Roanoke, AL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,336
0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$47,105/yr
-2.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,860
6.3% year-over-year change

Roanoke population

How many people live in Roanoke

Roanoke is home to 5,336 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.2% of Roanoke locals are male, and 51.8% are female.

Total population
5,336
0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.2%
2,570
Female
51.8%
2,766
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,570 48.2% -5.4%
Female 2,766 51.8% 5.7%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Roanoke is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.6% are children under 15, then 10.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.4% of the population, while another 21.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 24.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.6%
15 to 24
10.4%
25 to 44
26.4%
45 to 64
21.3%
Over 65
24.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 941 17.6% 2.2%
15 to 24 555 10.4% -9.9%
25 to 44 1,410 26.4% 10.2%
45 to 64 1,135 21.3% -12.4%
Over 65 1,295 24.3% 6.2%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Roanoke, 98.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 57.4% of locals are Caucasian, 39.9% are African American and 0.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.4%
Non-citizens
1.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,255 98.5% 0.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 20 0.4% -48.7%
Non-citizens 61 1.1% 7.0%
Racial breakdown
White
57.4%
Black or African American
39.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
1%
Other
1.5%
Value Percent
White 3,061 57.4%
Black or African American 2,131 39.9%
Asian 8 0.2%
Two or more races 55 1%
Other 81 1.5%

Households in Roanoke

A peek inside Roanoke households

Roanoke has 2,344 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 65.2% are families, while the remaining 34.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,344
4.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
817
Family households
1,527
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 817 34.8% 2.5%
Family households 1,527 65.2% 5.2%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Roanoke

The housing landscape of Roanoke

Roanoke's housing consists of 2,860 units, with 71.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.8% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 11.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,860
6.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,055 71.8%
1 unit, attached 22 0.8%
2 units 55 1.9%
3 or 4 units 71 2.5%
5 to 9 units 145 5.1%
10 to 19 units 30 1%
20 to 49 units 43 1.5%
50 or more units 83 2.9%
Mobile home 336 11.8%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 20 0.7%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Roanoke

In Roanoke, the median construction year is 1978. About 10.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 298 10.4% -12.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 77 2.7% 10.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 249 8.7% 0.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 400 14% 5.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 522 18.2% 15.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 570 19.9% 16.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 473 16.5% 4.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 129 4.5% -24.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 142 5% 61.4%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Roanoke occupancy rates

Out of the 2,344 occupied housing units in Roanoke, 67.2% are owner-occupied, while 32.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 18% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,344
4.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
768
Owner occupied
1,576
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 768 32.8% 8.5%
Owner occupied 1,576 67.2% 2.3%
Unoccupied housing units
18.0%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Roanoke housing costs

Housing costs in Roanoke come to a median of $631 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $666.

Median housing costs per month
$631/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Roanoke
$666/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Roanoke

Roanoke education at a glance

About 51.6% of the population in Roanoke went to high school, while 19% pursued college studies. Another 9.9% earned an associate degree and 10.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 122 3% -12.2%
High school diploma 2,093 51.6% -1.5%
College diploma 772 19% -15.2%
Associate degree 403 9.9% 33.4%
Bachelor's degree 428 10.6% -7.0%
Graduate degree 235 5.8% -4.5%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Roanoke

How much people earn in Roanoke

The average annual household income in Roanoke was $64,515 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +8.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $47,105, reflecting a -2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Roanoke
$64,515/year
8.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Roanoke
$47,105/year
-2.0% year-over-year change

Roanoke income by age

In Roanoke, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $40,104. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $67,188 overall. Overall, 87.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $40,104 -20.5%
45 - 64 $67,188 36.9%
Over 65 $40,372 -14.1%
Above poverty level
4,502
Below poverty level
644
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,502 87.5% 4.9%
Below poverty level 644 12.5% -20.1%

Average renter income in Roanoke

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Roanoke, their median household income was $14,591 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 54.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$14,591
Rent-to-income ratio
54.8%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Roanoke

Workforce and job types in Roanoke

The job market in Roanoke is powered by 2,156 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 58.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 41.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 3.8% run their own businesses, 70% are employed by private companies, and 16.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,156
-6.1% year-over-year change
White collar
1,268
Blue collar
888
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,268 58.8% -7.1%
Blue collar 888 41.2% -4.6%
Employer type
Self employees
3.8%
Private companies
70%
Governmental workers
16.8%
Not for profit companies
9.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 81 3.8% 28.6%
Private companies 1,509 70% -8.9%
Governmental workers 363 16.8% 0.0%
Not for profit companies 203 9.4% -4.7%
Unemployment rate
3.4%
16.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Roanoke stands at 3.4%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Roanoke

How people get around in Roanoke

In Roanoke, the average commute time is 22 minutes.

Commute time
22 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,964 91.9% -7.3%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Roanoke by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
36274 9,968 4,393 $50,621 $61,574

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FAQs about Roanoke demographics 

What is the total population of Roanoke?

Roanoke has a total population of 5,336 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Roanoke?

The gender ratio in Roanoke is as follows:
  • 48.2% males (2,570 residents)
  • 51.8% females (2,766 residents)

What is the median age in Roanoke?

The median age in Roanoke is 42.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Roanoke?

The age distribution in Roanoke is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.6% (941 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.4% (555 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.4% (1,410 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.3% (1,135 residents)
  • Over 65: 24.3% (1,295 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Roanoke?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Roanoke is as follows:
  • White: 57.4% (3,061 residents)
  • Black or African American: 39.9% (2,131 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.2% (8 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 1% (55 residents)
  • Other: 1.5% (81 residents)

What percentage of the population in Roanoke are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.5% of the population in Roanoke.

How many housing units are there in Roanoke?

There are 2,860 housing units in Roanoke, reflecting a +6.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Roanoke and what is the average household size?

Roanoke has a total of 2,344 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Roanoke?

Roanoke has a median household income of $47,105, representing a -2.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Roanoke?

The employment rate is 96.6% in Roanoke, with a workforce of 2,156 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 58.8% (1,268 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 41.2% (888 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 3.8% (81 residents)
  • Private companies: 70% (1,509 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.8% (363 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.4% (203 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025