countyscore
27.7
County Score
Weather & Climate 70Lawn Care 59.6Property Tax 37.2

County Report Card

About Roanoke city, Virginia

Challenging metrics compared to national peers

Roanoke city's composite score of 27.7 is roughly half of the national median of 50.0. This ranking indicates significant hurdles in livability when compared to similar-sized cities across the country.

Struggling against the Virginia state average

With a score of 27.7, Roanoke city falls well short of the Virginia average of 50.9. It currently sits in the lower bracket of Virginia's independent cities for overall resident well-being.

Lower taxes and accessible housing costs

The city's highest marks come from its tax score of 37.2 and cost score of 31.7. Median home values are relatively low at $180,500, with a median gross rent of $964 per month.

Safety and income levels need improvement

Public safety is a major concern with a score of 2.1, while the income score of 19.9 reflects a median household income of just $52,671. Water quality data is currently unavailable for this jurisdiction.

A choice for budget-conscious urbanites

Roanoke city is best suited for individuals looking for low-cost entry into homeownership within an urban setting. However, residents must weigh these financial savings against lower scores in safety and health.

2040608010037.231.72.13237.119.927.170Tax37.2Cost31.7Safety2.1Health32Schools37.1Income19.9Risk27.1Water—Weather7027.7/100
This county
National avg
1 above average7 below average

Roanoke city DNA

Foverall

How Roanoke city compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Roanoke city falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (2.1/100), though Weather & Climate (70/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
37.2-14.799999999999997
Cost
31.7-16.3
Safety
2.1-52.9
Health
32-18
Schools
37.1-16.9
Income
19.9-31.1
Risk
27.1-19.9
Weather
70+14
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$180,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$964/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$180,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$38,560/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $52,671/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

16.2

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Roanoke County
Virginia
49.4
Salem city
Virginia
43
Franklin County
Virginia
60.1
Botetourt County
Virginia
65
Craig County
Virginia
61.3
Bedford County
Virginia
58.6
Montgomery County
Virginia
49.3
Floyd County
Virginia
71.5

Deep Dives

Roanoke city across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Roanoke city

via TaxByCounty

Roanoke city has Virginia's highest rate

At 1.013%, Roanoke city's effective property tax rate significantly exceeds the national median of 0.76%, ranking it in the top 10% of U.S. counties. Despite modest home values of $180,500, the median property tax of $1,828 reflects this elevated rate.

Roanoke city taxes top all Virginia

Roanoke city boasts Virginia's highest effective property tax rate at 1.013%, far above the state average of 0.671%. This city's tax burden is 51% higher than typical Virginia jurisdictions.

Steepest taxes in southwest Virginia

Roanoke city's 1.013% rate dwarfs nearby Roanoke County (0.875%), Rockbridge County (0.600%), and Russell County (0.538%). The city's tax rate nearly doubles that of surrounding rural areas.

Nearly $1,850 for modest-value homes

On a median home valued at $180,500, Roanoke city homeowners pay approximately $1,828 in annual property taxes. Those with mortgages pay $1,888, while homeowners without mortgages pay $1,742.

Assessment appeals could yield real relief

Roanoke city's high tax rate makes accurate property assessments critical—overassessed homeowners could save hundreds annually. If your property valuation seems inflated, filing an appeal is worth the effort.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Roanoke city

via CostByCounty

Roanoke offers exceptional housing value

Roanoke city's rent-to-income ratio of 22.0% is well-controlled despite a median household income of $52,671—nearly $22,000 below the national average. This southwestern city achieves genuine affordability through modest rents rather than high incomes, making it an increasingly attractive option for cost-conscious relocators.

More affordable than most Virginia cities

At 22.0%, Roanoke city's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Virginia's state average of 18.6% but substantially beats Richmond city's 25.2%. The median rent of $964 is 15% cheaper than the state median of $1,140, positioning Roanoke as Virginia's most affordable major urban center.

Budget-friendly compared to county peers

Roanoke city's $964 median rent is the lowest among its regional neighbors, including Roanoke County ($1,148) and Salem city ($1,046). Home values of $180,500 represent the bottom of the local range, offering entry-level homeownership opportunities uncommon in larger Virginia metros.

Lower costs, lower incomes, good balance

Renters allocate $964 monthly to rent while homeowners pay $1,003, both modest figures from a median income of just $52,671. The 22.0% rent-to-income ratio reflects Roanoke's success in keeping housing costs proportional to local earnings.

A top pick for value-seeking movers

If affordability is your top priority, Roanoke city delivers urban amenities at the lowest price point in Virginia—median rents and home values beat most comparable metros nationwide. Remote workers and retirees especially benefit from the cost advantage without sacrificing walkable neighborhoods and cultural institutions.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Roanoke city

via IncomeByCounty

Roanoke city falls furthest behind nationally

Roanoke city's median household income of $52,671 ranks 30% below the national median of $74,755—a shortfall of $22,084. This significant gap reflects the city's post-industrial economy and challenges common to many mid-sized former manufacturing hubs.

Lowest income tier in Virginia

Roanoke city's median household income of $52,671 sits substantially below Virginia's state average of $74,957, representing the lowest earnings among all counties studied. The city's per capita income of $34,792 also trails the state average of $39,155, indicating systemic economic challenges.

Struggling compared to neighboring counties

Roanoke city's median income of $52,671 lags significantly behind neighboring Roanoke County ($82,931) by $30,260 and Salem city ($66,716) by $14,045. This disparity underscores the economic divergence between the city and its suburban and smaller city counterparts.

Housing demands higher income share

Roanoke city's rent-to-income ratio of 22.0% means housing consumes a meaningful portion of earnings, though it remains within conventional affordability thresholds. The median home value of $180,500 represents 3.4 years of gross household income—relatively accessible but a significant commitment.

Prioritize financial stability first

For Roanoke households earning $52,671 annually, building wealth begins with financial stability: establishing an emergency fund and reducing debt before investing. Community financial counseling services and employer retirement plans are excellent starting points for households working toward greater economic security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Roanoke city

via CrimeByCounty

Urban Density Impacts City Safety Data

Roanoke city reports a total crime rate of 4886.4 per 100K, which is more than double the national average of 2,385.5. Despite these higher incident numbers, the city maintains a resilient safety score of 92.3 out of 100.

Evaluating Safety Among Virginia Cities

The city's safety score of 92.3 sits below the Virginia state average of 97.3. This highlights a distinct safety profile compared to the broader Commonwealth where total crime rates average a much lower 1728.8 per 100K.

A Comparison with Surrounding Roanoke County

Roanoke city's crime rate of 4886.4 per 100K is significantly higher than neighboring Roanoke County's 1577.8. This disparity reflects the denser urban environment of the independent city compared to its suburban surroundings.

Property Incidents Outpace Violent Crimes

Property crime dominates the landscape at 4284.7 per 100K, while violent crime remains lower at 601.7. These figures mean residents are far more likely to experience theft or vandalism than personal harm.

Securing Your Urban Residence

With property crimes accounting for the vast majority of local incidents, securing your residence is a proactive first step. Simple measures like smart doorbells and motion lighting effectively deter opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Roanoke city

via SchoolsByCounty

Comprehensive Schooling in Roanoke City

Roanoke City supports 29 public schools, including 17 elementary schools and six middle schools. The system serves 14,175 students across three distinct districts.

Roanoke's Investment and Graduation Outcomes

The city’s graduation rate stands at 79.0%, falling below the state average of 89.0%. However, the per-pupil expenditure of $8,087 is higher than the state average, showing a significant financial commitment to the classroom.

Roanoke City Public Schools at a Glance

Roanoke City Public Schools is the dominant district, managing 26 schools and nearly 13,600 students. There are currently no charter schools, though specialized options like the Roanoke Valley Governor's School are available.

Urban Education with Large High Schools

All 29 schools are in city settings, with high schools serving as major community anchors. Patrick Henry High and William Fleming High are the largest, each enrolling over 1,900 students.

Finding Your Place in Roanoke's City Schools

Roanoke’s urban districts offer a wide variety of neighborhood schools within walking distance of local homes. Start your home search by looking at the areas surrounding the city's 17 elementary schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Roanoke city

via RiskByCounty

Roanoke city faces significant disaster exposure

With a composite risk score of 72.87, Roanoke city ranks well above the national median and carries a "Relatively Low" rating that belies concentrated hazard exposure. Flood (84.13) and earthquake (74.68) risks are particularly pronounced for a Appalachian urban center.

Second-highest risk city in Virginia

Roanoke city's composite score of 72.87 ranks it among Virginia's most exposed jurisdictions, exceeded only by Richmond city's 78.40. The city substantially exceeds the state average of 33.27 across nearly all hazard categories.

Urban risk far exceeds surrounding counties

Roanoke city's 72.87 score dwarfs adjacent Roanoke County (52.19), with urban infrastructure and valley geography amplifying flood vulnerability. The city's earthquake exposure (74.68) significantly exceeds the surrounding mountain region's typical risk.

Flooding and earthquakes dominate hazard profile

Flood risk of 84.13 leads all hazards in Roanoke city, driven by the Roanoke River's seasonal flooding and valley drainage patterns. Earthquake risk of 74.68 reflects proximity to regional seismic zones, while hurricane exposure of 74.59 surprises many mountain residents.

Flood and earthquake insurance are non-negotiable

Roanoke city residents must obtain separate flood and earthquake policies—standard homeowners insurance covers neither despite your composite risk of 72.87. Review your property's specific flood zone designation and elevation relative to the Roanoke River immediately.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Roanoke city

via WaterByCounty

Reviewing Drinking Water Safety in Roanoke City

Specific federal drinking water compliance grades for Roanoke City are currently unavailable in the central database. Virginia’s statewide average sits at 126.9 health violations per 100,000 people. Residents are encouraged to review their annual Consumer Confidence Report for local tap water quality details.

Roanoke City Watershed Health Trends Downward

In the 2022 assessment, 63.6% of Roanoke City's 22 water bodies were classified as impaired. This exceeds the state average impairment rate of 46.1% by a significant margin. Major pollutants include E. coli and PCBs, while benthic macroinvertebrate health indicates habitat stress.

Focused Data Collection on the Roanoke River

Monitoring teams have captured 6,952 measurements across 17 sites within city limits over the past five years. These records focus on physical attributes, inorganics, and nutrients. This data helps track the impact of urban runoff on the 14 impaired water bodies identified in the city.

Roanoke River Flows Well Below Normal

The primary USGS gauge on the Roanoke River at Roanoke currently shows a discharge of 106 cfs. This is only 28% of the long-term mean of 374 cfs, indicating significantly dry conditions. Low flows can lead to higher concentrations of existing impairments like E. coli.

Managing Water Quality During Low Flow

Current river flows are only 28% of typical levels, which may concentrate contaminants like E. coli in city streams. Since 63.6% of local waters are impaired, residents should be cautious of contact with stream water, especially during these dry periods. Supporting urban stormwater management can help protect the watershed from further PCB and bacterial pollution.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Roanoke city

via WeatherByCounty

An urban island of warm air

Roanoke city averages 58.1°F annually, placing it above the national median for temperature. This urban environment retains more heat than the surrounding rural mountain landscapes.

Warmer than the typical Virginia county

The city's average temperature sits more than two degrees higher than the state average of 55.9°F. It ranks as a warmer-than-average hub within the Commonwealth.

Warmer and drier than surrounding counties

At 58.1°F, the city is notably warmer than the 55.5°F average in neighboring Roanoke County. It also receives slightly less precipitation than the state average, recording 42.8 inches annually.

Hot urban summers and moderate snow

The city faces 30 days of extreme heat over 90°F annually, with July temperatures averaging 77.8°F. Winter brings a manageable 14.8 inches of snow and a January average of 37.9°F.

Manage urban heat and winter frost

Urban residents should ensure their homes are insulated against the 30 annual days of 90°F heat. While snow is moderate at 14.8 inches, basic winterization for the 37.9°F January lows is recommended.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Roanoke city

via SoilByCounty

Limited Data for Urban Soils

Specific soil pH and taxonomic data for Roanoke City are currently unavailable in the standard dataset. Urban environments often feature highly disturbed soils that vary significantly from block to block. Local gardeners should use soil testing kits to determine their specific pH before planting.

Varying Urban Texture

The percentage of sand, silt, and clay for the city is not recorded, reflecting the difficulty of mapping developed urban land. Generally, urban soils may contain fill material or compacted layers from decades of construction. Testing for texture can help determine if your garden needs more sand for drainage or more clay for structure.

Establishing Fertility Benchmarks

There are no recorded averages for organic matter or water capacity in the city limits. Without these benchmarks, it is best to assume urban soils need a boost from organic amendments. Local residents should look to the state average of 2.90% organic matter as a target for their own garden beds.

Urban Drainage Realities

Dominant drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not listed for this urban area. Drainage in the city is often dictated by man-made infrastructure and impervious surfaces like asphalt rather than natural soil layers. Observation during heavy rain is the best way to understand how water moves on your specific property.

Gardening in Zone 7b

Roanoke City sits in USDA Zone 7b, providing a long and productive growing season. Even without specific soil data, this climate is perfect for heat-loving tomatoes, peppers, and various herbs. Starting a raised bed garden is a great way to control soil quality in an urban setting.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Roanoke city

via LawnByCounty

A Favorable Environment in Roanoke City

Roanoke city boasts a lawn difficulty score of 59.6, making it one of the easier places in the state to grow a lawn. This score sits comfortably above both the Virginia average of 55.4 and the national median. Residents in hardiness zone 7b enjoy a climate that supports healthy turf with moderate effort.

Moderate Temperatures and Ideal Rainfall

The city receives 42.8 inches of rain annually, which is perfectly aligned with the ideal range for grass. With 30 extreme heat days, the summer stress is more manageable here than in the eastern parts of the state. These 4,276 growing degree days provide ample warmth for a long and productive growing season.

Navigating Limited Local Soil Data

Specific soil data for Roanoke city is currently limited, so local gardeners should prioritize a professional soil test. Generally, Virginia soils tend toward acidity, and a test will reveal if you need lime to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 pH range. Proper preparation through aeration can help manage any underlying urban soil compaction.

Managing 27 Weeks of Drought History

The city experienced 27 weeks of drought over the past year, showing that dry spells are a common hurdle. With 100% of the area currently classified as abnormally dry, keeping your mower deck high can help shade the soil and retain moisture. Consistent watering early in the morning reduces evaporation during these vulnerable periods.

Planting Around the Roanoke Frost

The last spring frost typically occurs on April 3, with the first fall frost arriving on November 1. This provides a generous window for seeding cool-season grasses like Tall Fescue, which are well-suited for zone 7b. Early autumn is the ideal time to seed, ensuring your lawn establishes itself before the winter chill.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Roanoke city's county score?
Roanoke city, Virginia has a composite county score of 27.7 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Roanoke city rank among counties in Virginia?
Roanoke city ranks #130 among all counties in Virginia on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Roanoke city, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Roanoke city is $1,828, with an effective tax rate of 1.01%. This earns Roanoke city a tax score of 37.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Roanoke city?
The median household income in Roanoke city, Virginia is $52,671 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Roanoke city earns an income score of 19.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Roanoke city, Virginia a good place to live?
Roanoke city scores 27.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #130 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Roanoke city is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Roanoke city with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.