Living in Roanoke, VA
Roanoke is the 348th-largest city in the US, home to about 99,000 people in 2025. Its population has been roughly flat since 2020. Prices across the metro area run below the national average (93.6 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 99,111-0.9% since 2020
- Median home value
- $190,5003.4 years of median income
- Median rent
- $996/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $55,378median, per year
- Price level
- 93.6US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 47° / 88°lows 29° / 67°
- Average commute
- 19 min12% work from home
- State income tax
- 5.75%top rate, graduated
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County: Roanoke city
Time zone: Eastern Time (UTC-5, UTC-4 in summer)
Elevation: about 935 ft
Metro area: Roanoke, VA
Cost of living in Roanoke
The median home in Roanoke is worth $190,500 and the median household earns $55,378 a year, so a typical home costs about 3.4 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $996 a month, about 22% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Roanoke, VA metro area at 93.6, with housing at 78.5 and goods at 96.8 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $70,200 here. Virginia taxes wages at a top rate of 5.75%. The average combined state and local sales tax in Virginia is 5.77%.
What would my salary be worth in Roanoke?
Roanoke weather
Average highs run from 47°F in January to 88°F in July, and January nights average 29°F. It gets 43 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 15 inches of snow. Expect about 30 days a year at 90°F or hotter. Nights drop below freezing about 77 times a year. The most comfortable months are April to May and September to October.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Roanoke
People and work
The median resident is 38.3 years old, and 30% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 52% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 19 minutes; 12% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 38.3384th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 30%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 52%of households
- People per sq mile
- 2,33142.5 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 2%2% walk, 0.2% bike
- Unemployment
- 5.6%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 18.3%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1958median year
Who moves to Roanoke, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Reston (Fairfax County), Charlotte (Mecklenburg County) and Richmond (Richmond city). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Charlotte (Mecklenburg County), Richmond (Richmond city) and Henrico County, VA. See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively Low
FEMA rating for Roanoke County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: strong wind.
Home prices
+3.3% in a year
Up 51% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Roanoke, VA area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
83% good days
0 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Roanoke, VA area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Roanoke
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Radford University 34 miles
- Roanoke College 6 miles
- Ferrum College 24 miles
- Hollins University 6 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Roanoke
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport ROA | 4 mi | 382,103 |
| Lynchburg Regional Airport LYH | 42 mi | 81,477 |
| Piedmont Triad International Airport GSO | 81 mi | 985,563 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Roanoke
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roanoke College | 6 mi | 1,767 | $25,867 | 64% |
| Ferrum College | 24 mi | 699 | $18,070 | 35% |
| Hollins University | 6 mi | 665 | $20,875 | 69% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Roanoke
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before April 3, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around October 22 and the first frost comes around November 1.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Roanoke Regional Airport, VA, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Roanoke.
Wildfire smoke in Roanoke
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Roanoke on about 116 days a year, including about 19 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Roanoke
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 43,575 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Roanoke
Downtown Roanoke is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roanoke City Public Schools | Pre-K to 12 | 13,811 | 26 | 12.2 |
Other districts within 10 miles: Roanoke County Public Schools (13,735 students), Bedford County Public Schools (8,930 students), Franklin County Public Schools (6,109 students), Botetourt County Public Schools (4,424 students), Salem City Public Schools (3,984 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Roanoke's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Roanoke's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- St. Louis, MO84% matchCompare
- Springfield, MO82% matchCompare
- Louisville, KY80% matchCompare
- Bowling Green, KY79% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Stargazing near Roanoke
The nearest certified International Dark Sky Places:
Designations by DarkSky International as recorded in Wikidata (CC0). All dark sky places.
Ski resorts near Roanoke
- Winterplace Ski Resort 67 miles
- Wintergreen Resort 72 miles
- Snowshoe Mountain 78 miles
- Appalachian Ski Mountain 121 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in Roanoke
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data Homes are affordable for locals: the median home costs 3.4 years of median household income, lower than in three quarters of the cities we cover.
- Data Everyday prices in the metro run 6% below the US average (BEA).
- Data Commutes are short: 19 minutes each way on average.
- Data Low natural hazard risk: FEMA rates Roanoke County relatively low overall.
Cons
- Nothing stands out in the data. Locals, what should newcomers know?
Roanoke report card from locals
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Roanoke through locals' eyes
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Cities near Roanoke
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lynchburg, VA | 44 mi | 81,347 | $229,800 | 89.4 | Compare |
| Greensboro, NC | 84 mi | 308,667 | $244,800 | 92.9 | Compare |
| Winston-Salem, NC | 87 mi | 257,271 | $233,800 | 92.0 | Compare |
| High Point, NC | 90 mi | 120,571 | $235,800 | 92.9 | Compare |
| Charlottesville, VA | 96 mi | 44,388 | $486,700 | 99.1 | Compare |
| Durham, NC | 104 mi | 305,561 | $392,800 | 97.6 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Roanoke with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Roanoke a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show prices below the national average, homes that cost under four years of median income, short commutes. Compare Roanoke side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Roanoke?
The Census Bureau estimates Roanoke had 99,111 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 100,017 in April 2020 (-0.9%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Roanoke?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $70,200 in the Roanoke area. The median household here earns $55,378.
When is the best time to visit Roanoke?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, April to May and September to October are the most comfortable months. July averages 88°F and January 47°F for daytime highs.
What county is Roanoke in?
Roanoke is in Roanoke city, Virginia. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Roanoke in?
Roanoke is on Eastern Time (UTC-5, or UTC-4 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Roanoke?
About 935 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does Virginia have a state income tax?
Yes. Virginia has a graduated income tax with a top rate of 5.75% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Roanoke. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Roanoke, VA metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Roanoke Regional Airport, VA station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.