Roanoke, VA
Population 98,677 · Virginia
About Roanoke, VA
Roanoke is a mid-sized city in Virginia with a population of 98,677 residents. The median household income is $52,671 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Roanoke is 38 years.
Housing in Roanoke has a median home value of $180,500 and median monthly rent of $964. Of the 48,931 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 22,452 owner-occupied and 20,977 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Roanoke is 5.5% and the poverty rate is 19.7%. 28.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 19.9 minutes.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Roanoke
What is the population of Roanoke, VA?
The population of Roanoke, VA is 98,677 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Roanoke?
The median household income in Roanoke, VA is $52,671 per year.
What is the median home value in Roanoke?
The median home value in Roanoke, VA is $180,500.
What is the average rent in Roanoke?
The median monthly rent in Roanoke, VA is $964.
What is the unemployment rate in Roanoke?
The unemployment rate in Roanoke, VA is 5.5%.