CountyScore

Roanoke County

Virginia · VA

#94 in Virginia
68.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Roanoke County, Virginia

Roanoke County exceeds national benchmark

Roanoke County's composite score of 68.7 surpasses the national median of 50.0, positioning it in the 82nd percentile nationally. The county performs better than roughly four out of five U.S. counties overall.

Slightly underperforms Virginia average

Roanoke County scores 68.7, falling just below Virginia's state average of 70.3, placing it in the middle-upper tier. The county shows solid performance but trails some of its state counterparts.

Income drives competitive advantage

Roanoke County stands out with an income score of 37.5 and a median household income of $82,931, the second-highest among the eight counties. It also maintains reasonable tax burden (77.6) and solid cost conditions with median home values of $267,300.

Cost score shows modest weakness

The cost score of 69.9 is the lowest dimension measured, reflecting median rent of $1,148 per month and the higher home values typical of more affluent areas. Data on safety, health, schools, and environment remain unavailable.

Suits growing families with income

Roanoke County appeals to professional families and dual-income households prioritizing good earnings potential and upscale suburban living. It works well for those who can afford higher housing costs and want established community infrastructure.

Score breakdown

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

Tax77.6Cost69.9SafetyComing SoonHealth76.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome37.5Risk47.8WaterComing Soon
🏛77.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠69.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼37.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤76.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡47.8
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 County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Coffee County
Alabama
68.9
Median income: $64,672
Walker County
Alabama
68.9
Median income: $54,509
Arkansas County
Arkansas
68.9
Median income: $60,831
Jackson County
Arkansas
68.9
Median income: $41,215
Sevier County
Arkansas
68.9
Median income: $51,641

Deep Dives

Roanoke County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Cost of Living in Roanoke County

via CostByCounty

Roanoke County leads in housing affordability

Roanoke County boasts a rent-to-income ratio of 16.6%, the lowest among all eight counties profiled and well below Virginia's state average of 18.6%. With a median household income of $82,931—above the national median of $74,755—residents enjoy both strong earnings and manageable housing costs.

Virginia's most affordable housing market

Roanoke County's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks it among the most affordable jurisdictions statewide, significantly better than the 18.6% state average. The median rent of $1,148 remains reasonable despite above-average incomes, reflecting a healthy supply-and-demand balance in the suburban market.

Better balance than Roanoke city proper

Roanoke County's median rent of $1,148 exceeds Roanoke city's $964 but supports a much higher median income of $82,931 versus the city's $52,671. This income advantage translates to a superior rent-to-income ratio (16.6% vs. 22.0%), making the county the region's true affordability winner.

Strong incomes keep housing burdens light

Renters pay $1,148 monthly while homeowners face $1,155 from a robust median income of $82,931. At 16.6%, the rent-to-income ratio is the lowest profiled, leaving residents substantial discretionary income after housing.

Premium choice for comfortable relocators

Roanoke County offers the sweet spot of suburban amenities, strong local incomes, and the state's lowest housing burden—ideal for families and established professionals. If you're relocating with solid earning power, this county delivers the best affordability-to-quality-of-life ratio in the region.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Roanoke County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy outpaces national average

At 77.5 years, Roanoke County residents live longer than the U.S. average of 76.1 years, with only 15.1% reporting poor or fair health. This performance reflects strong community health outcomes and effective healthcare management.

Virginia's healthiest counties

Roanoke County ranks among Virginia's top performers with a 77.5-year life expectancy, exceeding the state average of 75.1 years by 2.4 years. Its 15.1% poor/fair health rate is among the best in the state.

Regional health leader

Roanoke County significantly outperforms its urban neighbor Roanoke city (77.5 vs. 70.2 years) and leads most adjacent counties in life expectancy and wellness metrics. The county's suburban and rural health infrastructure supports longevity.

Strong coverage and provider access

With 124 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—above state and national benchmarks—and 330 mental health providers, Roanoke County provides robust healthcare infrastructure. Just 6.5% lack insurance, the lowest rate in this peer group.

Maintain excellent health coverage

Roanoke County's strong health outcomes correlate with high insurance rates; if you're among the 6.5% uninsured, marketplace and Medicaid options can complete your healthcare safety net. Visit vacciness.gov to explore plans and sustain the county's health advantage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Roanoke County

via RiskByCounty

Roanoke County carries moderate disaster exposure

Roanoke County's composite risk score of 52.19 sits above the national median and exceeds Virginia's state average of 33.27, earning a "Relatively Low" rating. The county's risk reflects mountain geography with flood-prone valleys and measurable seismic exposure.

Middle-tier risk among Virginia counties

Roanoke County ranks in the mid-range of Virginia jurisdictions at 52.19, substantially safer than the adjacent city (72.87) but riskier than most rural mountain counties. The county exceeds the state average by 57 percent across its composite score.

Riskier than Russell County, safer than the city

Roanoke County's 52.19 score stands above Russell County (36.55) and Rockbridge County (33.30), yet well below neighboring Roanoke city (72.87). The rural-urban risk gradient is striking across this region.

Floods and wildfires require serious attention

Flood risk of 69.21 leads all hazards in Roanoke County, followed by wildfire risk of 32.32—notably higher than surrounding counties due to Appalachian forest coverage. Hurricane exposure of 68.46 and earthquake risk of 57.89 complete your multi-hazard profile.

Invest in flood and wildfire preparedness

Roanoke County residents should obtain flood insurance and create defensible space around homes given wildfire risk of 32.32. Earthquake insurance should also be considered given your composite risk of 52.19 and the region's seismic activity.

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.