Radford, VA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
16,726
1.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$57,348/yr
8.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
6,459
0.0% year-over-year change

Radford population

How many people live in Radford

Radford is home to 16,726 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 44.3% of Radford locals are male, and 55.7% are female.

Total population
16,726
1.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
44.3%
7,407
Female
55.7%
9,319
Value Percent YoY change
Male 7,407 44.3% 1.1%
Female 9,319 55.7% 1.6%
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 Radford is 23, with the population distributed as follows: about 10.3% are children under 15, then 44.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 18.9% of the population, while another 16.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 9.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
23.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
10.3%
15 to 24
44.9%
25 to 44
18.9%
45 to 64
16.3%
Over 65
9.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,724 10.3% 0.5%
15 to 24 7,510 44.9% 1.6%
25 to 44 3,168 18.9% 0.2%
45 to 64 2,723 16.3% 1.4%
Over 65 1,601 9.6% 3.4%
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 Radford, 97.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 82.4% of locals are Caucasian, 9.4% are African American and 2.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 4.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.5%
Non-citizens
1.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 16,282 97.4% 1.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 255 1.5% -31.6%
Non-citizens 189 1.1% 28.6%
Racial breakdown
White
82.4%
Black or African American
9.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
2.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.4%
Other
1.4%
Value Percent
White 13,781 82.4%
Black or African American 1,568 9.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 8 0%
Asian 406 2.4%
Two or more races 728 4.4%
Other 235 1.4%

Households in Radford

A peek inside Radford households

Radford has 5,540 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 42.9% are families, while the remaining 57.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
5,540
0.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
3,164
Family households
2,376
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,164 57.1% 5.9%
Family households 2,376 42.9% -5.5%
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 Radford

The housing landscape of Radford

Radford's housing consists of 6,459 units, with 52.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.7% 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 1.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
6,459
0.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,370 52.2%
1 unit, attached 174 2.7%
2 units 246 3.8%
3 or 4 units 443 6.9%
5 to 9 units 728 11.3%
10 to 19 units 985 15.2%
20 to 49 units 365 5.6%
50 or more units 36 0.6%
Mobile home 74 1.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 38 0.6%
Homes built since 2020
40
21.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Radford

In Radford, the median construction year is 1976. About 9.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 11.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 12.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 613 9.5% -5.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 716 11.1% -2.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 717 11.1% 3.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 728 11.3% 32.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 757 11.7% -21.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,171 18.1% -1.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 705 10.9% -4.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 823 12.7% 24.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 189 2.9% -23.8%
Built in 2020 or later 40 0.6% 21.2%
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.

Radford occupancy rates

Out of the 5,540 occupied housing units in Radford, 42.3% are owner-occupied, while 57.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 14.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
5,540
0.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,197
Owner occupied
2,343
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,197 57.7% 1.4%
Owner occupied 2,343 42.3% -0.2%
Unoccupied housing units
14.2%
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.

Radford housing costs

Housing costs in Radford come to a median of $968 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,033.

Median housing costs per month
$968/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 Radford
$1,033/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 Radford

Radford education at a glance

About 27.6% of the population in Radford went to high school, while 40.9% pursued college studies. Another 6.8% earned an associate degree and 13.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 168 1.2% -11.1%
High school diploma 4,045 27.6% 14.5%
College diploma 5,988 40.9% -6.4%
Associate degree 994 6.8% 9.8%
Bachelor's degree 1,993 13.6% 5.6%
Graduate degree 1,452 9.9% -6.6%
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 Radford

How much people earn in Radford

The average annual household income in Radford was $74,233 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +8.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $57,348, reflecting a +8.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Radford
$74,233/year
8.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Radford
$57,348/year
8.6% year-over-year change

Radford income by age

In Radford, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $60,379. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $73,953 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $24,845, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $53,889 in earnings. Overall, 71.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $24,845 19.4%
25 - 44 $60,379 2.7%
45 - 64 $73,953 13.4%
Over 65 $53,889 4.3%
Above poverty level
9,622
Below poverty level
3,904
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 9,622 71.1% 9.6%
Below poverty level 3,904 28.9% -11.8%

Average renter income in Radford

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Radford, their median household income was $23,209 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 53.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$23,209
Rent-to-income ratio
53.4%
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 Radford

Workforce and job types in Radford

The job market in Radford is powered by 8,258 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 82% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 18% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.6% run their own businesses, 66.2% are employed by private companies, and 20.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
8,258
3.3% year-over-year change
White collar
6,774
Blue collar
1,484
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 6,774 82% 1.8%
Blue collar 1,484 18% 10.8%
Employer type
Self employees
5.6%
Private companies
66.2%
Governmental workers
20.9%
Not for profit companies
7.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 462 5.6% -4.9%
Private companies 5,466 66.2% 3.2%
Governmental workers 1,729 20.9% 2.5%
Not for profit companies 601 7.3% 15.1%
Unemployment rate
8.1%
10.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Radford stands at 8.1%, 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 Radford

How people get around in Radford

Commuting methods vary: 84.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 9.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 6,850 84.3% 6.0%
Bus or trolleybus 17 0.2% -66.0%
Walk 803 9.9% -6.2%
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 Radford by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
24141 21,484 8,494 $62,969 $84,254
24142 2,205 0 $0 $0

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FAQs about Radford demographics 

What is the total population of Radford?

Radford has a total population of 16,726 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 +1.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Radford?

The gender ratio in Radford is as follows:
  • 44.3% males (7,407 residents)
  • 55.7% females (9,319 residents)

What is the median age in Radford?

The median age in Radford is 23.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Radford?

The age distribution in Radford is as follows:
  • Under 15: 10.3% (1,724 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 44.9% (7,510 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 18.9% (3,168 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 16.3% (2,723 residents)
  • Over 65: 9.6% (1,601 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Radford?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Radford is as follows:
  • White: 82.4% (13,781 residents)
  • Black or African American: 9.4% (1,568 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (8 residents)
  • Asian: 2.4% (406 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.4% (728 residents)
  • Other: 1.4% (235 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.4% of the population in Radford.

How many housing units are there in Radford?

There are 6,459 housing units in Radford, reflecting a +0.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Radford has a total of 5,540 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Radford?

Radford has a median household income of $57,348, representing a +8.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 91.9% in Radford, with a workforce of 8,258 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 82% (6,774 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 18% (1,484 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.6% (462 residents)
  • Private companies: 66.2% (5,466 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 20.9% (1,729 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.3% (601 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