Roanoke, VA, US
Star City of the Blue Ridge with the Roanoke Star, the Taubman Museum, and mountain access.
Overview
Roanoke is a city in VA with a population of 100,000. Star City of the Blue Ridge with the Roanoke Star, the Taubman Museum, and mountain access. Housing costs are close to the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 7b growing zone supports Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees. Reported crime rates are relatively high.
Last updated: October 22, 2026
Below Average vs US Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Roanoke vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 5.8%
- Sales Tax: 6.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $55,378
- Unemployment: 3.5%
- Population: 100,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 210/year
- Summer High: 86°F
- Winter Low: 30°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7b
Internet Speed
- Average 200 Mbps: 200 Mbps
- Coworking Spaces: 15+ locations
Housing
- Median Home: $220,000
- 1BR Rent: $1000/mo
Cost of Living
Roanoke's cost of living index is 90 (US average = 100).
| Category | Roanoke | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 90 | 100 | -10.0% |
| Housing | 92 | 100 | -8.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $220,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $1000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,250/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $146 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Roanoke:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $96 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $70 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | $1 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $55 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $75 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | $25 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | $322 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Roanoke scores 70/100 for remote work readiness:
Walkability
How easy it is to get around Roanoke without a car, based on the EPA National Walkability Index.
19% of residents live in above-average walkable neighborhoods.
Source: EPA National Walkability Index (2021)
Climate
Roanoke has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 50°F | 30°F | 2.5" |
| April | 71°F | 45°F | 2.8" |
| July | 86°F | 61°F | 1.5" |
| October | 66°F | 48°F | 2.2" |
Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Roanoke faces the following natural hazards:
Flash floods.
Appalachian region with landslides.
Extreme summer heat.
Winter storms.
Tornado risk.
Wildfire risk in forested areas.
Coastal areas affected by hurricanes.
Periodic drought conditions.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 5.75%
- Sales Tax: 6%
- Property Tax: ~0.87% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.5%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Roanoke per 100,000 residents:
Data source: FBI Uniform Crime Reporting
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Demographics
The population of Roanoke is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Data source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) (2023)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Roanoke, VA, US?
The cost of living index in Roanoke is 90, which is Lower the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Roanoke?
The median home price in Roanoke is $220,000. The housing index is 92.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Roanoke is approximately $1000/mo.
Does Roanoke, VA have income tax?
Roanoke is in VA, which has an income tax rate of 5.75%.
What is the climate like in Roanoke?
Roanoke enjoys approximately 210 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 86°F, while winter lows can drop to around 30°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: October 23, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.