Median Income
$72,880
3% lower than US avg
Home Value
$168,600
40% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
136/100K
64% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
25.5%
24% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$790
32% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.5%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.3%
8% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.5%
64% lower than US avg
How Roanoke Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,819
Median Age39.6 yrs
Density1,467/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans10.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$72,880
Per Capita$39,174
Unemployment3.3%
Poverty4.5%
County GDP$2,057M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$168,600
Rent$790
Ownership83.0%
Zillow$354,308
Housing Units894
Rent Burden25.7%
Crime
F
Violent136/100K
Property1,622/100K
Health
Obesity37.5%
Uninsured6.7%
Smoking13.7%
Depression26.0%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain39.5 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation790 ft (241 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.5%
High School+95.2%
Graduate+8.3%
School Score6.17
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 25%
Commute29 min
Broadband89.9%
EV Stations2
Libraries5
Is Roanoke a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Roanoke receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Roanoke offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Roanoke is $72,880, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.3%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 4.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Roanoke is $168,600, 40% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $790 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Roanoke is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 136 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,622 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
25.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Roanoke experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.5 inches, including 33.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Roanoke has a population of 1,819 with a density of 1,467 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 39.6 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.9% female and 48.1% male. The city is predominantly White (94.8%), with 2.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.5% of residents. 10.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.4% of residents have a disability. 98.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.6yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.5%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.5%
66% below US avg
The median household income in Roanoke is $72,880, which is 3% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,174. The average weekly wage is $948, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 990 business establishments, including 88 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 5.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $72,880 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,174 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $948 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,599 |
| Gini Index | 0.406 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.3% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.5% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 990 |
| County GDP | $2,057M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 88 |
| Healthcare | 72 |
| Retail | 131 |
| Manufacturing | 65 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,198 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.90% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.4% |
| Work from Home | 5.2% |
The median home value in Roanoke is $168,600, 40% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $354,308, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $790 (32% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $882 for a one-bedroom to $1,096 for a two-bedroom apartment. 83.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 894 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1989. The average annual property tax is $3,198. 25.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $168,600 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $354,308 |
| Median List Price | $257,499 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $257,499 |
| $/Sq Ft | $96 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.0% |
| Price Drops | 25.0% |
| Inventory | 4 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $790 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 83.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.0% |
| Housing Units | 894 |
| Median Year Built | 1989 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,198 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.90% |
In Roanoke, 37.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 33.6% have high blood pressure. 13.7% are current smokers. 18.9% report binge drinking. 20.1% are physically inactive, below the national average. 26.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.7% experience frequent mental distress. 6.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,836. The dentist ratio is 1:2,456. 84.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Roanoke vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.5% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.6% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.7% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.1% |
| Depression | 26.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.7% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 33.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.4% |
| Uninsured | 6.7% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,836 |
| Dentists | 1:2,456 |
| Mental Health | 1:836 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.7% |
| Dental Visits | 66.7% |
| Premature Death | 9,432/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 84.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 72 |
Roanoke has a violent crime rate of 136 per 100,000 residents, 64% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,622 per 100,000, 17% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Roanoke receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Roanoke vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 136.1/100K |
| 64% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,622.1/100K |
| 17% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 73 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.7 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Roanoke experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 39.5 inches. The area receives 33.6 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 790 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-4°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.9°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 790 ft (241 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,467/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.9645°N, 85.3808°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Huntington County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Wayne International (FWA) 10 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.5"
4% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.06"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 38.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 22.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 89.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
9 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.3 on Jun 30, 2015.
| May 2, 2015 |
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan |
M4.2 |
141 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
134 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
69 km |
| Apr 17, 1990 |
8 km NW of Fort Recovery, Ohio |
M3.0 |
72 km |
| Apr 4, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Minster, Ohio |
M2.9 |
104 km |
| May 12, 2006 |
2 km E of Lima, Ohio |
M2.8 |
112 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
52 km |
| Jan 30, 2004 |
2 km S of Rockford, Ohio |
M2.5 |
70 km |
| Jun 4, 1990 |
4 km SSE of Van Buren, Ohio |
M2.5 |
147 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
521 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 137 fatalities, 1,805 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF4 |
55 km |
4 |
| Feb 18, 1992 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
87 km |
23 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
98 km |
21 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
46 km |
4 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
97 km |
36 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
78 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
85 km |
31 |
| Mar 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
47 km |
1 |
| Mar 14, 2024 |
EF3 |
90 km |
1 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
74 km |
1 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2004 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1954 |
MICHIGAN CITY, IN (LAKE MICHIGAN) |
Avalanche |
3.0 m |
7 |
150 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-4°C) |
2.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-1°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Roanoke has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 26°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.8").
Average costs for common services in Roanoke. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$233 ($140–$373) |
| Specialist Visit |
$327 ($187–$513) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($93–$327) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,053 ($746–$4,665) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$233 ($140–$373) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47–$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$560 ($373–$933) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($93–$327) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$140) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47–$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$373 ($140–$746) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,531 ($3,732–$11,196) |
| Roof Repair |
$933 ($373–$1,866) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,397 ($5,132–$13,995) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,400 ($467–$3,266) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,995 ($4,665–$27,990) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,665 ($1,866–$9,330) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,400 ($746–$2,799) |
| Will Preparation |
$467 ($187–$933) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,333 ($933–$4,665) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$140 ($70–$233) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.83 ($2.80–$5.13) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.27 ($2.33–$4.67) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.55 ($2.33–$5.13) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.20 ($2.80–$6.06) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.13 ($3.73–$7.00) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.68) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75–$233) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$140) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($47–$140) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70–$467) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,866 ($1,120–$3,266) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.46–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$233) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,120 ($560–$2,333) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$933 ($467–$1,866) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$373 ($187–$653) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$933 ($373–$2,333) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,663 ($4,665–$27,990) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($47–$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($93–$373) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Roanoke
What is the population of Roanoke?
Roanoke has a population of 1,819 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 1,467 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.6 years. The population is 51.9% female and 48.1% male.
Is Roanoke expensive to live in?
Roanoke is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $72,880, 3% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $168,600 (40% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $790 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Roanoke safe?
Roanoke is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 136 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,622 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Roanoke receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Roanoke?
Roanoke has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.5 inches, with 33.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Roanoke?
Roanoke has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $948. There are 990 business establishments in the area, including 88 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 5.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Roanoke?
The median home value in Roanoke is $168,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $354,308. For renters, the median monthly rent is $790. Fair market rent is $882 for a 1-bedroom and $1,096 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 83.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,198.
How are the schools in Roanoke?
Schools in Roanoke score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 25.5% of adults in Roanoke hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.2% have completed high school. 8.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Roanoke?
The obesity rate in Roanoke is 37.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.7% of adults are smokers. 20.1% are physically inactive. 26.0% of residents report depression. 6.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 84.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,836.
What is transportation like in Roanoke?
The average commute in Roanoke is 29 minutes. 84.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Roanoke?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Roanoke is 94.8% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino. 95.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.5% speak Spanish. 10.9% of the population are military veterans. 13.4% of residents have a disability. 98.4% have health insurance coverage.