Roanoke, VA Metro Area

Roanoke, VA · Metro Area

314,986Population

A metropolitan statistical area of 6 counties (4 central, 2 outlying). The counties are tied together by commuting: people live in one and work in another.

Median household income: $68,761
Median home value: $251,400
Land area: 1,868 sq mi

Market now

Counties in this metro area

Central counties hold the urban core; outlying counties are linked to it by commuting.

County	Role	Population	Median income	Median home value
Roanoke city, VA	Central	98,355	$55,378	$190,500
Roanoke County, VA	Central	97,023	$83,709	$286,000
Franklin County, VA	Outlying	55,130	$68,849	$240,400
Botetourt County, VA	Central	34,004	$81,213	$289,200
Salem city, VA	Central	25,618	$66,725	$258,600
Craig County, VA	Outlying	4,856	$69,057	$189,000

Largest cities and towns

22 places in our city pages lie in this area.

Place	Type	Population	Median income
Roanoke, VA	City	98,355	$55,378
Cave Spring, VA	CDP	25,742	$87,539
Salem, VA	City	25,618	$66,725
Hollins, VA	CDP	17,097	$77,456
Vinton, VA	Town	8,056	$65,445
Rocky Mount, VA	Town	4,950	$63,280
Daleville, VA	CDP	3,797	$103,056
North Shore, VA	CDP	3,638	$109,951
Cloverdale, VA	CDP	3,208	$79,975
Blue Ridge, VA	CDP	2,800	$75,871
Westlake Corner, VA	CDP	2,033	$95,000
Ferrum, VA	CDP	1,774	$40,435
Laymantown, VA	CDP	1,626	$88,401
Union Hall, VA	CDP	1,445	$103,125
Buchanan, VA	Town	1,367	$54,226
Penhook, VA	CDP	1,250	$108,750
Fincastle, VA	Town	858	$72,609
Glenvar, VA	CDP	829	$49,083
Henry Fork, VA	CDP	805	$70,150
Troutville, VA	Town	475	$63,750
Boones Mill, VA	Town	228	$75,972
New Castle, VA	Town	138	$77,083

Demographic Rates

Poverty Rate

11.9%

Unemployment

3.6%

College Educated

31.3%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1701, S2301, S1501

Race & Ethnicity

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table B02001, B03003

Income Profile

Median Household Income

$68,761

Mean Household Income

$94,709

Income Distribution

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1901, S1902, S1903, B19013, B19113

Sex Distribution

Male

48.2%

Female

51.8%

Population Split

Male48.2%

Female51.8%

The sex distribution of a population provides insight into the demographic balance of a community. Significant skews in this ratio can be influenced by local industries (e.g., military bases, mining, or tech hubs), educational institutions, or migration patterns. Understanding this balance is essential for planning public health initiatives and social services.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S0101

Ancestry

English15.3%

German10.9%

Irish9.3%

Italian2.4%

Scottish2.3%

African1.9%

Mexican1.8%

Polish1.4%

French1.2%

Reported ancestry groups representing the cultural heritage of the population. Percentages may not sum to 100% as residents may report multiple ancestries or none.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table B04006

Immigration & Nativity

Nativity Status

5.6%Foreign Born

94.4%Native Born

Citizenship Status

Naturalized46.7%

Non-Citizen53.3%

Period of Entry

2010 or Later39.7%

Before 201060.3%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table B05001, B05002

Housing Characteristics

Total Housing Units

148,424

Median Rent

$1,043/mo

Median Home Value

$251,400

Median Year Built

1975

Housing Tenure

Housing Types

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table DP04

Education Enrollment

Total Enrolled

66,236

College Enrollment

18.6%

High School

23.5%

College Educated

31.3%

K-12 Enrollment

Higher Education

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1401, S1501

Transportation & Commute

Mean Commute Time

22.5 min

Drive Alone Rate

76.6%

Public Transit

0.9%

Work From Home

13.1%

Commute Mode

Vehicle Ownership

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S0801, B08141

Age Distribution

Under 18

20.3%

18-34 Years

19.9%

35-64 Years

38.6%

65+ Years

21.2%

Population Composition

Under 1820.3%

18-3419.9%

35-6438.6%

65+21.2%

The age distribution of a community impacts local services, school requirements, and the labor market. A higher percentage of youth suggests a need for schools and family services, while a larger senior population may indicate a retirement destination or a need for healthcare services.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S0101

Household Composition

Married Couples

44.1%

Single Parent

6.3%

Living Alone

32.1%

Avg Size

2.34

Household Types

Married Couples44.1%

Single Parent6.3%

Living Alone32.1%

Household composition offers insights into the social fabric of a community. A high percentage of married couples often correlates with stability and higher household incomes, while a significant number of single-person households may indicate a younger transient population or an aging community.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1101

Economic Profile

Per Capita Income

$40,698

SNAP Usage

11.1%

Health Insurance

93.6%

Household Income Breakdown

Under $25k16.3%

$25k - $50k19.8%

$50k - $100k30.8%

$100k+33.0%

Key Industries

Manufacturing

10.8%

Retail Trade

11.3%

Education & Health Care

26.9%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1901, S2201, DP03

Health & Disability

Disability Rate

14.4%With Disability

Percentage of the civilian noninstitutionalized population with a disability.

Health Insurance Coverage

93.6%With Coverage

Percentage of the civilian noninstitutionalized population with health insurance coverage.

Why this matters: High disability rates may indicate a need for accessible infrastructure and specialized healthcare services. Health insurance coverage is a key indicator of a community's access to preventative care and financial resilience against medical emergencies.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1810, S2701

Technology Access

Broadband Internet

87.1%vs ~90% National Avg

Computer Ownership

92.2%vs ~95% National Avg

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S2801

Cost of Living & Housing

Cost of Living Scale

Lower is better

93.6

0130

Below average< 97

Near average97 - 103

Above average> 103

Prices compared with the US average (100). 105 means about 5% more expensive than average.

Housing Affordability

Higher is better

142.8

0200

Hard to Afford< 80

Moderate80 - 100

Affordable> 100

100 means a family earning the median family income just qualifies to buy the median-value home (20% down, 30-year loan at 6.72%).

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities · NAR affordability formula with Census ACS 2020–2024 incomes and home values and the Freddie Mac 30-year rate (2024)

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