Skip to main content
Population Review

Rolla, Missouri Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates

The population of Rolla, Missouri is 20,144 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 38th-largest city in Missouri. The median household income is $42,518, the median home value is $177,400, and the median age is 27.4.

The population has grown 5.2% since 2010 (19,632 → 20,660).

20,144

Population

1662

People / sq mi

$42,518

Median Income

$177,400

Median Home Value

Get Rolla's next ACS population data

Subscribe for Population Review updates by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Rolla covers 12.1 sq mi of land at 1662 people per square mile.

About Rolla, MO

Rolla skews on age — the median resident is 27.4, younger than the national median. Rolla is a city in Missouri with a population of 20,144. It ranks #38 among cities in Missouri by population.

Incomes are among the lowest of comparable places, with a median household income of $42,518, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 10.6% of residents fall below the poverty line, below the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $177,400, with typical rent around $790.

Roughly 35.5% of adults have a bachelor’s, near the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 5.4% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 14 minutes each way.

Rolla city Population History (2010-2024)

The city of Rolla city had a population of 19,632 in 2010 and 20,660 in 2024, a 5.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 20,660 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.37%.

2024 · 21K20102024
Rolla city population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

20,660

Population (2024)

19,632

Population (2010)

20,660

Peak (2024)

0.37%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201019,632
201119,709
201219,856
201319,823
201419,885
201519,912
201620,026
201720,199
201820,294
201920,431
202019,921
202120,095
202220,308
202320,506
202420,660

Race & Ethnicity

White83.1%
Black or African American3.5%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1.1%
Two or More Races0.0%

Economy & Income

$42,518

Median Household Income

$23,580

Per Capita Income

10.6%

Poverty Rate

2.7%

Unemployment Rate

Housing

$177,400

Median Home Value

$790

Median Rent

40.8%

Owner-Occupied

Education

93.2%

High School+

35.5%

Bachelor's+

Commute

0.2%

Drive Alone

73.5%

Public Transit

5.4%

Work From Home

14.2 min

Avg Commute

Community Profile

33.3%

Foreign Born

91.0%

Non-English at Home

6.8%

Veterans

15.4%

With Disability

92.1%

Health Insurance

91.9%

Internet Access

Employment by Industry

Professional, Scientific & Management37.2%
Education, Health Care & Social Services12.6%
Manufacturing10.0%
Public Administration6.7%
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate4.8%
Construction3.3%
Retail Trade3.2%
Arts, Entertainment & Food Services3.1%
Agriculture & Mining1.7%
Information1.6%
Transportation & Warehousing0.3%

Largest cities in Missouri

Largest counties in Missouri

Part of Missouri

Metro areas in Missouri

City rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Rolla, Missouri has a population of 20,144 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 38th-largest city in Missouri.

The median household income in Rolla, Missouri is $42,518, with 10.6% of residents living below the federal poverty level.

The median home value in Rolla, Missouri is $177,400, with median monthly rent at $790 and a homeownership rate of 40.8%.

The median age in Rolla, Missouri is 27.4 years. The population is 54.4% male and 45.6% female.

The population has grown 5.2% since 2010 (19,632 → 20,660).


Rolla city, MO Climate

Rolla city, MO has an average annual temperature of 12.9°C (55°F) and receives about 1089 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.

12.9°C

Avg Temp

1089

Precip (mm/yr)

Jul

Hottest Month

Jan

Coldest Month

-10°0°10°20°30°122mmJFMAMJJASOND
Avg temp (°C) Precipitation (mm)
Rolla city, MO — monthly temperature & precipitation (1970–2000 normals) · Source: WorldClim 2.1
MonthAvg (°C/°F)Precip
January-1° / 30°51 mm
February2° / 36°55 mm
March7° / 45°95 mm
April13° / 56°102 mm
May18° / 64°122 mm
June23° / 73°105 mm
July25° / 78°99 mm
August25° / 76°94 mm
September20° / 68°97 mm
October14° / 57°91 mm
November7° / 45°99 mm
December1° / 35°79 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 Rolla city, MO

The most comfortable months to visit Rolla city, MO are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -6°C low). May is usually the wettest month.

SeptemberJuneAugust

Where to stay near Rolla

Visiting or relocating to Rolla, MO? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.

Top-rated places to stay near Rolla

Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.

Planning a move to Rolla?

Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Rolla, MO by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.