According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Roodhouse has a total area of 1.13 square miles (2.93 km2), all land.

The community was originally known as "The Crossroads" for its position on two major highways, though it was later renamed for its founder.

In 1860, John Rawlins convinced the Chicago and Alton Railway to open a station in the community by promising to secure local funds for the depot and warehouse.

The railway built its Louisiana branch from Roodhouse in 1871, and the city became a major junction point, boosting its population and economy.

Passenger railroad service to Roodhouse ended in the 1950s, causing a local economic downturn which persisted over the following decades.