Cost Of Living
Taking into account the cost of goods and services like housing, groceries, transportation and utilities, the overall cost of living in this area is well below average.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Health & Safety
Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.
Commute
A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.
Crime
This area reports elevated crime rates per 100,000 individuals, potentially pointing some areas being unsafe for its residents. Stats are based on both property and violent crimes.
Employment
In the employment category, a low score could be attributed to low income levels and high unemployment in the area, suggesting potential difficulties in finding lucrative employment.
Rolla is a mid-sized city located in the state of Missouri. The city has a population of 20,273 inhabitants. At 85%, the majority of the Rolla population is White; this is followed by 7% Asian and 3% Black. If you are a young adult or student, you might be pleased to know that the average age of all Rolla residents is 27. Rolla is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 40% married, this city falls well below the national average. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Rolla will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 13 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Are you trying to decide if living in Rolla is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before relocating to any new city in Missouri, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. To help you find the best places to live in and around Rolla, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, commute, education, housing and more.
Using data and statistics Rolla has received a livability score of 71/100. This score is ranked in the 80th percentile when compared to all other cities. If we consider each of the categories on their own, we see that Rolla ranks well for amenities (B-), cost of living (A+), education (B) and housing (B-). On a less positive note, Rolla does not have favorable grades for the following: crime (D-) and employment (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Rolla, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Rolla undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location.
The unemployment rate in Rolla has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 2.36%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Rolla excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
Assuming that Rolla meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Rolla. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Rolla are simply unattainable. The median home price for Rolla homes is $143,700, which is 1.8% higher than the Missouri average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Rolla, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.9, which is 34.5% higher than the Missouri average.
| Statistic | Rolla | Missouri | National |
| Average one way commute | 13min | 23min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 77.2% | 81.6% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 10.4% | 9.1% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.6% | 1.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 7.8% | 1.9% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 3.6% | 4.6% | 4.6% |
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