Is Roxboro Safe, Pros and cons of living in Roxboro

Is it Safe to Live in Roxboro?

Roxboro presents a complex safety profile, with crime rates that are higher than the national average in several categories. The overall crime rate is 113% above the national average (according to AreaVibes). Residents have a 1 in 23 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Roxboro (according to AreaVibes).

Violent crime rates are particularly concerning, standing at 181% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes). This translates to a rate of 1008 per 100,000 individuals (according to AreaVibes). Property crime rates are also elevated, at 99.4% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes). The cost of crime per resident is approximately $562 annually, which is higher than both the national and state averages (according to AreaVibes).

Crime Statistics Breakdown

In Roxboro, the total projected cost of crime for 2025 is estimated at over $13.4 million (according to AreaVibes). Of this amount, criminal justice system costs account for 53.3%, direct costs to victims for 34.8%, and lost economic contribution from offenders for 11.9% (according to AreaVibes). While the northwest part of the city is generally considered the safest, crime incidence is highest in the central areas (according to CrimeGrade.org). Your chance of being a victim of crime varies significantly by neighborhood, from 1 in 21 in the north to 1 in 49 in the northwest (according to CrimeGrade.org).

Cost of Living and Housing in Roxboro

Roxboro offers a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. The overall cost of living is approximately 12% less expensive than the national average (according to ERI Economic Research Institute). Housing expenses, while sometimes cited as higher than the national average in some reports, are generally considered more affordable within the state of North Carolina (according to ERI Economic Research Institute).

Housing Market Overview

The median home value in Roxboro was approximately $220,111 as of March 2026 (according to Zillow). This represents a 6.7% increase over the past year (according to Zillow). The median listing price for homes in Roxboro is around $289,900, with a median price per square foot of $187 (according to Realtor.com). Homes tend to sell relatively quickly, with a median of 44 days on the market (according to Realtor.com).

Rental Market Insights

For renters, the median rental price in Roxboro is approximately $1,300 per month (according to Realtor.com). Apartments.com reports a slightly lower average rent of $857 per month as of May 2026 (according to Apartments.com). This makes renting in Roxboro more affordable than the national average, which stands at around $1,642 per month (according to Apartments.com). The rental market has seen some upward pressure, with median rent prices rising by 16.86% year-over-year (according to Realtor.com).

Job Market and Economy in Roxboro

Roxboro’s job market is characterized by a diverse range of industries, though some reports indicate a higher unemployment rate compared to the national average. The unemployment rate in Roxboro stands at 13.5% (according to Point2Homes), which is significantly higher than the national average. This figure represents the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively seeking employment.

Major Employers and Industries

The primary sectors employing residents of Roxboro include Healthcare & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Construction (according to Data USA). Other significant employment sectors include Office & Administrative Support Occupations and Sales & Related Occupations (according to Data USA). Major employers in the area include Person County Schools and Person Memorial Hospital, both offering competitive salaries (according to ReadySetHire).

Salary and Income Landscape

The average annual household income in Roxboro was reported as $60,775 in 2024 (according to Point2Homes). However, other sources indicate a median household income of $36,553 (according to Data USA). The median individual income was $20,354 in 2024 (according to Data Commons). The average annual salary for an average job in Roxboro is approximately $38,000 per year (according to Zippia).

Climate and Weather in Roxboro

Roxboro experiences a moderate subtropical climate with distinct seasons. Summers are typically warm and humid, while winters are mild with occasional cold spells and snowfall. The city receives a significant amount of rainfall throughout the year, with September being the wettest month.

Temperature and Seasonal Variations

Average daytime temperatures in Roxboro range from a chilly 50°F (10°C) in January to a warm 88°F (31°C) in July (according to BestPlaces). Nighttime temperatures can drop to around 28°F (-2°C) in January and rise to 68°F (20°C) in July (according to BestPlaces). The hot season generally lasts from late May to mid-September, with daily highs often exceeding 80°F (27°C) (according to Weather and Climate). The cold season extends from late November to late February, with average daily highs below 57°F (14°C) (according to Weather and Climate).

Precipitation and Sunshine

Roxboro receives an average of 46 inches of precipitation annually (according to Livability.com). The wettest month is typically September, with around 5 inches of rainfall, while February is the driest, receiving about 2.5 inches (according to Weather and Climate). The city experiences a good amount of sunshine, especially in the summer months, with June averaging 8.9 hours of sunshine per day (according to BestPlaces).

Education and Schools in Roxboro

Roxboro is served by the Person County School District, which includes a mix of public and charter schools. The district’s public schools generally perform at or above the state average in terms of proficiency scores. Student demographics reflect a diverse population, with a significant minority enrollment.

Public School Performance

Public schools in Roxboro have an average math proficiency score of 51% and a reading proficiency score of 51%, which is comparable to the North Carolina public school average (according to Niche). The schools in Roxboro hold an average ranking of 6 out of 10, placing them in the top 50% of North Carolina public schools (according to Niche). Among the top-ranked schools are Roxboro Community School and Bethel Hill Charter School (according to Niche).

Student Demographics and Diversity

Minority enrollment in Roxboro’s public schools is approximately 50% of the student body, which is slightly less than the North Carolina state average (according to Niche). The student population is majority Black, similar to the state’s demographic makeup (according to Niche). This diversity contributes to the educational environment within the city’s schools.

Demographics of Roxboro

Roxboro has a population of approximately 8,134 residents as of the 2020 census (according to Wikipedia). The city’s population has seen a slight decrease since the 2010 census. The median age in Roxboro is around 40.7 years (according to Wikipedia), with a distribution across various age groups.

Population and Age Distribution

As of 2024, the population of Roxboro was estimated at 8,182 residents (according to Point2Homes). The median age is approximately 45 years (according to Point2Homes). The population is distributed with about 16.5% under 15, 12.8% between 15 and 24, 20.3% between 25 and 44, 28.1% between 45 and 64, and 22.3% aged 65 or older (according to Point2Homes).

Race and Ethnicity

The racial makeup of Roxboro includes approximately 46.1% Caucasian, 39% African American, and smaller percentages of other racial groups (according to Point2Homes). Hispanic or Latino residents constitute about 7.8% of the population (according to Data USA). A notable portion of the population, around 13.4%, identifies as belonging to two or more races (according to Point2Homes).