Cost of Living in Roanoke Rapids, NC
Population 15,024 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Roanoke Rapids is a smaller North Carolina community of around 15000 residents, where median household incomes of $53,981 and housing costs ($129,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. A poverty rate near 22% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Geographically, Roanoke Rapids is about 70 miles northeast of Raleigh, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 66% lower than Raleigh's $378,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Roanoke Rapids
The median home value in Roanoke Rapids is $129,400 — 58% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $816/month, 38% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $53,981/year is 28% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.1%, above the national average of 4.8%. North Carolina's top state income tax rate is 4.5% and the combined sales tax is 7.0%. The climate averages highs of 70.8°F and lows of 50.4°F. Overall, Roanoke Rapids has a cost of living index of 50 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 50% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 51 | 54 | 62 | 71 | 78 | 86 | 90 | 87 | 82 | 72 | 62 | 54 |
| Low °F | 32 | 34 | 40 | 48 | 58 | 66 | 70 | 68 | 62 | 51 | 41 | 35 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Roanoke Rapids, NC?
Roanoke Rapids has a cost index of 50 (100 = national average). It is 50% below the national average.
What is average rent in Roanoke Rapids, NC?
The median gross rent in Roanoke Rapids is $816 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Roanoke Rapids?
The median home value in Roanoke Rapids is $129,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Roanoke Rapids?
The median household income in Roanoke Rapids is $53,981 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Roanoke Rapids, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Roanoke Rapids is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Roanoke Rapids, NC affordable?
Yes, Roanoke Rapids is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 50 — about 50% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Roanoke Rapids?
Roanoke Rapids has average high temperatures of 70.8°F and average lows of 50.4°F. Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Roanoke Rapids at a Glance
- Population
- 15,024
- Median Income
- $53,981
- Home Value
- $129,400
- Median Rent
- $816/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 70.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
North Carolina Rankings
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