Low Pass Filter Question

<>

That’s quite normal filter behaviour what you describe, see:

Both books can be read online for free.

The “filter frequency” is the -3 dB point.
First order filters do not go from a flat frequency response then suddenly switch to -6dB/octave. The roll-off is a curve that has a gradual transition from flat to -6dB/octave. The corner frequency is usually defined as the -3dB point (as it is in Audacity), so there will be a gradually increasing amount of attenuation as it approaches the corner frequency.

If you apply (hp s 2000) to 30 seconds of white noise and then analyze it with “Plot Spectrum” (in the Analyze menu) you will see the characteristic curve of this type of filter.