Where does this demographic data come from?

All demographic data comes from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, which samples about 3.5 million households annually. The 5-year estimates provide the most reliable data for small geographies like municipalities.

What is the difference between Census data and ACS data?

The decennial Census (conducted every 10 years) is a full population count focusing on basic demographics. The ACS is an ongoing survey that collects detailed data on income, education, housing, commute patterns, and more. ACS data is updated annually but represents averages over a 5-year period.

How accurate is this data for small towns?

For smaller municipalities, ACS estimates have wider margins of error because fewer residents are sampled. The 5-year estimates reduce this uncertainty by averaging over a longer period. For towns under 5,000 people, treat specific numbers as approximations rather than precise counts.

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Rocky Mount, NC

CSARocky Mount-Wilson-Roanoke Rapids MSARocky Mount#1/18 Population

Rocky Mount, NC Population, Income & Demographics 2026

Census

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Demographicsi2024 ACS 5-Year EstimatesCensus

54,297population

40.7median age

This community is a community of 54,297 with a median age of 40.7. The population is predominantly Black (62.4%) with a significant White community (26%). Median household income is $55,534. 87.3% of adults hold a high school diploma or higher, and 22.9% have a bachelor's degree. The homeownership rate is 49%, with a median home value of $165,700.

Race & Ethnicityi

Black

62.4%33,881

White

26%14,138

Hispanic/Latino

5.5%2,997

Two or More

3.4%1,826

Asian

1.5%800

Other

0.6%341

American Indian/Alaska Native

0.5%269

Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander

0.1%45

Educational Attainment (Age 25+)i

GED/Alternative

5.1%1,910

High School Diploma

27.4%10,300

Some College (<1 yr)

6.5%2,429

Some College (1+ yr)

15.1%5,665

Associate's Degree

10.3%3,863

Bachelor's Degree

14.7%5,530

Master's Degree

6.3%2,372

Professional Degree

1.4%530

Doctorate

0.5%172

HS or Higher

87.3%

BA or Higher

22.9%

Graduate+

8.2%

Housingi

$165,700median home value

$957median rent

49%homeownership

26,869total units

13%vacancy

Tenure

Owner 49%

Renter 51%

Home Values

Under $50K

11.5%1,318

$50K–$100K

13.9%1,593

$100K–$150K

17.5%2,004

$150K–$200K

18.1%2,069

$200K–$300K

24.3%2,783

$300K–$500K

10%1,145

$500K–$1M

4.1%473

$1M+

0.6%66

Rent Distribution

Under $500

1,186

$500–$750

1,791

$750–$1,000

3,375

$1,000–$1,250

3,019

$1,250–$1,500

1,077

$1,500–$2,000

872

$2,000+

102

Year Built

2020 or later

1.3%341

2010–2019

6%1,611

2000–2009

11.1%2,975

1990–1999

13.6%3,647

1980–1989

15.6%4,200

1970–1979

18.5%4,961

1960–1969

8.5%2,275

1950–1959

9.8%2,634

1940–1949

4.4%1,192

1939 or earlier

11.3%3,033

Heating Fuel

Electricity

67%15,660

Utility Gas

28.5%6,651

Bottled/LP Gas

3%694

No Fuel

0.9%207

Other

0.3%75

Wood

0.2%50

Fuel Oil

0.1%27

Household Economyi

$55,534median household income

$31,561per capita income

19.3%poverty rate

8%unemployment

25,983labor force

Household Income Distribution

Under $10K

8.3%1,938

$10K–$15K

4.4%1,038

$15K–$20K

5.1%1,196

$20K–$25K

4.2%982

$25K–$30K

5%1,176

$30K–$35K

3.3%767

$35K–$40K

5.5%1,291

$40K–$45K

4%926

$45K–$50K

4.4%1,038

$50K–$60K

11.6%2,699

$60K–$75K

10.4%2,420

$75K–$100K

13.3%3,112

$100K–$125K

8.9%2,086

$125K–$150K

3.7%864

$150K–$200K

4.5%1,043

$200K+

3.4%788

Federally Subsidized Housingi

HUD

The federal government helps low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities afford housing through several programs. Residents typically pay about 30% of their income toward rent, with the government covering the rest. This data shows how many households in this community receive that assistance.

Subsidized Homesi

2,101

Residentsi

3,982

Avg. Tenant Renti

$327/mo

Avg. Waitlisti

9 months

Programs in this community

Public Housing755 homes100% occupied$310/mo rent

Government-owned housing managed by local housing authorities

Housing Choice Vouchers37 homes74% occupied$410/mo rent

Rental vouchers (Section 8) that help tenants pay for private-market housing

Project Based Section 8507 homes95% occupied$335/mo rent

Privately owned apartments with rent subsidies tied to the building

202/PRAC87 homes99% occupied$390/mo rent

811/PRAC10 homes

Household Incomei

Based on area median of $55,534/yr

Extremely low incomeUnder $17K/yr

71.8%

Very low income$17K–$28K/yr

22.1%

Low income$28K–$44K/yr

4.9%

Moderate / aboveOver $44K/yr

1.2%

Who Receives This Housing

84.9% of subsidized households are headed by a single mother

90.5% of subsidized households are minority

15.7% of subsidized households include someone with a disability

33.1% of subsidized households include a senior (62+)

Ancestry & Heritage

Self-reported ancestry groups. Residents may report multiple ancestries, so totals may exceed 100%.

Foreign-Born Populationi

Foreign-Borni

2,0373.8%

By Region

Top Countries

Mexico

709

India

216

Philippines

172

Germany

Canada

United Kingdom

China

Commute & Transportationi

Workersi

23,392

Avg. Commutei

20.6 min

How People Get to Work

Travel Time to Work

Workforce

Total Employed

23,885

Occupations

Industries

Social Characteristicsi

Marital Status (15+)i

Veteransi

3,824(9% of civilian adults)

Health Insurancei

88.7%Insured

11.3%Uninsured