Is Rolla Safe, Pros and cons of living in Rolla
Rolla, Missouri, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and access to amenities, making it an attractive location for various individuals and families. Nestled in the heart of the Ozarks, this city provides a balance of natural beauty and a developing urban environment. It’s a place where community ties are strong, and the pace of life allows for a comfortable existence.
The city is strategically located along Interstate 44, midway between St. Louis and Springfield, offering convenient access to larger metropolitan areas for work, entertainment, and travel. Rolla is also the county seat of Phelps County, contributing to its role as a regional hub for services and commerce.
Is it Safe to Live in Rolla?
Rolla’s crime rate presents a mixed picture, with some categories aligning with national averages and others exceeding them. The city experiences a violent crime rate that is slightly higher than the national average, with 374 incidents per 100,000 people, compared to the national average of 359 per 100,000 (as reported by AreaVibes). In contrast, Rolla registered zero reported homicides in the most recently reported crime year, a statistic that highlights a significant safety aspect within the community (as reported by AreaVibes).
However, when considering overall crime, Rolla’s rate is higher than the national average by approximately 38%, translating to about 1.64 daily incidents, including both violent and property crimes (as reported by AreaVibes). Within Missouri, a majority of communities have a lower crime rate than Rolla, and when compared to similar-sized cities, Rolla’s combined crime rate is notably above average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout, CityRating.com).
Housing Costs and Availability
The housing market in Rolla presents a more affordable option compared to national averages, with median home prices significantly lower than the U.S. median. As of March 2026, the median sale price of a home in Rolla was $205,000, which is 43% lower than the national average (as reported by Redfin). The median property value in Rolla was $206,500 in 2024, with a homeownership rate of 61.7% (as reported by Data USA).
Rental prices in Rolla are also considerably lower than the national average. The average rent in Rolla, MO, is $925 per month, which is 53.75% lower than the national average (as reported by Zillow, Apartments.com). For renters, a studio apartment averages $550, a one-bedroom is around $675, and a two-bedroom averages $975 per month (as reported by Zillow).
Job Market and Economy
Rolla’s job market is influenced by its educational institutions and a variety of local businesses. The average annual salary in Rolla is approximately $49,747, with most salaries ranging between $32,000 and $65,137 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Other sources indicate a slightly higher average salary of $58,404 per year, or $28 per hour (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert).
Major employers in Rolla include Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T), Phelps Health, and Walmart Distribution. The presence of Missouri S&T not only contributes to the local economy as a significant employer but also fuels a pool of skilled graduates. The unemployment rate in Rolla, MO, was at 4.10% as of the latest data, which is lower than the long-term average for the area (as reported by YCharts).
Climate and Environment
Rolla experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with hot summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically varies from 24°F to 88°F throughout the year, with rare occurrences of temperatures below 7°F or above 97°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The hottest month is July, with average high temperatures around 88°F, while January is the coldest, with average low temperatures near 24°F (as reported by Weather Spark).
Precipitation is spread throughout the year, with monthly averages ranging from approximately 2.04 inches in February to 5.03 inches in May (as reported by Time and Date). The area is generally partly cloudy year-round, with August being the clearest month and February being the cloudiest (as reported by Weather Spark).
Education and Schools
The Rolla School District is generally rated as above average, providing educational opportunities for the city’s younger residents. The district has an overall Niche grade of B+, serving PK-12 students with a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1 (as reported by Niche). State test scores indicate that 45% of students are proficient in math and 47% in reading within the district (as reported by Niche).
Rolla Senior High School, a part of this district, holds a B overall grade, with 1,383 students in grades 9-12 and a student-teacher ratio of 19 to 1 (as reported by Niche). According to state test scores, 27% of students at the high school are proficient in math and 48% in reading (as reported by Niche).
Demographics and Community
Rolla has a population of approximately 19,943 residents as of the 2020 census, with a median age of 27.9 years (as reported by Wikipedia). The population is characterized by a younger demographic, with 29.7% of residents between the ages of 18 and 24, reflecting the presence of educational institutions like Missouri S&T (as reported by Wikipedia). The gender distribution shows a higher proportion of males, with 120.6 males for every 100 females (as reported by Wikipedia).
The racial makeup of Rolla is predominantly White, comprising about 85% of the population in the micro area (as reported by Census Reporter). Other significant demographic groups include Asian residents and those identifying with two or more races. The majority of residents (97.3%) are U.S. citizens, and most households do not report speaking a non-English language at home as their primary shared language (as reported by Data USA).
Pros and Cons of Living in Rolla
Rolla offers a cost of living that is notably lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. Housing, in particular, is a significant advantage, with both home prices and rental rates substantially below the national figures (as reported by Redfin, Zillow, Apartments.com). The city also boasts good air quality and access to nearby health facilities, contributing to a higher-than-average health and safety score (as reported by AreaVibes).
On the downside, Rolla’s crime rate, particularly for violent crimes, is higher than the national average, though the absence of homicides in recent years offers some reassurance (as reported by AreaVibes, NeighborhoodScout). Additionally, the city lacks public transportation, which can present challenges for residents without personal vehicles (as reported by Niche).