Rolla, MO, United States

Capital City

Living in Rolla is a trade-off - the population of 19,943 means a small-town vibe, but with that comes heavy bureaucracy and a persistent headache of red tape. The median household income of $37,252 is modest, and 12% of families live below the poverty line. On the upside, Rolla is home to the renowned Missouri University of Science and Technology, attracting a youthful, educated crowd. However, the town's demographics skew older, with 14.2% of residents 65 or above. Overall, Rolla is best suited for those seeking an affordable, quiet Midwest lifestyle centered around the university.