Explore Rolla, Missouri, with this interactive street and satellite map.
| City | Rolla |
| State | Missouri (MO) |
| County | Phelps County |
| Country | United States of America |
| Timezone | Central Time (America/Chicago) |
| Latitude | 37.94594 |
| Longitude | -91.761202 |
| Population | 19,943 |
| Density | 634.8 /km² |
| Incorporated | Yes |
| ZIP Codes | 65401, 65409, 65402 |
| Area Code | 573 |
| County Seat | Rolla |
| School District | Rolla 31 School District |
Rolla occupies a position of quiet transition where the landscape shifts from the northern plains toward the rugged uplift of the Ozark hills. It lies 26.6 miles northeast of Fort Leonard Wood, MO (from Fort Leonard Wood, MO: bearing 54°T), and is situated 9.1 miles west-southwest of Saint James. The Dutro Carter Branch carves a subtle path through the terrain, its course marking the land with a persistent, fluid grace. To the west, the silhouettes of Pea Ridge rise against the horizon like a low, enduring spine of stone. Travelers might find a moment of stillness at Rolla (Schuman Park Lake), where the water reflects the shifting hues of the afternoon sky. Beyond the immediate boundaries, the horizon stretches toward Poole Hollow, a gentle depression in the earth that catches the long, amber light of sunset. Blues Pond lies just a short distance away, a singular point of calm in an otherwise expansive and industrious region.
Rolla traces its origins to the mid-nineteenth century, growing steadily as a hub for transit and the subsequent expansion of regional rail lines. The economy has long been anchored by a synthesis of intellectual labor and the practical demands of scientific research. Heavy emphasis on engineering and geological study defines the industrial character, drawing a diverse population of researchers and students to the region. Many residents find employment in technical sectors that support the broader infrastructure of the Missouri interior. The local rhythm is dictated not by the frantic pace of larger centers, but by the steady, measured output of its academic and professional institutions. Through the years, the settlement has maintained a focused identity, prioritizing the application of knowledge to the practical challenges of the surrounding land.
Rolla serves as a center for academic rigor, largely defined by the presence of the Missouri University of Science and Technology. This institution acts as a cultural anchor, infusing the streets with a youthful energy and a tradition of innovation that permeates the local character. While the town remains grounded in its regional roots, it has fostered notable figures such as the astronaut Thomas Akers, whose career reflects the scientific ambitions often found among the local populace. Residents frequently gather for seasonal events that celebrate the intersection of community life and technical achievement. Landmarks such as the campus architecture offer a sharp, modern contrast to the older, more traditional buildings that line the main thoroughfares. Life here moves with a deliberate, thoughtful cadence, shaped by the distinct seasons that color the fields and woods surrounding the municipality.
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This page provides an embedded street and satellite map of Rolla, Missouri. Coordinates: 37.94594, -91.761202. Live weather conditions are sourced directly from the National Weather Service. Real-time local and world news feeds keep the page current.
Detailed location data for Rolla includes the ZIP code (65401, 65409, 65402), telephone area code (573), county seat of Phelps County (Rolla), and school district assignment (Rolla 31 School District).
Location data is drawn from the USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) and cross-verified against 2020 US Census records by coordinate proximity. Population figures are sourced from the 2020 US Census.
| Page generated | August 2026 |
| Location data | SimpleMaps US Cities Database; coordinates matched to USGS GNIS definitive data |
| Wikipedia validation | Article content matched to USGS GNIS coordinates via Wikipedia geosearch API. |