City Report · MO

Rolla

Pop. 20,287·73rd most expensive in Missouri·Rolla rents are up 5.6% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$828/mo
Year-over-Year
+5.6%
Month-over-Month
-2.8%
vs US Median
-$1,137
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Rolla · $828
More affordable than 100% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
50/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are right about where Rolla's 10-year trend predicts.

Actual rent
$828/mo
Expected by trend
$828/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Rolla's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$680
1 BR
$690
2 BR
$890
3 BR
$1,170
4 BR+
$1,180
Research median
$890/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$9,936/yr
At $828/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Balanced Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are roughly steady, with neither renters nor landlords holding a strong edge right now.
Based on rent-price momentum (+5.6% YoY, -2.8% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Rolla, MO is majority renter-occupied, skews toward younger working-age adults, has a median income below the national average, 35.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
20,287
Median income
$46,204
Median age
28.2
Renters
60.6%
Age distribution
18.5%
41.4%
17.4%
14.1%
Under 1818.5%
18–3441.4%
35–5417.4%
55–648.7%
65+14.1%
Gender
55.2%
44.8%
Male55.2%
Female44.8%
Race & ethnicity
81.2%
White81.2%
Black4.9%
Hispanic4.6%
Asian7.3%
Other2.1%
Education (25+)
28.1%
27.9%
35.6%
No HS diploma8.4%
HS diploma28.1%
Some college27.9%
Bachelor's+35.6%
Housing tenure
39.4%
60.6%
Owner39.4%
Renter60.6%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2023 vs 2026

How Rolla, MO has changed in 5 years

Rent
$694 → $828
up 19.3%
Income
$37,426 → $46,204
up 23.5%
Population
19,949 → 20,287
up 1.7%
Renter share
56.9% → 60.6%
+3.7 pts
Bachelor's+
37.6% → 35.6%
-2.0 pts

Five years ago, renters in Rolla, MO paid around $694 a month. That figure now sits near $828, up 19.3% from the 2023 baseline. Census figures show median household income at $46,204 today, compared with $37,426 five years earlier. With wages climbing faster than rent over the same window, renters here have a bit more breathing room than they did five years back. Census counts show Rolla, MO adding about 338 residents over the five-year window, up 1.7% on net. The renter share has risen from 56.9% to 60.6%, with owner-occupied housing accounting for the remainder. Bachelor's-degree-or-higher attainment moved from 37.6% to 35.6% across the same window. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2023.

Community

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View Rolla rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Rolla on your salary?

At $828/mo, how Rolla rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Rolla rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Rolla. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Rolla

About renting in Rolla, MO

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Rolla is $828/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $680/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $890/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $690/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,170/mo.

At 22% of local median household income ($46,204/yr), Rolla ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 5.6% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Rolla an affordable city for renters?

Rolla is considered very affordable for renters. At $828/mo, rent takes approximately 22% of the local median household income ($46,204/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Rolla falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Rolla?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $33,000/year (~$16/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $828/mo in Rolla. The local median household income is $46,204/yr, meaning the typical Rolla household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Rolla?

Rent in Rolla has increased 5.6% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Rolla rent compare to other cities in Missouri?

Rolla is one of the more affordable cities in Missouri for rent, ranking #73 out of 74 tracked cities at $828/mo.

What percentage of Rolla residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 60.6% of Rolla households are renters, while 39.4% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, Rolla has a strong rental market.

How does Rolla rent compare to the national average?

Rolla's median rent of $828/mo is $1,137 (58%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Missouri, it ranks #73 out of 74 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
22%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $828/mo, rent takes ~22% of Rolla's median household income ($46,204/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Rolla 22%Benchmark 30%
State income tax2–4.7%
Run the Rolla affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Rolla, MO

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