47.5%
Owner-Occupied
Education
86.1%
High School+
21.5%
Bachelor's+
Commute
1.0%
Drive Alone
81.8%
Public Transit
7.6%
Work From Home
21.4 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
24.4%
Foreign Born
94.7%
Non-English at Home
8.7%
Veterans
15.7%
With Disability
88.9%
Health Insurance
90.2%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 20.7% |
| Manufacturing | 18.3% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 10.7% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 7.6% |
| Retail Trade | 7.2% |
| Information | 5.6% |
| Construction | 4.7% |
| Public Administration | 3.9% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 3.5% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.1% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.4% |
Largest cities in North Carolina
Largest counties in North Carolina
Part of North Carolina
Metro areas in North Carolina
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Rocky Mount, North Carolina has a population of 54,175 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 20th-largest city in North Carolina.
The median household income in Rocky Mount, North Carolina is $52,927, with 16.7% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Rocky Mount, North Carolina is $148,300, with median monthly rent at $919 and a homeownership rate of 47.5%.
The median age in Rocky Mount, North Carolina is 41.8 years. The population is 47.2% male and 52.8% female.
The population has declined 5.4% since 2010 (57,680 → 54,541).
Rocky Mount city, NC Climate
Rocky Mount city, NC has an average annual temperature of 15.7°C (60°F) and receives about 1136 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
15.7°C
Avg Temp
1136
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5° / 40° | 100 mm |
| February | 6° / 43° | 93 mm |
| March | 10° / 51° | 101 mm |
| April | 15° / 60° | 79 mm |
| May | 20° / 68° | 100 mm |
| June | 24° / 76° | 97 mm |
| July | 26° / 80° | 115 mm |
| August | 26° / 78° | 118 mm |
| September | 22° / 72° | 102 mm |
| October | 16° / 61° | 74 mm |
| November | 11° / 52° | 75 mm |
| December | 6° / 44° | 82 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 Rocky Mount city, NC
The most comfortable months to visit Rocky Mount city, NC are typically May, September and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 33°C high). The coldest is January (near -2°C low). August is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Rocky Mount
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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.