Roanoke city, Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 19th-largest in Virginia
The population of Roanoke city, Virginia is 98,677 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 19th-largest county 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 of Roanoke city has grown 1.2% since 2010 (96,722 → 97,912), a +0.09% annualized rate.
98,677
Population
+0.09%
Annual growth
2321
People / sq mi
$52,671
Median Income
$180,500
Median Home Value
Roanoke city covers 43 sq mi of land at 2320.7 people per square mile.
About Roanoke city, VA
Roanoke city stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most densely settled of US counties, at roughly 2,321 people per square mile. Roanoke city is a county in Virginia with a population of 98,677. It ranks #19 among counties in Virginia by population.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $52,671, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 14.8% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. Median home value is $180,500, with typical rent around $964.
College attainment is above the local norm at 28.9%, below the national 35.0%. A solid 10.7% of workers are based at home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 20 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Roanoke city: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
Roanoke city Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Roanoke city had a population of 96,722 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)
96,722
Population (2010)
99,898
Peak (2020)
0.09%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 96,722 |
| 2011 | 96,791 |
| 2012 | 98,034 |
| 2013 | 98,884 |
| 2014 | 99,475 |
| 2015 | 99,741 |
| 2016 | 99,383 |
| 2017 | 98,989 |
| 2018 | 98,964 |
| 2019 | 99,216 |
| 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% |
Age & Sex
38.0
Median Age
52.9%
Female
47.1%
Male
17.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.0% · Seniors (65+): 17.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $52,671$-38,303 vs state |
| Mean household income | $76,775 |
| Per-capita income | $34,792 |
| Poverty rate | 14.8%+8.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 59.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Roanoke city is professional & business services, accounting for 27.5% of workers.
How residents commute
2.4%
Drive alone
1.4%
Carpool
76.2%
Public transit
10.7%
Work from home
19.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$180,500$-180,200 vs state
Median home value
$964
Median rent
51.7%
Homeownership rate
48,931
Total housing units
88.8%
Occupied
11.2%
Vacant
48.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.4%
With health insurance
91.0%
With broadband internet
27.2%
Foreign-born
7.5%
Veterans (18+)
14.0%
With a disability
89.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
89.6%
High School+
28.9%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Virginia
Other counties in Virginia
Part of Virginia
Metro areas in Virginia
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Roanoke city, Virginia has a population of 98,677 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 19th-largest county in Virginia. Population density is 2321 people per square mile.
The population of Roanoke city has grown 1.2% since 2010 (96,722 → 97,912), a +0.09% annualized rate.
The median household income in Roanoke city, Virginia is $52,671, with mean (average) household income of $76,775 and per-capita income of $34,792. 14.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Roanoke city, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (57.5%), Black or African American (29.0%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Roanoke city, Virginia is 38.0 years. Residents are 52.9% female and 47.1% male.
The median home value in Roanoke city is $180,500 and median monthly rent is $964. 51.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 48,931 total housing units, 11.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Roanoke city, Virginia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 27.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.4%.
Virginia Beach is among the largest cities associated with Roanoke city, Virginia, with a population of 457,066.
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Full rankings of Virginia counties
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.