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Economic Development

Community Leaders with shovels moving dirt for groundbreaking ceremony.

Rolesville remains one of the fastest-growing communities in North Carolina. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town’s population has increased by more than 22% since 2020. This growth reflects strong demand from families and businesses choosing Rolesville.

That growth is translating into strong economic momentum. Since January 2025, more than 25 new businesses have opened in Rolesville. Two multi-million-dollar mixed-use developments, Wallbrook and Cobblestone Village, have opened on Main Street, bringing retail and restaurants to Rolesville's downtown area.

With a rapidly growing population and leadership committed to thoughtful development, Rolesville offers strong opportunities for retail, restaurants, medical providers, and office or flex space for small to mid-sized companies.

Retail Market Guide:

Aerial photo of South Main Street during work on the Main Street Project.

Rolesville has embarked on a $23 million roadway improvement project to create a safer, more successful, and more attractive Main Street for residents, business owners, and visitors. The Town believes that making these improvements will not only improve safety for all modes of transportation but will also attract future development and raise the value of all existing properties on Main Street. 

Visit the project website to learn more and sign up for periodic updates.

The Town of Rolesville is positioned in the greater Research Triangle area and is a great place to raise a family or open a business. Rolesville maintains the genuine community of a small town while enjoying all the amenities that living near Raleigh and the Triangle has to offer.

Location and Quality of Life  

Walking trail in Rolesville with trees and leaves.

picture of neighborhood housesPopulation Characteristics (U.S. Census 2024 estimates)

  • Population: 11,854
  • Population 3-mile radius: 35,000+
  • Median home value: $535,000
  • Median household income: $149,565
  • Median age: 35.5

 

Great schools and a highly skilled workforce

Cost of living

  • The corporate income tax rate for North Carolina is 2.5%, the lowest in the nation, and is scheduled to be phased out entirely by 2030
  • Property tax rate of $0.40 per $100 valuation (in Wake County - $0.5171)
  • The Raleigh area, in comparison to similar areas across the nation, is often ranked as having a low cost of living. To see a comparison, visit Wake County Economic Development's Cost of Living page

The Town’s tax base is predominantly residential, resulting in a need to diversify and attract commercial development to continue to provide adequate services for residents now and in the future. 

In alignment with the Town’s Strategic Plan, it is important that Rolesville identify land for non-residential use, which may include retail centers, mixed-use, life science and advanced manufacturing facilities, business parks, and/or flex office space.

See the most recent study on the potential for commercial growth along the US 401 Bypass:

The Town of Rolesville welcomes incentive requests and in reviewing requests, the Town considers the amount of new capital investment, expected job creation, and overall economic impact in the community. 

Incentives and grant programs are also available through Wake County and the State of North Carolina as well:

Information
Mical McFarland
Mical McFarland Photograph with gray background
Economic Development Manager
Administration
  • Office
    919-556-7361

Office Address

502 Southtown Circle

Rolesville, NC 27571

 

Mailing Address

PO Box 250

Rolesville, NC 27571