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Is Roanoke a Good Place to Live? Roanoke, Virginia: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Roanoke ranks #793 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #339 of 524 smaller cities and #18 of 20 in Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($996/mo, #39 of 524) and affordable homes ($190,500, #61 of 524), and trails on low household income ($55,378, #479 of 524) and high violent crime (554 per 100,000, #388 of 444).
Roanoke by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Roanoke's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Roanoke?
Roanoke's cost of living index is 93.6, 6% below the US level of 100 and #403 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $996/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $279,227, 33% below the typical Virginia home ($414,662).
| Measure | Roanoke | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 93.6#403 of 1,308 | 101.1 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $279,227#318 of 1,187 | $414,662 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,413/mo#266 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $190,500#197 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $996/mo#207 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.4x#338 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 21.6%#632 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Virginia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Roanoke housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Roanoke is in the Roanoke, VA metro.
Virginia housing market →Is Roanoke safe?
Roanoke recorded 554 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 69% above the US rate of 328 and 2.7 times Virginia's 206. That ranks #881 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #388 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Roanoke Police Department. Property crime runs 3,525 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Roanoke | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 554#881 of 1,085 | 206 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 3,525#1014 of 1,085 | 1,354 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Virginia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Roanoke?
The median household in Roanoke earns $55,378, 33% below the US figure of $83,163 and 40% below Virginia ($92,090). Unemployment is 3.6% (US 4.3%). 18.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Roanoke | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $55,378#1150 of 1,312 | $92,090 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.6%#297 of 1,058 | 3.4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 18.3%#1049 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.4%#435 of 1,132 | +0.7% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Virginia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Roanoke?
The median resident of Roanoke is 38.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 30% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #792 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 52.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Roanoke | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 38.3 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 30%#792 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 52.4% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Roanoke's schools and health?
Roanoke's 26 public schools graduate 86.3% of students in four years (Virginia 89.1%), with 13.3 students per teacher and $18,072 spent per pupil. 41.9% of adults are obese and 14.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Roanoke | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 86.3%#635 of 1,063 | 89.1% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 13.3#197 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $18,072#336 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 41.9%#1205 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 14.9%#1160 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 18.4%#933 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 11%#780 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Virginia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 14,545 students are enrolled in Roanoke's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Roanoke?
The average commute in Roanoke is 19 minutes (Virginia 28.3); 2.4% of workers take transit and 11.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Roanoke scores 12.9 of 20 (above average walkable), #342 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 75.9°F and winters 39.9°F, with 42.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Roanoke | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 19 min#261 of 1,312 | 28.3 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 3.2%#228 of 1,312 | 10% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 74.9% | 68.6% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 2.4% | 3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.6% | 2.1% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 11.8% | 15.8% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 12.9#342 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Virginia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 47.1 | 28.7 | 3.2 |
| Feb | 50.8 | 30.8 | 2.9 |
| Mar | 59 | 37.6 | 3.5 |
| Apr | 69.7 | 46.3 | 3.5 |
| May | 77.2 | 55 | 4.3 |
| Jun | 84.4 | 63.2 | 4.7 |
| Jul | 88.1 | 67.4 | 4.3 |
| Aug | 86.5 | 66 | 3.4 |
| Sep | 80 | 59.1 | 4.1 |
| Oct | 70.1 | 47.8 | 3 |
| Nov | 59 | 37.7 | 3 |
| Dec | 50 | 31.8 | 3.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Roanoke-Blacksburg Rgnl Airport.
| Measure | Roanoke | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 58.1°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 75.9°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 39.9°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 42.8 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Roanoke-Blacksburg Rgnl Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Roanoke?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Roanoke's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Roanoke city's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 89% of US counties.
| Measure | Roanoke | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.1%#179 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Roanoke city: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Roanoke city
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.0029% | 60% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.003% | 51% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0016% | 44% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.076% | 43% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0012% | 18% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Roanoke compare with similar-size cities?
Roanoke is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #339 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 98,355.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roanoke, VAPop. 98,355 | #793 | 53.4 | $55,378 | $996/mo | 554 | 19 min |
| Federal Way, WAPop. 99,493 | #770 | 53.8 | $86,909 | $1,797/mo | 353 | 32.1 min |
| Longmont, COPop. 99,406 | #355 | 60.8 | $90,671 | $1,816/mo | 350 | 24.5 min |
| Kenosha, WIPop. 99,372 | #583 | 56.9 | $71,239 | $1,186/mo | 324 | 23.6 min |
| Atascocita, TXPop. 99,354 | #569 | 57.0 | $118,226 | $1,849/mo | no data | 35.4 min |
| Fayetteville, ARPop. 99,319 | #539 | 57.4 | $62,695 | $1,065/mo | 446 | 18.5 min |
| Vista, CAPop. 99,114 | #657 | 55.7 | $94,975 | $2,249/mo | 208 | 26.7 min |
| Palm Coast, FLPop. 98,258 | #827 | 52.8 | $77,350 | $1,782/mo | no data | 27 min |
| Beaverton, ORPop. 97,812 | #402 | 60.0 | $98,622 | $1,826/mo | 253 | 24.1 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Roanoke compare with the rest of Virginia?
Roanoke ranks #18 of the 20 Virginia cities we track, with a score of 53.4 against Virginia's statewide 67.7. Its households earn 40% below the Virginia median. Violent crime is 2.7 times the statewide rate. Homes are 33% below the typical Virginia home.
| City | Rank in VA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reston, VAPop. 64,414 | #1 | 75.8 | $148,710 | $2,231/mo | no data |
| Arlington, VAPop. 236,254 | #2 | 75.0 | $142,114 | $2,322/mo | no data |
| McLean, VAPop. 49,627 | #3 | 72.6 | $250,001 | $3,422/mo | no data |
| Centreville, VAPop. 71,706 | #4 | 71.5 | $139,510 | $2,299/mo | no data |
| Leesburg, VAPop. 49,171 | #5 | 69.7 | $145,205 | $2,105/mo | 237 |
| Alexandria, VAPop. 156,976 | #6 | 68.9 | $119,681 | $2,089/mo | 142 |
| Charlottesville, VAPop. 45,437 | #7 | 63.3 | $74,824 | $1,540/mo | 277 |
| Virginia Beach, VAPop. 456,349 | #8 | 63.1 | $92,968 | $1,714/mo | 100 |
| Tuckahoe, VAPop. 49,183 | #9 | 61.8 | $102,264 | $1,536/mo | no data |
| Chesapeake, VAPop. 252,583 | #10 | 59.4 | $95,373 | $1,586/mo | 319 |
| Harrisonburg, VAPop. 51,392 | #11 | 59.4 | $62,254 | $1,184/mo | 211 |
| Lynchburg, VAPop. 79,497 | #12 | 58.8 | $57,947 | $1,073/mo | 361 |
| Dale City, VAPop. 71,016 | #13 | 57.2 | $111,994 | $1,876/mo | no data |
| Richmond, VAPop. 229,359 | #14 | 56.5 | $64,587 | $1,372/mo | 441 |
| Suffolk, VAPop. 98,796 | #15 | 56.0 | $92,666 | $1,563/mo | 365 |
| Hampton, VAPop. 137,557 | #16 | 55.0 | $69,621 | $1,427/mo | 276 |
| Norfolk, VAPop. 233,596 | #17 | 54.1 | $66,109 | $1,321/mo | 399 |
| Roanoke, VAPop. 98,355 | #18 | 53.4 | $55,378 | $996/mo | 554 |
| Newport News, VAPop. 184,216 | #19 | 52.0 | $69,634 | $1,339/mo | 794 |
| Portsmouth, VAPop. 97,190 | #20 | 48.4 | $60,491 | $1,300/mo | 773 |
All 20 Virginia cities we track, by overall score. Virginia statewide: median income $92,090, violent crime 205.9 per 100,000.
How is Roanoke's score calculated?
Roanoke scores 53.4 out of 100, #793 of 1,312 (grade C+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Virginia's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Roanoke. Similar-size median 55.5.
46.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Roanoke's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
46.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Roanoke. Similar-size median 58.9.
34.2 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Roanoke's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
68.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Roanoke's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
81.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Roanoke. Similar-size median 56.1.
30.5 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Roanoke. Similar-size median 42.4.
46.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Roanoke. Similar-size median 50.0.
52.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Roanoke's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
62.6 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 50.8.
88.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Roanoke's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Roanoke has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Roanoke
Is Roanoke, VA a good place to live?
Roanoke ranks #793 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #339 of 524 smaller cities and #18 of 20 in Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($996/mo, #39 of 524) and affordable homes ($190,500, #61 of 524), and trails on low household income ($55,378, #479 of 524) and high violent crime (554 per 100,000, #388 of 444).
What is the cost of living in Roanoke?
Roanoke's cost of living index is 93.6, 6% below the US level of 100 and #403 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $996/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $279,227, 33% below the typical Virginia home ($414,662).
What is the crime rate in Roanoke?
Roanoke recorded 554 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 69% above the US rate of 328 and 2.7 times Virginia's 206. That ranks #881 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #388 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Roanoke Police Department. Property crime runs 3,525 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Roanoke?
The median household in Roanoke earns $55,378, 33% below the US figure of $83,163 and 40% below Virginia ($92,090). Unemployment is 3.6% (US 4.3%). 18.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Roanoke?
Median rent in Roanoke is $996/mo (Census), #207 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,413/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Roanoke?
The typical home value in Roanoke is $279,227, up 2.6% in a year, against $414,662 for Virginia and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $190,500.
How are the public schools in Roanoke?
Roanoke's 26 public schools graduate 86.3% of students in four years (Virginia 89.1%), with 13.3 students per teacher and $18,072 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Roanoke?
The average commute is 19 minutes, #261 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 28.3 minutes across Virginia. 3.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Roanoke?
Roanoke averages 58.1°F over the year, 75.9°F in summer and 39.9°F in winter, with 42.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Roanoke walkable?
Roanoke scores 12.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #342 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Roanoke at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Roanoke city's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 89% of US counties.
Who lives in Roanoke?
Roanoke has 98,355 residents. The median resident of Roanoke is 38.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 30% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #792 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 52.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Roanoke compare with the rest of Virginia?
Roanoke ranks #18 of the 20 Virginia cities we track, with a score of 53.4 against Virginia's statewide 67.7. Its households earn 40% below the Virginia median. Violent crime is 2.7 times the statewide rate. Homes are 33% below the typical Virginia home.
What cities are similar in size to Roanoke?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Roanoke's population of 98,355 are Federal Way, WA (#770 overall), Longmont, CO (#355 overall), Kenosha, WI (#583 overall), Atascocita, TX (#569 overall), and Fayetteville, AR (#539 overall). Roanoke is #793.