Rolla city, Missouri Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Rolla city, Missouri has a total population of 20,144, the 38th largest city in Missouri, with a median household income of $42,518, which is 38% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 23.8%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 38% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
Rolla city Quick Facts
How Rolla city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 39 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Rolla city Rankings in Missouri
Explore Missouri Rankings
Cities Similar to Rolla city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferguson city | 18,350 | $46,106 | $99,300 | 21.7% | 24.9% |
| Sedalia city | 21,869 | $50,668 | $136,500 | 17.0% | 17.2% |
| Warrensburg city | 19,437 | $57,232 | $216,900 | 35.9% | 18.3% |
| Farmington city | 17,999 | $49,882 | $187,500 | 14.8% | 19.2% |
| Spanish Lake CDP | 18,183 | $51,125 | $121,300 | 13.3% | 17.3% |
Population Overview
Rolla city is a small city located in Missouri. The total population is 20,144. It ranks as the 38th most populous out of 1,062 cities and towns in Missouri.
Age Demographics
The median age in Rolla city is 27.4 years. This is 30% lower than the state median of 38.9 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Rolla city is $42,518. This is 38% lower than the state median of $68,920. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 46% lower. The poverty rate stands at 23.8%. This is 89% higher than the state poverty rate of 12.6%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 5.4%. This is 31% higher than the state rate of 4.1%. The median home value is $177,400. Housing costs are 18% lower than the state median of $215,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x. 40.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 40% lower than the state average of 67.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Rolla city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 81.8% of the population. Asian residents account for 6.1%. The Black or African American population (3.5%) is well below the state average of 11.0%. The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (6.1% vs 2.1%).
Education
35.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 11% higher than the state rate of 31.9%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 93.2%. Notably, 17.8% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Rolla city, Missouri is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Missouri state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,062 Census-designated places in Missouri. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Rolla city, Missouri?
Rolla city, Missouri has a population of 20,144 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Rolla city, MO?
The median household income in Rolla city is $42,518, which is 46% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Rolla city, MO?
The poverty rate in Rolla city is 23.8%. This means approximately 4,147 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Rolla city, Missouri?
Rolla city's population is 81.8% White, 3.5% Black, 3.7% Hispanic/Latino, and 6.1% Asian.
What is the median home value in Rolla city, MO?
The median home value in Rolla city is $177,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x.
How educated is Rolla city, Missouri?
35.5% of adults (25+) in Rolla city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 17.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.