| Statistic | Rockingham | North Carolina | National |
| Population | 8,771 | 10,488,084 | 328,239,523 |
| Population density (sq mi) | 1,148 | 218 | 91 |
| Median age | 41.5 | 38.3 | 37.7 |
| Male/Female ratio | 0.8:1 | 1.0:1 | 1.0:1 |
| Married (15yrs & older) | 51% | 57% | 55% |
| Families w/ Kids under 18 | 35% | 43% | 43% |
| Speak English | 96% | 89% | 79% |
| Speak Spanish | 3% | 7% | 13% |
Rockingham demographics provide invaluable insights into the composition, dynamics and needs of urban and rural areas, enabling them to plan, develop, and govern in ways that promote prosperity, equity and well-being for all residents. The Rockingham population is 8,771 and has a population density of 1,148 people per square mile, compared to the national average of 91. The median age of all residents is 41.5, 51% of people 15 years of age or older are married and 35% have kids under the age of 18. In Rockingham, 36% of households have a median income that is below $25,000 and 4% of households report a median income above $150,000.
The 5 largest ethnic groups in Rockingham are 61.5% White, 34.5% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, 1% American Indian and 0% Native Hawaiian, with 5% of the population identifying as Hispanic or Latino. Of note, 95.9% of households reported speaking English only, while 3% reported speaking Spanish only. Additionally, 2.4% of residents were classified as foreign-born. The Rockingham racial demographics and ethnicity breakdown are essential for comprehending and addressing systemic inequities, advancing social justice and inclusion and cultivating resilient communities.
Rockingham has a population density that is well above-average, which plays a pivotal role in promoting environmental sustainability by reducing per capita energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and land use. Its compact urban development encourages energy-efficient buildings, active transportation modes like walking and cycling and the utilization of public transit, fostering sustainable lifestyles and mitigating environmental impact. Additionally, the area's dense population contributes to a vibrant social and cultural scene, featuring a diverse array of cultural events, festivals and community activities. This cultural diversity fuels creativity, innovation and cross-cultural exchange, enhancing the community's social fabric. Rockingham has a population density of 1,148 people per square mile, exceeding the national average of 91 and positions itself in a good spot to reap the benefits of densely populated areas.
Social Cohesion: The analysis and understanding of demographics are essential for promoting social cohesion and fostering appreciation among diverse communities. By embracing and acknowledging differences in Rockingham demographics, societies can promote inclusivity, diversity and social harmony while addressing social inequalities and advocating for equal opportunities. Racial demographics can reflect the diversity within a population and are instrumental in fostering inclusive and welcoming communities. Embracing ethnic diversity strengthens social connections, promotes cultural understanding and enriches society by celebrating the contributions of individuals from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Education Allocation: Rockingham demographic data can help guide education planning by identifying student demographics, school enrollment trends and educational needs, helping schools and policymakers allocate resources and develop effective educational programs. It can be an essential tool for identifying disparities in educational access and outcomes among different demographic groups, such as racial and ethnic minorities, socio-economic status, or students with disabilities. By disaggregating data by demographic factors, education planners can identify areas of inequity and develop targeted interventions to improve access, support and outcomes for marginalized students. Overall, Rockingham demographic data is invaluable in education for promoting equity, supporting student success, and fostering inclusive learning environments that meet the needs of all students.
Urban Development: Urban planners can leverage demographics data in Rockingham to design and develop areas that cater to residents' needs, spanning housing, transportation, and public services, while prioritizing sustainability and enhancing quality of life. Demographic changes can contribute to gentrification and neighborhood evolution, whether in urban or rural contexts. As neighborhoods attract new residents with diverse income levels and lifestyle preferences, property values may appreciate, potentially displacing longstanding residents and reshaping the neighborhood's identity. Understanding population density, age distribution, household size and income levels is essential for guiding decisions on zoning, transportation infrastructure, housing development and public amenities. Incorporating Rockingham demographics data into planning and implementing affordable housing initiatives can help mitigate displacement risks.
| Race | Rockingham | North Carolina | National |
| White | 61.48% | 69.24% | 73.35% |
| Black | 34.50% | 21.50% | 12.63% |
| Asian | 1.06% | 2.56% | 5.22% |
| American Indian | 0.96% | 1.18% | 0.82% |
| Native Hawaiian | 0.00% | 0.07% | 0.18% |
| Mixed race | 1.77% | 2.45% | 3.06% |
| Other race | 0.24% | 3.01% | 4.75% |
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