Roanoke County Public RecordsVirginia

Roanoke County, VA features 28 public schools, including 5 high schools, with a high school graduation rate of 92%. Around 38% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools typically score above the state average, with an average GreatSchools rating of 6/10. The district offers specialized programs such as STEM and career-technical education. School safety initiatives include School Resource Officers and security systems. Adult education is available through the Roanoke Valley Adult Education program, serving over 2,000 learners annually.

Roanoke County, VA, had an unemployment rate of 2.7% in 2023. Top employment sectors include health care and social assistance (18%), retail trade (12%), and educational services (11%). Most workers are employed in office and administrative support (13%) and management (11%) roles. About 89% of residents commute by car, with a mean travel time of 21 minutes; over 60% work outside the county, primarily in Roanoke City and Salem.

Roanoke County, VA, has a homeownership rate of approximately 72%, with median home values around $275,000 in 2024, reflecting steady 4-5% annual growth. Median rent averages $1,150 monthly. Housing types include single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments, with established neighborhoods like Cave Spring, Hollins, and Vinton. Property tax rates are $1.09 per $100 assessed value. The market remains balanced, with moderate inventory and low vacancy rates.

As of the 2020 Census, Roanoke County, VA had a population of approximately 96,929. The median age was 44.9 years. About 51% of residents were female and 49% male. The racial makeup was 87.1% White, 5.5% Black or African American, 3.3% Asian, and 2.9% Hispanic or Latino. Other races and those identifying as two or more races comprised 3.6% of the population.

Roanoke County, VA, has over 70,000 registered voters as of 2023. Residents participate in federal, state, and local elections, including presidential, gubernatorial, and school board races. In the 2020 presidential election, 60% voted Republican and 38% Democrat. There are 33 polling locations managed by the Roanoke County Office of Elections. Key issues include education funding and property taxes. Elections are overseen by a bipartisan electoral board, and both major parties—Republican and Democratic—have significant local presence. Voter turnout typically ranges from 45% in local to over 70% in major elections.

Roanoke County, VA, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. According to the latest FBI data, the county reported a violent crime rate of 1.5 incidents per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 13.2 per 1,000 in 2022. Community policing and prompt reporting via platforms such as the Roanoke County Police crime map contribute to enhanced safety. Overall, both violent and property crime rates have decreased slightly over the past five years, reflecting ongoing local law enforcement and neighborhood watch initiatives.