Firstly why Rolla, Missouri?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Rolla
• State: Missouri
• Population: 19,276 people
• Rolla’s quick summary would be celebrated for its educational institutions and cultural events this town merges academic opportunities with local charm.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 500 annually
• While this many move-out: 301 annually
• Net Migration: 199 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 410
• Number of Homeless people: 22

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it home to the Missouri University of Science and Technology attracting students and families

Perk #1: Rolla Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 31%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 65%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $55,994
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Rolla is $72,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $16006 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Rolla’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 80 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $1,200
• Property Tax %: 1.14%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,150
• Rent for an average house: $1,300
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Rolla
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Rolla, St. James, and probably could include Waynesville
• Avg. Age of Homes in Rolla: 36 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.3%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Rolla’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Rolla are  Education, Healthcare, and Manufacturing
• Rolla Job Scene: stable job market focusing on education and services
• The General Tech Scene: limited tech presence primarily influenced by local services and education sectors , ,
• Rolla Resident’s pay $1,500 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Rolla: 7%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 130 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 2

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Rolla

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $99 on average per person
• Freeway Access: Route 63 connects Rolla to significant highways in the region
• Commute Time: 25 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: evening congestion on Pine Street
• Transportation Score: 25 out of 100 described as Minimal Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Rolla: 20,000
• Cars registered per Person: 1
• No. of Car Washes: 2 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Rolla: dmv.modot.org
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 49 of 100
• Local Airport: Rolla National

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Rolla’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Flood
• General Weather in Rolla is best described as features warm summers and cold winters with moderate precipitation throughout the year
• Winter Weather in Rolla i’d describe as cold and snowy
• Spring Weather in Rolla can be described as mild with occasional rain
• Summer’s in Rolla are mostly warm and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Rolla is usually cool and sunny
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 30 days in summer
• Days in a row in Rolla below Freezing: 27
• Average Annual Rainfall: 48 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality largely influenced by its rural surroundings
• Rolla Winter Air generally good air quality with few pollution issues

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Rolla Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Rolla 2
• While the number of trade schools inside Rollas’s city limits are 1
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Rolla Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Rolla Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 11 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Rolla only Doctors is about 65
• Local Hospitals here is  1
• Full-time Rolla only Police Officers is about 34
• Crime Rate Index: 29/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Rolla’s Monthly utility bill average is $160
• Rolla’s Monthly Gym Membership: $28
• Rolla’s Water Quality Score: 66

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Rolla

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 3 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: small community with a strong focus on education and culture
• You might enjoy local events at the Rolla Community Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Rolla  features local pubs and restaurants providing a charming atmosphere for relaxed evenings with friends

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Rolla

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes a mix of local favorites and casual dining
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 55 scattered around Rolla
• The Popular Sports Team is Rolla Bulldogs
• Top Level Political Climate in Rolla can be described as politically mixed city with a focus on education and development
• Rolla’s Longer standing religious establishment is Rolla First Assembly of God

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Rolla Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Rolla has 5 Parks?
• Rolla City Park is Rolla’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Rolla Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, cycling, and fishing

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Rolla Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Rolla can be described as steady small-town atmosphere centered on education and community events
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Rolla exploring nature hiking local parks attending community events
• The Cities people commute to from Rolla are St-James 19 miles away Waynesville 22 miles away Lebanon 44 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Rolla or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: evening congestion on Pine Street. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Rolla’s Flood risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Rolla is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Rolla are St-James 19 miles away Waynesville 22 miles away Lebanon 44 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 29 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Rolla has 27 days in a row below freezing and 30 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Rolla people have an average (positive or negative) $16006 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   22 homeless people living in Rolla. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically mixed city with a focus on education and development could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Rolla.

Retiree & Senior Life in Rolla

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can receive property tax reductions focused on enhancing financial health
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Parkside
• Rolla Senior Center offers wellness workshops social activities and meal services for older adults

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Rolla, Missouri?

If Rolla, Missouri ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Rolla, Missouri, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!