Violent Crime
424/100K
12% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.8%
80% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.6%
39% higher than US avg
Unemployment
18.3%
408% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
33.6%
171% higher than US avg
How Roanoke Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population724
Median Age25.1 yrs
Density1,684/mi²
Male / Female41% / 59%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans1.9%
Economy
Per Capita$13,506
Unemployment18.3%
Poverty33.6%
County GDP$1,046M
Housing
Ownership46.8%
Zillow$146,556
Housing Units108
Rent Burden31.6%
Crime
F
Violent424/100K
Property2,890/100K
Health
Obesity44.6%
Uninsured9.0%
Smoking21.2%
Depression29.5%
Heart Disease7.1%
Climate
Avg Temp68°F (20°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain63.5 in/yr
Sunny Days313/yr
Elevation26 ft (8 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.8%
High School+57.0%
Graduate+3.1%
School Score4.98
Community
2024 VoteR 80% / D 19%
Broadband80.1%
EV Stations2
Libraries6
Is Roanoke a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Roanoke receives an overall livability score of 1.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, high obesity rates. Roanoke faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
At 18.3%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 33.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 424 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,890 per 100,000, 47% above the national average.
Education
6.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 57.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Roanoke enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F. Winters average 51°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. With 313 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 63.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Roanoke has a population of 724 with a density of 1,684 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 25.1 years, 35% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 58.8% female and 41.2% male. The city is predominantly White (92.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 1.9% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 36.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
25.1yrs
Median Age
35% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $13,506 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $849, 41% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 18.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 33.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 800 business establishments, including 58 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $13,506 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $849 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,916 |
| Gini Index | 0.459 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 18.3% |
| 408% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 33.6% |
| 171% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 800 |
| County GDP | $1,046M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 58 |
| Healthcare | 65 |
| Retail | 105 |
| Manufacturing | 21 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,104 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.20 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 93.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $146,556. Fair market rent ranges from $832 for a one-bedroom to $1,007 for a two-bedroom apartment. 46.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 108 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $2,104 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 31.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $763 |
| 1 Bedroom | $832 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,007 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,298 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,508 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 46.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 46.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 53.2% |
| Housing Units | 108 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,104 |
| 40% below US avg |
In Roanoke, 44.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.1% of residents, above the national average. 40.9% have high blood pressure. 21.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.9% report binge drinking. 33.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 29.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.2% experience frequent mental distress. 9.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,695. The dentist ratio is 1:4,575. 48.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Roanoke vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.6% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.8% |
| Heart Disease | 7.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 40.9% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 9.2% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 4.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.2% |
| 51% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.6% |
| Depression | 29.5% |
| Mental Distress | 22.2% |
| Physical Distress | 16.6% |
| Short Sleep | 40.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.8% |
| Uninsured | 9.0% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,695 |
| Dentists | 1:4,575 |
| Mental Health | 1:501 |
| Checkup Rate | 79.2% |
| Dental Visits | 55.6% |
| Premature Death | 13,403/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 48.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 65 |
Roanoke has a violent crime rate of 424 per 100,000 residents, 12% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,890 per 100,000, 47% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 11 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 | 424.2/100K |
| 12% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,890.1/100K |
| 47% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 11 |
| Traffic Accidents | 36 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Roanoke enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F (20°C). Winters average 51°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. The area gets 313 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 63.5 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 26 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
51°F Jan (11°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 67.8°F |
| 26% above US avg |
| January Average | 51°F (11°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 313 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 26 ft (8 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,684/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 30.2355°N, 92.7481°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Jefferson Davis Parish County |
| Nearest Airport | Chennault International (CWF) 24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
63.5"
67% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.75"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 74.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 61.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 39.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Hurricane History
22 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Francine (2024, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Francine |
Category 2 |
174 km |
| 2021 |
Ida |
Category 4 |
191 km |
| 2020 |
Laura |
Category 4 |
69 km |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 3 |
237 km |
| 2020 |
Delta |
Category 2 |
21 km |
| 2019 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
88 km |
| 2012 |
Isaac |
Category 1 |
236 km |
| 2008 |
Ike |
Category 2 |
215 km |
| 2008 |
Gustav |
Category 2 |
82 km |
| 2007 |
Humberto |
Category 1 |
82 km |
| 2005 |
Rita |
Category 3 |
108 km |
| 2005 |
Cindy |
Category 1 |
280 km |
| 2002 |
Lili |
Category 3 |
50 km |
| 1997 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
298 km |
| 1992 |
Andrew |
Category 4 |
102 km |
| 1989 |
Jerry |
Category 1 |
246 km |
| 1989 |
Chantal |
Category 1 |
168 km |
| 1986 |
Bonnie |
Category 1 |
154 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 2 |
287 km |
| 1985 |
Juan |
Category 1 |
94 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
672 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 46 fatalities, 692 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 7, 1957 |
EF4 |
96 km |
1 |
| Dec 3, 1953 |
EF4 |
97 km |
9 |
| Apr 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
90 km |
1 |
| May 17, 2020 |
EF3 |
52 km |
1 |
| Dec 16, 2019 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
| Nov 21, 1992 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1984 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1983 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Feb 9, 1983 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Feb 9, 1983 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jan 31, 1983 |
EF3 |
95 km |
1 |
| Jan 31, 1983 |
EF3 |
52 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
77 km |
1 |
| Oct 29, 1974 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Oct 29, 1974 |
EF3 |
16 km |
2 |
| Apr 17, 1973 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 1973 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Feb 12, 1971 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
53 km |
1 |
| May 1, 1967 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: TIGER ISLAND (30,959 ac, 2023).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2023 |
TIGER ISLAND |
30,959 |
88 km |
| 2023 |
LASBR-BIL-FY23-RX-PRESCRIBED FIRE |
18,392 |
77 km |
| 2005 |
LACASSINE POOL |
16,640 |
34 km |
| 2002 |
BAYOU COMPLEX |
15,744 |
92 km |
| 1993 |
PF UNIT 5 |
15,059 |
100 km |
| 2007 |
UNIT 5 |
13,959 |
97 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
12,496 |
58 km |
| 1990 |
U 2 PF 90 1 |
12,490 |
90 km |
| 2005 |
UNIT 4 05 01 |
11,749 |
91 km |
| 2011 |
SABINE WEST - 2011 (UNIT 3) |
10,195 |
87 km |
| 2014 |
PINTAIL |
9,498 |
79 km |
| 1987 |
U 1 PF 87 09 |
8,953 |
78 km |
| 1998 |
UNIT 1 RX |
8,913 |
81 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
8,563 |
55 km |
| 2022 |
NORTHLINE |
8,096 |
82 km |
| 2000 |
RX 3 |
7,409 |
85 km |
| 2013 |
LEONARD |
7,235 |
84 km |
| 2023 |
HWY 113 |
7,104 |
85 km |
| 2005 |
UNIT 3 |
6,764 |
83 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
6,588 |
37 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
51°F (11°C) |
5.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
54°F (12°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| March |
61°F (16°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| April |
67°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
Driest |
| May |
75°F (24°C) |
5.8 in |
Wettest |
| June |
80°F (27°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
5.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
82°F (28°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| September |
78°F (26°C) |
5.8 in |
|
| October |
69°F (21°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| November |
60°F (15°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| December |
53°F (12°C) |
5.5 in |
|
Roanoke has a seasonal temperature swing of 31°F / from 51°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 60.2 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.8") and April the driest (3.9").
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) |
$221 ($132–$353) |
| Specialist Visit |
$309 ($176–$485) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$309) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,940 ($706–$4,410) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$221 ($132–$353) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$106) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$265 ($132–$441) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$529 ($353–$882) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$309) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$353 ($132–$706) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,174 ($3,528–$10,584) |
| Roof Repair |
$882 ($353–$1,764) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,938 ($4,851–$13,230) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,323 ($441–$3,087) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,230 ($4,410–$26,460) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,410 ($1,764–$8,820) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,323 ($706–$2,646) |
| Will Preparation |
$441 ($176–$882) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,205 ($882–$4,410) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$221) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44–$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.62 ($2.65–$4.85) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.09 ($2.21–$4.41) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.35 ($2.21–$4.85) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.97 ($2.65–$5.73) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.85 ($3.53–$6.62) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.59) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($71–$221) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$106) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$441) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,764 ($1,058–$3,087) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($26–$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.06–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$221) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,058 ($529–$2,205) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$882 ($441–$1,764) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$353 ($176–$617) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$882 ($353–$2,205) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,025 ($4,410–$26,460) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$265 ($132–$441) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$353) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $664 |
| Toddler | $638 |
| Preschool | $610 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $592 |
| Toddler | $592 |
| Preschool | $592 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Roanoke
What is the population of Roanoke?
Roanoke has a population of 724 residents and is located in Louisiana. The population density is 1,684 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 25.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 58.8% female and 41.2% male.
Is Roanoke expensive to live in?
Roanoke is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.2 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Roanoke safe?
The violent crime rate in Roanoke is 424 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,890 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Roanoke receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Roanoke?
Roanoke enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F (20°C). Winter temperatures average 51°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. The area receives 313 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 63.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Roanoke?
The job market in Roanoke faces challenges, with unemployment at 18.3% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $849. There are 800 business establishments in the area, including 58 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Roanoke?
Schools in Roanoke score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.8% of adults in Roanoke hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 57.0% have completed high school. 3.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Roanoke?
The obesity rate in Roanoke is 44.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.2% of adults are smokers. 33.6% are physically inactive. 29.5% of residents report depression. 9.0% lack health insurance. 48.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,695.
What are the demographics of Roanoke?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Roanoke is 92.5% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 1.9% of the population are military veterans. 36.7% of residents have a disability. 95.8% have health insurance coverage.