Roanoke, VA Census Data
The 9th largest city in Virginia by population · 17 cities ranked
Roanoke is the 9th largest city in Virginia by population and ranks 17th of 17 for median household income. With 98,677 residents, its poverty rate of 19.7% ranks among the higher rates in Virginia. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
98,677
47.1% male · 52.9% female
Median Age
38.0
0.7 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$52,671
$25,867 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
28.9%
6.1% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 89.6%
Poverty Rate
19.7%
7.3% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 9.6%
Broadband Access
91.0%
1.3% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$180,500
Median rent: $964 · 52% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
5.5%
Labor force participation: 59.0%
Per Capita Income
$37,740
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
7.5%
Disability rate: 14.0%
How Roanoke Compares to Other Virginia Cities
Rankings among all 17 Virginia cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 9th of 17 | Bottom half |
| Highest Median Income | 17th of 17 | Bottom 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 16th of 17 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 15th of 17 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 17th of 17 | Bottom 25% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Roanoke, VA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Roanoke, VA?
The population of Roanoke, VA is 98,677 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 38.0 years.
What is the median household income in Roanoke?
The median household income in Roanoke, VA is $52,671, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $37,740.
What is the poverty rate in Roanoke?
The poverty rate in Roanoke, VA is 19.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 9.6% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Roanoke residents have a college degree?
28.9% of adults (25+) in Roanoke hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 89.6% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Roanoke?
The median home value in Roanoke, VA is $180,500. Median rent is $964 per month, with 52% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Roanoke?
Roanoke's population is 57.5% White, 29.0% Black, 8.6% Hispanic or Latino, and 3.1% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Roanoke rank among Virginia cities?
Roanoke is the 9th largest city in Virginia by population, the 17th highest for median household income, the 16th lowest for poverty rate, the 15th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 17 ranked Virginia cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Roanoke?
The unemployment rate in Roanoke, VA is 5.5%, with a labor force participation rate of 59.0%. Per capita income is $37,740.
Cities Similar to Roanoke
Other Virginia cities with comparable population and income levels.