Rocky Mount, NC

Very Low · 59

North Carolina · Population 54,175 · Updated March 2026

$919
Median Rent / Month
$52,927
Median Income
$148,300
Median Home Value
$914
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Rocky Mount

20.8%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in North Carolina

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

4.5%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
4.75%
Sales Tax
0.8%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$11,028
Annual Rent
$2,382
State Income Tax
$1,186
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Rocky Mount is significantly cheaper than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. With a cost index of 59 (where 100 equals the national median), Rocky Mount residents can expect to pay median rent of $919/month while earning a median household income of $52,927/year.

The median home value in Rocky Mount, NC is $148,300, with typical monthly owner costs around $914 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 20.8% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

North Carolina has a moderate income tax rate of 4.5%. Combined with a 4.75% sales tax rate and 0.8% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Rocky Mount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Rocky Mount

What is the cost of living in Rocky Mount, NC?
The cost of living index in Rocky Mount, NC is 59 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $919, median household income is $52,927/year, and the median home value is $148,300.
Is Rocky Mount, NC affordable?
Yes, Rocky Mount is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 59. The rent-to-income ratio is 20.8%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Rocky Mount, NC?
The median gross rent in Rocky Mount, NC is $919 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $11,028.
What is the median household income in Rocky Mount?
The median household income in Rocky Mount, NC is $52,927 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in North Carolina?
North Carolina has a top income tax rate of 4.5%, a sales tax of 4.75%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.8%.