Roanoke, AL
Population 5,332 · Alabama
About Roanoke, AL
Roanoke is a small town located in Alabama with a population of 5,332 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,083 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.4 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Roanoke features a median home value of $129,100, which is 47% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Roanoke one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $589, 49% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,691 total housing units, 69% are owner-occupied (1,541 units) and 31% are renter-occupied (708 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Roanoke shows an unemployment rate of 2.8%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 16.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Roanoke have an average one-way commute time of 22.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
18.6% of Roanoke residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 1.6% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Roanoke, AL
Compared to national averages, Roanoke has a median household income of $48,083 (36% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $129,100, which is 47% below the national median. Monthly rent at $589 is 49% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alabama, Roanoke's income is 17% below the state average of $57,952, and home values are 19% below the state median of $159,358.
Why Live in Roanoke, AL?
Roanoke offers affordable housing with a median home value of $129,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $589/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.8%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 22.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,083) that falls below the national average. However, Roanoke’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Roanoke has a population of 5,332 with a median age of 43.4 years. Compare Roanoke with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alabama.
Similar Cities Near Roanoke
Cities in Alabama with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glencoe | 5,356 | $66,050 | $203,200 | Compare |
| Semmes | 5,404 | $66,458 | $211,100 | Compare |
| Brewton | 5,232 | $48,766 | $144,400 | Compare |
| Redland | 5,231 | $131,667 | $306,600 | Compare |
| Fort Rucker | 5,221 | $75,875 | $0 | Compare |
| Smiths Station | 5,443 | $57,410 | $184,400 | Compare |
| Margaret | 5,538 | $97,075 | $224,700 | Compare |
| Headland | 5,124 | $82,736 | $190,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Alabama
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Roanoke With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Roanoke
What is the population of Roanoke, AL?
The population of Roanoke, AL is 5,332 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Alabama.
What is the median household income in Roanoke?
The median household income in Roanoke, AL is $48,083 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Roanoke?
The median home value in Roanoke, AL is $129,100, which is 47% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Roanoke?
The median monthly rent in Roanoke, AL is $589, which is 49% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Roanoke?
The unemployment rate in Roanoke, AL is 2.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Roanoke, AL a good place to live?
Roanoke offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 5,332 and a median age of 43.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Roanoke, AL?
18.6% of residents in Roanoke aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Roanoke?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Roanoke, AL: median home value is $129,100 (47% below national), median rent is $589/month, and median household income is $48,083. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Roanoke?
The poverty rate in Roanoke, AL is 16.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Roanoke, AL?
Roanoke's population is 1.6% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 42.4% two or more races. 1.6% of residents are foreign-born.