Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Roanoke, AL
Thinking of moving to Roanoke, AL? With a close-knit population of about 6,000, Roanoke offers affordable living—median home prices are just $89,000 and average rent is $660. The town enjoys mild winters, hot summers, and 60% sunny days each year. Commute times average a quick 22 minutes, and while crime is higher than national averages, residents appreciate the friendly community and easy access to local schools and outdoor recreation. Explore Roanoke’s cost of living, education, and housing below to see if it’s the right fit for you.
Demographics - Roanoke, AL
Demographics - Roanoke, AL
Roanoke, Alabama is a small city of about 6,000 residents, with a median age of 41 and a population that is 57% White and nearly 40% Black. The city is moderately dense, and only a small percentage of residents are non-English speakers, contributing to a close-knit community feel.
Population:
5,960
Density:
520 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
86 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
57.2%
Black:
39.7%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
2.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Roanoke, AL?
Roanoke offers an affordable cost of living, with median home values at just $89,000 and average rents of $660. The overall cost of living index is 74.6, well below the national average, making it attractive for budget-conscious individuals and families.
Median House Value:
$89,000
Gross Rent:
$660
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,190
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$900
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$340
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
74.6
Grocery:
92.3
Housing:
54.9
Utilities:
100.1
Transportation:
81.0
Health Care:
88.5
Miscellaneous:
90.2
Crime
Is Roanoke, AL a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Roanoke are higher than the national average, with a 1 in 208 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 48 chance of property crime. While safety is a concern, many residents value the sense of community and take precautions to stay secure.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
480
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,100
Crime Index:
2,580
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 208
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 48
Weather
What is the weather like in Roanoke, AL year-round?
Roanoke experiences mild winters with lows in the 30s, hot summers reaching into the low 90s, and enjoys about 60% sunny days annually. The area receives over 53 inches of rainfall per year, supporting lush surroundings and outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
33°F
Max:
54°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
77°F
Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
91°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
53.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
The median household income in Roanoke is $37,100, with about 23% of the population living below the poverty line. The community enjoys short commute times averaging 22 minutes, and most residents travel by car as public transit is limited.
Median Income:
$25,700
Household Income:
$37,100
Family Income:
$47,900
Per Capita Income:
$20,100
Income Male:
$29,500
Income Female:
$22,300
Poverty Rate:
22.8%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$660
Unemployment Rate:
5.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
22.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
79.6%
Bachelors or More:
12.7%
Education
How are the schools in Roanoke, AL?
Roanoke offers both public and private educational options, including Handley High School and Knight Enloe Elementary with favorable student-teacher ratios. The nearby Southern Union State Community College is just 13 miles away and provides higher education opportunities for local students.
Public Schools
Name:
Handley High School
Street:
100 Tiger Circle
Phone:
334-363-9547
Students:
510
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.1
Name:
Knight Enloe Elementary School
Street:
400 Sunset Dr
Phone:
334-863-5401
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8
Private Schools
Name:
Randolph County Christian Academy
Street:
86 Academy Dr
Phone:
334-863-7105
Students:
130
Colleges
Name:
Southern Union State Community College
City:
Wadley
State:
AL
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
4,000
Healthcare
Residents of Roanoke have access to urgent care and nearby hospital services, with 1.4 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 88% health insurance coverage. While specialized services may require travel to larger cities, basic healthcare needs are met locally.
Major Hospitals
Name:
MainStreet Family Care
Address:
1830 Hwy 431, Roanoke, AL 36274
Phone:
(334) 863-2200
Type:
Urgent Care & Primary Care
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
East Alabama Medical Center (EAMC-Lanier)
Address:
4800 48th St, Valley, AL 36854
Phone:
(334) 756-9180
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.6%
Health Care Index:
71.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Roanoke, AL?
Roanoke’s housing market is characterized by affordable home prices around $89,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $660. A majority of homes are owner-occupied, and the area sees modest home appreciation with a relatively high rental vacancy rate.
Median Home Price:
$89,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$660
Owner Occupied Rate:
59.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
11.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.9%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Driver licensing and vehicle registration services for Roanoke are handled by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, with the nearest office in Phenix City. Residents can access resources and schedule appointments through the state’s official DMV website.
State:
Alabama
Department:
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency – Driver License Division
Address:
1000 Broad St, Phenix City, AL 36867
Phone:
1-334-242-4400
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.