Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Radford, VA
Considering a move to Radford, VA? This lively college city of 16,070 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $196,000 and average rents at $950. Enjoy a short 16-minute average commute, low violent crime (117 per 100K), and mild four-season weather with 58% sunny days annually. Home to Radford University, the city boasts a youthful vibe, good public schools, and easy access to healthcare, making it an appealing choice for students, families, and professionals alike.
Demographics - Radford, VA
Demographics - Radford, VA
Radford, VA is a youthful and diverse city of 16,070 residents, with a median age of 23.2, reflecting its strong college-town atmosphere. The population is predominantly White (80.2%), with notable Black (10.6%) and Asian (2.7%) communities, and about 6% are non-English speakers. Its balanced gender ratio and moderate population density create a welcoming environment for newcomers.
Population:
16,070
Density:
1,600 per sq mi
Median Age:
23.2
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
80.2%
Black:
10.6%
Asian:
2.7%
Others:
6.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Radford, VA?
Radford offers affordable living with a median home value of $196,000 and average rent around $950, making it accessible for students and families. The overall cost of living index is 85.7, well below the national average, with particularly low housing costs. Utilities and groceries are also reasonably priced, helping residents stretch their budgets further.
Median House Value:
$196,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,180
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
2%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
85.7
Grocery:
93.0
Housing:
67.5
Utilities:
95.1
Transportation:
88.3
Health Care:
96.2
Miscellaneous:
92.5
Crime
Is Radford, VA a safe place to live?
Radford boasts a low violent crime rate of 117 per 100,000 residents, offering a safe environment for families and students. While property crime is somewhat higher, with a chance of 1 in 76, overall crime rates remain manageable for a city of its size. Residents can expect a generally secure community with typical precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
117
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,320
Crime Index:
1,437
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 855
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 76
Weather
What is the weather like in Radford, VA year-round?
Radford experiences all four seasons, with mild winters (24°F–43°F) and warm summers (61°F–83°F), making it comfortable year-round. The city receives about 41.6 inches of rain annually and enjoys 58% sunny days, perfect for outdoor activities. Fall and spring are pleasantly moderate, providing scenic beauty and comfortable temperatures.

Winter
Min:
24°F
Max:
43°F

Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
69°F

Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
The city features a blend of students and families, with a median household income of $39,200 and a 28% poverty rate, reflecting its college town character. Most residents enjoy short commutes averaging 16 minutes, and about 89% have a high school diploma or higher. The community is diverse, with a friendly, small-town feel and a moderate unemployment rate of 4.6%.
Median Income:
$21,500
Household Income:
$39,200
Family Income:
$58,700
Per Capita Income:
$20,500
Income Male:
$31,000
Income Female:
$29,300
Poverty Rate:
28.0%
Non English Speakers:
6.2%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
4.6%
Public Transport Usage:
2.1%
Commute Time:
15.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.4%
Bachelors or More:
33.1%
Education
How are the schools in Radford, VA?
Radford offers quality educational options, including well-rated public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios and a respected private academy. The city is home to Radford University, providing higher education opportunities, and is just 18 miles from Virginia Tech. This strong education network makes Radford ideal for families and students alike.

Public Schools
Name:
McHarg Elementary School
Street:
700 Twelfth St
Phone:
540-731-3653
Students:
375
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.7
Name:
Dalton Intermediate School
Street:
60 Dalton Dr
Phone:
540-731-3652
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.9

Private Schools
Name:
Radford Christian Academy
Street:
1820 2nd St
Phone:
540-639-5296
Students:
70

Colleges
Name:
Radford University
City:
Radford
State:
VA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
7,500
Name:
Virginia Tech
City:
Blacksburg
State:
VA
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
37,000
Healthcare
Radford residents benefit from easy access to major facilities like the Carilion New River Valley Medical Center nearby. With 2.1 physicians per 1,000 people and 91.8% health insurance coverage, the area provides solid healthcare resources. Overall, the healthcare index of 78.3 supports a healthy and well-served community.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Carilion New River Valley Medical Center
Address:
2900 Lamb Circle, Christiansburg, VA 24073
Phone:
(540) 731-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.8%
Health Care Index:
78.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Radford, VA?
Radford's housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $196,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $950. About 41% of homes are owner-occupied, and the city sees a healthy 4.5% annual home appreciation. Rental vacancies are moderate at 7.1%, offering options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$196,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
40.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.5%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing in Radford are managed by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest full-service DMV located in Roanoke. Residents can access services online or by phone for convenience. The DMV supports all standard motor vehicle needs for Virginia residents.
State:
Virginia
Department:
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
4520 Valley View Blvd NW, Roanoke, VA 24012
Phone:
1-804-497-7100
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.