Roanoke city, Virginia

Income Data

-30% vs. Virginia average
$52,671
Median Household Income
$34,792
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$52,671
-30% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$34,792
-12% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
29.2%
income as % of home value
Rank in Virginia
#109 / 133
by median household income

How Roanoke city Compares

Roanoke city$52,671
Virginia Average$74,957
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$52,671
Median Household Income
$34,792
Per Capita Income
$180,500
Median Home Value
29.2%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Roanoke city, Virginia

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Roanoke city, Virginia?
The median household income in Roanoke city, Virginia is $52,671, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Roanoke city?
The per capita income in Roanoke city is $34,792, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $52,671.
How does Roanoke city compare to the Virginia average?
Roanoke city's median household income of $52,671 is lower than the Virginia state average of $74,957. The per capita income is $34,792, compared to the state average of $39,155.
What is the per capita income in Roanoke city, Virginia?
The per capita income in Roanoke city, Virginia is $34,792, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Roanoke city a low-income area in Virginia?
Roanoke city's median household income of $52,671 is below the Virginia average of $74,957. The per capita income of $34,792 is also lower than the state average of $39,155. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Roanoke city rank for income in Virginia?
Roanoke city ranks #109 out of 133 counties in Virginia by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $52,671 and per capita income of $34,792, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

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County median: $52,671 per year

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vs. State Average

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vs. National Median

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vs. National Median30% below

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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.