Information on Roanoke, Virginia and the surrounding area

Roanoke is an area with a population of 230,100 centered in southwestern Virginia’s famous Shenandoah Valley. Roanoke is also positioned along Interstate 81 about midway between New York City and Atlanta and is located approximately 168 miles west of Richmond and 201 miles southwest of Washington DC. An estimated 870,895 people live within a one-hour drive of Roanoke.

The Roanoke MSA consists of 93,700 households, sports an estimated effective buying income totaling over $4.035 billion and produces total estimated retail sales of $2.634 billion. Roanoke boasts a median family income of $43,425 and a median household income of $35,971. The cost of living adjusted per capita income is $27,445, the highest in Virginia and the 11^th highest level nationally. Roanoke also produces approximately $34,777 in Per Household Retail Sales and is ranked 26^th nationally in this category.

Driving the economic success of the region is a relatively diverse and stable employment base, a modest cost of living and mild climate. The top five employers in the Roanoke area are Carilion Health Systems (a regional hospital and health care system), Roanoke County Public Schools, Manpower, Norfolk Southern (a railroad company with a sizable regional presence) and First Union National Bank (with a major regional operations center). The cost of the average home is $134,500. The average temperature is mild at 56° F. Monthly average rainfall totals 3.41".