Rocky Mount is a city located in North Carolina. Although it was not formally incorporated until February 19, 1867, the North Carolina community that became the city of Rocky Mount dates from the beginning of the 19th century, and the first post office in the area opened in 1816. The city straddles the county line, with part of it in Nash County and part of it in Edgecombe County. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 55,893.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 92.7 km² (35.8 mi²). 92.1 km² (35.6 mi²) of it is land and 0.5 km² (0.2 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.59% water.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there are 55,893 people, 21,435 households, and 14,682 families residing in the city. In 2001 it had a population of 57,150. The population density is 606.7/km² (1,571.4/mi²). There are 24,167 housing units at an average density of 262.3/km² (679.5/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 40.92% White, 56.02% African American, 0.35% Native American, 0.70% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.91% from other races, and 1.07% from two or more races. 1.85% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 21,435 households out of which 32.9% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.3% are married couples living together, 20.9% have a female householder with no husband present, and 31.5% are non-families. 27.4% of all households are made up of individuals and 10.3% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.55 and the average family size is 3.11.

In the city the population is spread out with 27.7% under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 28.5% from 25 to 44, 21.9% from 45 to 64, and 13.0% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 35 years. For every 100 females there are 85.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 79.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $32,661, and the median income for a family is $39,929. Males have a median income of $31,455 versus $24,409 for females. The per capita income for the city is $17,804. 20.1% of the population and 15.8% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 28.6% of those under the age of 18 and 16.5% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

External links

• City of Rocky Mount (official website)
• Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce