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Roanoke Rapids, NC

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Roanoke Rapids, NC

Roanoke Rapids is a city in Halifax County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 15,754 at the 2010 census. It is the principal city of the Roanoke Rapids Micropolitan Statistical Area, and is also an anchor city of the Rocky Mount-Wilson-Roanoke Rapids CSA, with a total population of 297,726 as of 2018.

Roanoke Rapids is located in northern Halifax County bordered to the north by Northampton County, with the county line following the Roanoke River. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 10.0 square miles (25.9 km²), of which 10.0 square miles (25.8 km²) are land and 0.04 square miles (0.1 km²), or 0.36%, is water.

The town is located at the eastern edge of the North Carolina Piedmont, on the Roanoke River at the fall line, which marks the area where an upland region (continental bedrock) and a coastal plain (coastal alluvia) meet. The fall line is typically prominent where a river crosses it, for there will usually be rapids or waterfalls. Because of these features, riverboats normally could not travel any further inland. Because settlements needed a port and a ready supply of water power, they often developed where the river crossed the fall line. The Roanoke River and its falls inspired the development of Roanoke Rapids; businessmen such as Sam Patterson and other textile manufacturers used the river to power their mills.

The most prominent example of fall line settlement was the establishment of the cities along the eastern coast of the United States where the Appalachian Rise and the coastal plains meet.

The city was first settled as a mill town, being home to multiple textile mills. Crystal Lee Sutton (Jenkins), was a worker and union organizer for the J.P. Stevens & Co. mill in Roanoke Rapids, upon whose union activities the movie Norma Rae was based. All the textile mills are now closed and nearly 3,000 employees eventually lost their jobs. Roanoke Rapids is now home to a WestRock paper manufacturing facility.

Roanoke Rapids is known for its many historical sites. The original Roanoke Rapids High School building or Senior building as it is sometimes referred, opened in 1921 and is still in use. The building embodies many elements of Elizabethan Gothic and Tudor Revival architecture in its castle-like facade. It was built by industrialist Samuel Paterson and designed by renowned architect Hobart Upjohn in a modified H-design. Hobart Upjohn was the grandson of Richard Upjohn, architect of Christ Episcopal Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, and Trinity Church, in New York, NY among other notable buildings. The high school is the dominant building in the city's central core and is flanked by another castle-like structure that formerly housed a National Guard Armory. In addition to Roanoke Rapids High School, the Roanoke Canal and Roanoke Rapids Historic District are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Roanoke places a strong emphasis on health and wellness, with numerous facilities and initiatives dedicated to the well-being of its residents. The Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital stands as a pillar of the community, offering comprehensive healthcare services to meet the diverse needs of the population. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Roanoke Rapids Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Planet Fitness and T. J. Davis Recreation Center. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Roanoke Rapids, such as the Roanoke Canal Museum & Trail and Chockoyotte Park. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

The top Sites in Roanoke Rapids, NC are Roanoke Canal Museum & Trail, Halifax County Arts Council Gallery, and Sylvan Heights Bird Park.

Population: 15,229 (2020). ZIP Code: 27870. Area codes: 252. Elevation: 138 ft (42 m). Area: 9.95 sq mi (25.77 km²).

FAQs

Is Roanoke Rapids, NC a good place to live?

Living in Roanoke Rapids offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Roanoke Rapids, there are a lot of parks. Many young professionals live in Roanoke Rapids and residents tend to lean liberal.

What is the poverty rate in Roanoke Rapids, NC?

In 2022, the median household income of Roanoke Rapids households was $45,732. Roanoke Rapids households made slightly more than Ellerbe households ($45,654) and Potters Hill households ($45,662). However, 19.8% of Roanoke Rapids families live in poverty.

Is Roanoke Rapids, NC expensive?

Roanoke Rapids is 20% less expensive than the national average and 13% less expensive to live in than the average city in North Carolina. This assumes a $72,000 annual salary and a 2-bedroom Apt. Food costs in Roanoke Rapids are more affordable than average in the United States. Transportation costs in Roanoke Rapids are more affordable than average in the United States.

Sources

Roanoke, North Carolina - Wikipedia

City of Roanoke

Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital

Roanoke Rapids Parks and Recreation Department 

Planet Fitness

T. J. Davis Recreation Center

Roanoke Canal Museum & Trail 

Chockoyotte Park

Roanoke Canal Museum & Trail

Halifax County Arts Council Gallery

Sylvan Heights Bird Park

Niche

North Carolina Demographics

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