The Rocky Mount Metropolitan Statistical Area, as defined by the United States Census Bureau, is an area consisting of two counties – Edgecombe and Nash – in eastern North Carolina, anchored by the city of Rocky Mount. As of the 2000 census, the MSA had a population of 143,026 (though a July 1, 2009 estimate placed the population at 146,596).
As of the census of 2000, there were 143,026 people, 54,036 households, and 38,724 families residing within the MSA. The racial makeup of the MSA was 53.44% White, 43.08% African American, 0.35% Native American, 0.40% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.87% from other races, and 0.85% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.14% of the population.
The median income for a household in the MSA was $34,065, and the median income for a family was $40,336. Males had a median income of $29,880 versus $23,044 for females. The per capita income for the MSA was $16,649.