countyscore
49
County Score
Water Quality 86Income & Jobs 85.5Health 79.1

County Report Card

About Roanoke County, Virginia

Matching the national livability standard

Roanoke County's composite score of 49.4 sits nearly perfectly at the national median of 50.0. This suggests a balanced lifestyle that mirrors the typical American county experience.

Competitive with the Virginia state average

At 49.4, the county is just slightly below the Virginia average of 50.9. It offers a much higher quality of life than the neighboring Roanoke city, particularly in health and school performance.

High incomes and excellent health outcomes

The county shines with an income score of 86.8 and a health score of 79.1. Residents enjoy a high median household income of $82,931 and a solid water quality rating of 86.0.

Housing affordability is a growing hurdle

Affordability is the county's lowest-scoring dimension at 19.2, with home values averaging $267,300. Safety metrics also sit lower than expected for the region with a score of 32.8.

Best for established suburban professionals

Roanoke County is a top pick for high-earning professionals who prioritize health and education for their families. It offers a premium suburban experience, provided residents can handle the higher entry costs.

2040608010046.618.132.879.162.485.547.88662.3Tax46.6Cost18.1Safety32.8Health79.1Schools62.4Income85.5Risk47.8Water86Weather62.349/100
This county
National avg
3 above average2 below average

Roanoke County DNA

Foverall

How Roanoke County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Roanoke County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (85.5/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (18.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
46.6
Cost
18.1-29.9
Safety
32.8-22.200000000000003
Health
79.1+29.099999999999994
Schools
62.4+8.399999999999999
Income
85.5+34.5
Risk
47.8
Water
86+28
Weather
62.3
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Compare mortgage rates in Roanoke County

Whether buying or refinancing in Roanoke County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$286,000

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,224/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$286,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$48,960/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $83,709/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

17.6

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

Salem city
Virginia
42.4
Roanoke city
Virginia
27.9
Franklin County
Virginia
59.7
Craig County
Virginia
60.5
Montgomery County
Virginia
49.3
Botetourt County
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64.2
Radford city
Virginia
47.8
Bedford County
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59.1

Deep Dives

Roanoke County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Roanoke County

via TaxByCounty

Roanoke County taxes above national median

At 0.875%, Roanoke County's effective property tax rate exceeds the national median of 0.76%, placing it in the top 30% of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $2,340 sits slightly below the national median of $2,690, reflecting proportionally high rates on moderately valued homes.

Higher than average Virginia county

Roanoke County's 0.875% effective rate ranks above Virginia's state average of 0.671%, putting it in the upper tier of Virginia's 133 jurisdictions. The county's tax burden is 30% higher than the typical Virginia county.

Middle ground in southwest Virginia

Roanoke County's 0.875% rate sits between nearby Roanoke city (1.013%) and Rockbridge County (0.600%), making it moderately taxed for the region. It exceeds surrounding rural counties but trails the urban center.

Over $2,300 annually for median home

On a median home valued at $267,300, Roanoke County homeowners pay approximately $2,340 in annual property taxes. The burden is nearly identical for mortgaged and non-mortgaged homeowners, at $2,336 and $2,344 respectively.

Review your valuation to confirm fairness

With property taxes exceeding $2,300 annually, Roanoke County homeowners should verify their assessments are accurate. Overassessed properties represent hundreds of dollars in potential annual savings through the appeal process.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Roanoke County

via IncomeByCounty

Roanoke County exceeds national income levels

Roanoke County's median household income of $82,931 outpaces the national median of $74,755 by $8,176, placing it firmly in the upper-income tier. This strong performance reflects a diverse economy anchored by education, healthcare, and light manufacturing.

Top earners in Virginia

Roanoke County ranks above Virginia's state average median household income of $74,957, earning $7,974 more per household. The county's per capita income of $44,817 also exceeds the state average of $39,155, indicating strong individual earning potential.

Most prosperous in the region

Roanoke County's $82,931 median income tops all nearby peers, outearning Rockingham County ($78,468) by $4,463 and dramatically surpassing Roanoke city ($52,671) by $30,260. The county represents the economic success story of Southwest Virginia.

Strong income supports homeownership

With a rent-to-income ratio of just 16.6%, Roanoke County households enjoy excellent housing affordability, spending well below the 30% threshold typical of sustainable arrangements. The median home value of $267,300 equals 3.2 years of gross household income—very manageable for dual-income families.

Maximize investment opportunities here

Roanoke County's strong median income of $82,931 and low housing costs create exceptional conditions for wealth building through diversified investments. High-income households should maximize contributions to 401(k)s, IRAs, and taxable investment accounts—time and consistent contributions are wealth's most powerful tools.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Roanoke County

via CrimeByCounty

County Safety Exceeds National Benchmarks

Roanoke County reports a total crime rate of 1577.8 per 100K, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This performance earns the county a strong safety score of 97.5.

County Ranks High for State Safety

The county's safety score of 97.5 slightly exceeds the Virginia state average of 97.3. It stands as a secure jurisdiction within the Commonwealth's public safety landscape.

Safer Than Nearby Urban Centers

The county is much safer than neighboring Roanoke city, which has a crime rate over three times higher. While the city faces 4886.4 incidents per 100K, the county maintains a much lower 1577.8.

Low Risk of Violent Incidents

Violent crime is rare here, occurring at a rate of 264.9 per 100K, while property crime accounts for 1312.9 incidents. These numbers show that public safety efforts effectively keep both categories below national benchmarks.

Vigilance Enhances County Security

Even in safe areas, property crime remains the primary concern for residents. Investing in basic home security systems provides peace of mind and further lowers the risk of burglary.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Roanoke County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate mountain valley climate

Roanoke County's 55.5°F annual average temperature is nearly identical to the national median. The geography provides a classic four-season experience without extreme national outliers.

Perfectly aligned with Virginia's average

The county's annual temperature of 55.5°F closely tracks the statewide average of 55.9°F. It represents the typical climate profile for the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Cooler and wetter than the city

The county is cooler than Roanoke City by about 2.6 degrees, reflecting its higher elevations and green space. It matches the state precipitation average exactly at 45.7 inches per year.

Defined seasons with mild winter totals

July averages 75.1°F with 28 days of extreme heat over 90°F. Winter is crisp but rarely buried in snow, with an annual average of 11.4 inches and a January mean of 35.5°F.

Standard Virginia weather prep applies

With 28 days of 90°F heat, reliable cooling systems are a priority for the summer months. Winter preparation requires only light snow removal tools for the modest 11.4 inches of annual snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Roanoke County

via SoilByCounty

Mountain Valley Soil Profiles

Roanoke County has an average soil pH of 5.27, which is slightly more alkaline than the state average of 5.23. However, it still falls well below the national median of 6.5, indicating naturally acidic mountain soils. No dominant taxonomic order is specified for this diverse topographic region.

Balanced and Workable Mix

The soil contains 43.7% sand, 38.5% silt, and 17.7% clay, creating a medium-textured profile. This balance allows for good root aeration while maintaining enough clay to hold nutrients. It is a versatile mix that avoids the extremes of heavy clay or overly dry sand.

Strong Water Storage Potential

The available water capacity is 0.149 in/in, which is higher than the Virginia state average of 0.143 in/in. While organic matter is 1.97%—just below the national average of 2.0%—the soil's ability to hold water is a major asset. This combination supports healthy pasture and forest growth throughout the county.

Reliable Natural Drainage

While specific drainage classes are not provided, the high silt and sand content suggests moderate to good internal drainage. This texture typically prevents the long-term waterlogging that can damage crop roots. These soils are generally stable, though slopes require careful erosion management.

Abundance in Zone 7b

Roanoke County's 7b hardiness zone is ideal for a wide range of perennial shrubs and fruit trees. The soil's above-average water capacity makes it especially resilient during dry Virginia summers. Consider planting native viburnums or blueberries, which thrive in the local acidic conditions.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Roanoke County

via LawnByCounty

Consistent Growth in Roanoke County

Roanoke County features a lawn difficulty score of 56.4, slightly outperforming the Virginia state average. This zone 7b county offers a balanced environment for homeowners, proving more hospitable than the national median. While not quite as easy as the city center, the conditions here are very favorable for standard turf.

High Precipitation and Manageable Heat

The county enjoys 45.7 inches of annual precipitation, ensuring that lawns receive plenty of natural moisture. Extreme heat is less of a factor here, with only 28 days reaching 90°F or higher, matching the state average. This combination of ample rain and moderate heat simplifies the summer maintenance schedule for most residents.

Working with Acidic Loamy Soils

The soil in the county is acidic with a pH of 5.27, requiring lime to unlock the full potential of your fertilizer. A mix of 43.7% sand and 17.7% clay creates a texture that generally balances drainage and moisture retention well. Amending the soil with organic matter can further improve the foundation for a resilient root system.

Preparedness for Persistent Dry Spells

Roanoke County faced 27 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100% of the area remains abnormally dry today. Long-term health depends on supplemental watering during these stretches to prevent the grass from thinning. Focusing on water conservation, such as using rain barrels, can help keep the lawn green during restricted periods.

A Reliable Window for Seeding

With a last spring frost on April 11 and a first fall frost on October 28, there is a clear timeline for lawn work. Cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass or Fescue blends thrive in this environment when planted in the late summer. Take advantage of the 3,680 growing degree days to establish a dense and hardy turf.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Roanoke County's county score?
Roanoke County, Virginia has a composite county score of 49 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 County rank among counties in Virginia?
Roanoke County ranks #86 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 County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Roanoke County is $2,436, with an effective tax rate of 0.85%. This earns Roanoke County a tax score of 46.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Roanoke County?
The median household income in Roanoke County, Virginia is $83,709 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Roanoke County earns an income score of 85.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Roanoke County, Virginia a good place to live?
Roanoke County scores 49/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #86 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Roanoke County 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 County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.