CountyScore

Roanoke city

Virginia · VA

#117 in Virginia
63.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Roanoke city, Virginia

Roanoke city solidly outperforms nation

Roanoke city's composite score of 67.8 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 85th percentile nationally. The city outperforms roughly 85% of all counties across the United States.

Slightly below state average

Roanoke city scores 67.8 compared to Virginia's state average of 70.3, placing it just below the state median. While respectable, the score indicates the city lags modestly behind its Virginia neighbors.

Affordability remains the stronghold

Roanoke city excels in housing affordability with a cost score of 75.7, median rent of $964 per month, and median home values of just $180,500. The tax score of 73.8 with an effective rate of 1.013% also provides reasonable relief.

Incomes significantly lag competitors

The income score of 17.8 stands as a major constraint, with median household income at $52,671, the lowest among these eight Virginia areas. Complete data on safety, health, schools, and environment are unavailable for fuller assessment.

Perfect for cost-conscious urban seekers

Roanoke city appeals to budget-focused individuals and families wanting authentic urban living with minimal housing expense. It suits those who prioritize affordability and community atmosphere over income growth potential.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax73.8Cost75.7SafetyComing SoonHealth62.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome17.8Risk27.1WaterComing Soon
🏛73.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠75.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼17.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤62.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡27.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Roanoke city with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Weld County
Colorado
63.1
Median income: $93,287
Indian River County
Florida
63.1
Median income: $71,049
Newton County
Georgia
63.1
Median income: $73,732
Clinton County
Illinois
63.1
Median income: $82,314
Scott County
Kansas
63.1
Median income: $67,788

Deep Dives

Roanoke city across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Roanoke city

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy significantly below average

At 70.2 years, Roanoke city's life expectancy ranks among the lowest in the nation, trailing the U.S. average of 76.1 years by nearly six years. One in five residents report poor or fair health, signaling acute population health challenges.

Lowest life expectancy in Virginia

Roanoke city's 70.2-year life expectancy is the lowest in Virginia, falling nearly five years behind the state average of 75.1 years. The city's 21.6% poor/fair health rate demands urgent public health attention and policy intervention.

Urban center health crisis

Roanoke city significantly underperforms neighboring Roanoke County (77.5 vs. 70.2 years life expectancy) and faces greater health disparities than most regional peers. The gap reflects concentrated poverty and chronic disease burden in the urban core.

Healthcare access amid health crisis

With 110 primary care providers and 447 mental health providers per 100,000, Roanoke city has adequate provider density, yet 8.5% of residents lack insurance. Geographic and financial barriers likely prevent many from accessing available care.

Coverage is a critical first step

Roanoke city residents face some of Virginia's steepest health odds; securing insurance coverage through Medicaid or marketplace plans can unlock preventive care and chronic disease management. Call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit vacciness.gov to start today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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