Roanoke, VA
Population 98,677 · Virginia
About Roanoke, VA
Roanoke is a mid-sized city located in Virginia with a population of 98,677 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $52,671 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Roanoke features a median home value of $180,500, which is 26% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Roanoke in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $964, 17% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 48,931 total housing units, 52% are owner-occupied (22,452 units) and 48% are renter-occupied (20,977 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Roanoke shows an unemployment rate of 5.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 19.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Roanoke have an average one-way commute time of 19.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
28.9% of Roanoke 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 2.4% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 4.7% Asian residents, with 7.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Roanoke Ranks in Virginia
Cost of Living in Roanoke, VA
Compared to national averages, Roanoke has a median household income of $52,671 (30% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $180,500, which is 26% below the national median. Monthly rent at $964 is 17% below the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Roanoke's income is 40% below the state average of $87,957, and home values are 45% below the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Roanoke, VA?
Roanoke offers affordable housing with a median home value of $180,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $964/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($52,671) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Roanoke provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Roanoke has a population of 98,677 with a median age of 38 years. Compare Roanoke with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Roanoke
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portsmouth | 97,299 | $58,972 | $229,400 | Compare |
| Suffolk | 96,638 | $90,089 | $329,600 | Compare |
| Lynchburg | 79,255 | $59,808 | $211,800 | Compare |
| Dale City | 72,793 | $113,245 | $400,100 | Compare |
| Centreville | 71,885 | $143,704 | $565,900 | Compare |
| Reston | 63,542 | $139,515 | $616,000 | Compare |
| Hampton | 137,334 | $67,758 | $234,100 | Compare |
| Harrisonburg | 51,492 | $59,752 | $278,200 | 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 Roanoke With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Roanoke
What is the population of Roanoke, VA?
The population of Roanoke, VA is 98,677 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 Roanoke?
The median household income in Roanoke, VA is $52,671 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Roanoke?
The median home value in Roanoke, VA is $180,500, which is 26% 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, VA is $964, which is 17% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Roanoke?
The unemployment rate in Roanoke, VA is 5.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Roanoke, VA a good place to live?
Roanoke offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 98,677 and a median age of 38, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Roanoke, VA?
28.9% 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, VA: median home value is $180,500 (26% below national), median rent is $964/month, and median household income is $52,671. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Roanoke?
The poverty rate in Roanoke, VA is 19.7%, 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 Roanoke, VA?
Roanoke's population is 2.4% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 4.7% Asian, and 28.5% two or more races. 7.5% of residents are foreign-born.