Roanoke

Roanoke, Virginia Overview

Roanoke faces challenges across several categories, earning a C grade (45.8/100) and ranking #18 of 20 cities in Virginia. Even so, the city scores 77/100 in Affordability — a relative bright spot compared to its Outdoor Access score of 20/100.

Income & Employment in Roanoke

Roanoke’s median income of $51,038 is 41% below the state median, but positive population growth of 0.4% signals that affordability or other factors are still attracting residents. The local unemployment rate is 3.3%.

Safety in Roanoke

With a violent crime rate of 587 per 100,000, Roanoke exceeds the Virginia average of 201. Safety is a factor prospective residents should weigh carefully. The property crime rate is 3973.2 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Roanoke

Roanoke has a cost of living index of 90.9 (where 100 equals the national average), slightly below the national benchmark. The median home value is $180,500. Median monthly rent is $964. Renters spend 22.7% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline.

Health & Wellness in Roanoke

The adult obesity rate in Roanoke is 41.9%, above the national average and a factor in the city’s health profile. Diabetes prevalence is elevated at 14.9%. Residents report an average of 18.4 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. Virginia ranks #12 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Roanoke

Roanoke has a high school graduation rate of 86.3%. The student-teacher ratio of 13.6:1 indicates smaller class sizes. Local districts invest $16,390 per student, well above the national median. The city has 41 public schools serving 22,634 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate & Commute in Roanoke

Roanoke enjoys a moderate climate with an annual average of 58°F. Summers average 74.7°F. Winters average 42.9°F. Annual precipitation is 43.6 inches. The mean commute time is 18.9 minutes, compared to 24 for Virginia overall.

Frequently Asked Questions