Statistic Rolla Missouri National
Population 20,273 6,137,428 328,239,523
Population density (sq mi) 1,671 90 91
Median age 26.8 38.3 37.7
Male/Female ratio 1.2:1 1.0:1 1.0:1
Married (15yrs & older) 40% 57% 55%
Families w/ Kids under 18 44% 42% 43%
Speak English 90% 94% 79%
Speak Spanish 1% 3% 13%

Overview of Rolla Demographics

Understanding the demographics of Rolla is essential for gaining insights into the composition, dynamics and needs of any city, town or village. This knowledge empowers planners, developers and policymakers to strategize effectively, promoting prosperity, equity and well-being for all residents. The Rolla population is 20,273, with a population density of 1,671 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 91. The median age is 26.8, and 40% of individuals aged 15 or older are married, while 44% have children under 18. As far as income equality in Rolla, 36% of households have a median income below $25,000, whereas 7% report an income exceeding $150,000, indicating a varied economic landscape within the area.

Rolla Racial Demographics & Ethnicity

The Rolla racial demographics and ethnicity breakdown could be indispensable tools for recognizing and rectifying systemic inequities, fostering social justice and inclusion and cultivating resilient communities. In Rolla, the racial breakdown reveals 85.3% White, 3.1% Black or African American, 6.7% Asian, 0.3% American Indian and 0% Native Hawaiian, with 3.3% of the population identifying as Hispanic or Latino. Of all households, 90.1% reported speaking English only, while 0.6% reported speaking Spanish only. Moreover, 9.1% of residents were classified as foreign-born.

Rolla Population Density

Areas like Rolla that have a higher than average population density tend to support environmental sustainability by reducing per capita energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and land use. Compact urban development encourages energy-efficient buildings, walking, cycling and the use of public transit, promoting sustainable lifestyles and reducing environmental impact. Densely populated areas also tend to have more vibrant social and cultural scenes, with a diverse population contributing to a wide array of cultural events, festivals and community activities. This diversity fosters creativity, innovation and cross-cultural exchange, enriching the social fabric of the community. The Rolla population density is higher than average and comes in at 1,671 people per square mile (compared to the nationwide average of 91), putting it in a position to take advantage of all the benefits of a densely populated area.

Why are Demographics Important?

Policy Planning: Demographic data and statistics play a fundamental role in informing policy and decision-making processes across government entities, organizations and businesses. Through the analysis and interpretation of Rolla demographic data, policymakers, government officials, and organizational leaders can pinpoint areas of concern, allocate resources efficiently, and devise policies and initiatives tailored to the specific needs and preferences of distinct demographic groups. The utilization of demographics in Rolla can be crucial in policy planning, facilitating evidence-based decision-making, identifying key priorities, forecasting future trends, monitoring policy outcomes and advancing principles of equity and inclusion. By harnessing this data effectively, policymakers can develop policies that are targeted, effective and inclusive, thus meeting the diverse needs of communities.

Healthcare Planning: The examination of Rolla demographics can potentially inform healthcare planning and delivery by identifying population health needs, disparities and risk factors. By comprehending demographic trends, healthcare providers and policymakers can allocate resources effectively, develop prevention and intervention programs, and address health inequities within communities. Through the utilization of demographic statistics, healthcare providers and policymakers aim to achieve equitable, accessible, and high-quality healthcare for all individuals and communities. This proactive healthcare planning approach ensures targeted interventions, efficient resource allocation and tailored healthcare services to meet the diverse needs of populations.

Education Allocation: In education planning, Rolla demographic data can be invaluable for identifying student demographics, school enrollment trends and educational needs. This data aids schools and policymakers in resource allocation and the formulation of effective educational programs. It serves as a crucial tool for recognizing disparities in educational access and outcomes among different demographic groups, including racial and ethnic minorities, socio-economic status and students with disabilities. Through the disaggregation of data by demographic factors, education planners can pinpoint areas of inequity and implement targeted interventions to enhance access, support, and outcomes for marginalized students. Overall, Rolla demographic data can be an essential tool in education for promoting equity, facilitating student success, and nurturing inclusive learning environments that cater to the needs of all students.

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Demographics Quick Facts

  • The population density in Rolla is 1757% higher than Missouri
  • The median age in Rolla is 30% lower than Missouri
  • In Rolla 85.33% of the population is White
  • In Rolla 3.14% of the population is Black
  • In Rolla 6.69% of the population is Asian

Compare Rolla, MO Demographics

      vs

      Rolla racial demographics

      Race Rolla Missouri National
      White 85.33% 82.53% 73.35%
      Black 3.14% 11.58% 12.63%
      Asian 6.69% 1.78% 5.22%
      American Indian 0.29% 0.42% 0.82%
      Native Hawaiian 0.00% 0.11% 0.18%
      Mixed race 4.03% 2.44% 3.06%
      Other race 0.52% 1.13% 4.75%
      In Rolla, 3.3% of people are of Hispanic or Latino origin.
      Please note: Hispanics may be of any race, so also are included in any/all of the applicable race categories above.

      Household income distribution

      Place of birth by citizenship

      Rolla age breakdown

      Marital status

      Age of children in married couples

      Source: The Rolla, MO demographics data displayed above is derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).