Radford, VA
Population 16,505 · Virginia
About Radford, VA
Radford is a mid-sized city located in Virginia with a population of 16,505 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $52,791 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 23 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Radford features a median home value of $211,700, which is 14% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Radford in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $966, 17% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,457 total housing units, 43% are owner-occupied (2,347 units) and 57% are renter-occupied (3,153 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Radford shows an unemployment rate of 7.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 33.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Radford have an average one-way commute time of 16.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
39.8% of Radford residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 1.5% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, and 1.2% Asian residents, with 2.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Radford, VA
Compared to national averages, Radford has a median household income of $52,791 (30% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $211,700, which is 14% below the national median. Monthly rent at $966 is 17% below the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Radford's income is 40% below the state average of $87,957, and home values are 35% below the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Radford, VA?
Radford offers affordable housing with a median home value of $211,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $966/month, and a well-educated community where 39.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 16.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($52,791) that falls below the national average. However, Radford’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Radford has a population of 16,505 with a median age of 23 years. Compare Radford with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Radford
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Hunt | 16,519 | $210,471 | $890,400 | Compare |
| Glen Allen | 16,630 | $96,085 | $338,000 | Compare |
| Vienna | 16,369 | $223,571 | $961,100 | Compare |
| Stone Ridge | 16,340 | $183,211 | $666,300 | Compare |
| Bull Run CDP (Prince William County), Virginia | 16,688 | $86,487 | $378,800 | Compare |
| Manassas Park | 16,923 | $100,668 | $381,200 | Compare |
| East Highland Park | 16,071 | $69,750 | $210,500 | Compare |
| Wolf Trap | 16,020 | $250,001 | $1,153,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Virginia
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Radford With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Radford
What is the population of Radford, VA?
The population of Radford, VA is 16,505 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Virginia.
What is the median household income in Radford?
The median household income in Radford, VA is $52,791 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Radford?
The median home value in Radford, VA is $211,700, which is 14% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Radford?
The median monthly rent in Radford, VA is $966, which is 17% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Radford?
The unemployment rate in Radford, VA is 7.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Radford, VA a good place to live?
Radford offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 16,505 and a median age of 23, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Radford, VA?
39.8% of residents in Radford aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Radford?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Radford, VA: median home value is $211,700 (14% below national), median rent is $966/month, and median household income is $52,791. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Radford?
The poverty rate in Radford, VA is 33.7%, 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 Radford, VA?
Radford's population is 1.5% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 9.2% two or more races. 2.3% of residents are foreign-born.