Roanoke, Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Roanoke, Virginia is 98,677 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 9th-largest city in Virginia. The median household income is $52,671, the median home value is $180,500, and the median age is 38.0.
The population has grown 1.2% since 2010 (96,720 → 97,912).
98,677
Population
2321
People / sq mi
$52,671
Median Income
$180,500
Median Home Value
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Roanoke covers 42.5 sq mi of land at 2321 people per square mile.
About Roanoke, VA
Among US cities, Roanoke stands out first on household income: a median of $52,671, below the US median of $78,538. With 98,677 residents, Roanoke is a city in Virginia. That makes it one of the ten largest cities in Virginia in the country, at #9 by population.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $52,671, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 14.8%, above the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $180,500, with typical rent around $964.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US cities: 28.9% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. About 10.7% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 20 minutes each way.
Roanoke city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Roanoke city had a population of 96,720 in 2010 and 97,912 in 2024, a 1.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 99,898 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.09%.
97,912
Population (2024)
96,720
Population (2010)
99,898
Peak (2020)
0.09%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 96,720 |
| 2011 | 96,782 |
| 2012 | 98,011 |
| 2013 | 98,849 |
| 2014 | 99,427 |
| 2015 | 99,669 |
| 2016 | 99,337 |
| 2017 | 98,986 |
| 2018 | 99,009 |
| 2019 | 99,143 |
| 2020 | 99,898 |
| 2021 | 98,717 |
| 2022 | 97,743 |
| 2023 | 97,503 |
| 2024 | 97,912 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 57.5% |
| Black or African American | 29.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Economy & Income
$52,671
Median Household Income
$34,792
Per Capita Income
14.8%
Poverty Rate
3.4%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$180,500
Median Home Value
$964
Median Rent
51.7%
Owner-Occupied
Education
89.6%
High School+
28.9%
Bachelor's+
Commute
2.4%
Drive Alone
76.2%
Public Transit
10.7%
Work From Home
19.9 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
27.2%
Foreign Born
89.4%
Non-English at Home
7.5%
Veterans
14.0%
With Disability
90.4%
Health Insurance
91.0%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 27.5% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 10.7% |
| Manufacturing | 10.2% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 8.4% |
| Information | 6.4% |
| Retail Trade | 6.1% |
| Construction | 5.9% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 4.8% |
| Public Administration | 4.1% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.1% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.4% |
Largest cities in Virginia
Largest counties in Virginia
Part of Virginia
Metro areas in Virginia
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Roanoke, Virginia has a population of 98,677 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 9th-largest city in Virginia.
The median household income in Roanoke, Virginia is $52,671, with 14.8% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Roanoke, Virginia is $180,500, with median monthly rent at $964 and a homeownership rate of 51.7%.
The median age in Roanoke, Virginia is 38.0 years. The population is 47.1% male and 52.9% female.
The population has grown 1.2% since 2010 (96,720 → 97,912).
Where to stay in Roanoke
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Statewide data for Virginia
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Virginia
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.