Radford by the Numbers
Demographic data, housing statistics, income, employment, and cost of living for Radford, Virginia. Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau and City-Data.com estimates (2024).
Population
17,273
96% urban · 4% rural
Median Age
23.5 yrs
Virginia: 38.4 years
Household Income
$56,683
Per capita: $26,921
Median Home Value
$232,089
Virginia: $403,500
Median Rent
$1,076/mo
Contract rent: $891
Cost of Living
86.2
U.S. average = 100
Poverty Rate
28.7%
Elevated by student population
Bachelor's Degree+
37.9%
High school+: 93.8%
Population & Demographics
Population Growth (2000–2024)
+8.9% growth since 2000
Race & Ethnicity (2024)
Age Distribution
Median age: 23.5 years — driven by Radford University's student population
Quick Facts
Land Area
10 sq mi
Water Area
0.4 sq mi
Density
1,724/sq mi
ZIP Codes
24141, 24142
Area Code
540
Elevation
~1,800 ft
Males
47.8%
Females
52.2%
📌 Radford's very young median age (23.5) and high poverty rate (28.7%) are largely driven by Radford University's ~9,000 students, many of whom are counted as city residents.
Housing & Real Estate
Median Home Value: Radford vs Virginia
Radford homes remain significantly more affordable than the state average
Housing Stock by Type
Housing Snapshot
Total Units
6,566
Occupied
5,632
Owner-Occupied
2,401 (43%)
Renter-Occupied
3,276 (57%)
Housing Density
669/sq mi
Vacancy Rate
14.2%
Prices & Costs
Median Home Value
Median Gross Rent
Property Taxes (w/ mortgage)
Detached Houses
$281,465
Townhouses
$235,325
Monthly Housing Cost
$986
Tax Rate
0.7% of value
Income & Cost of Living
Income Comparison
Median Household Income
Per Capita Income
Income (w/ Mortgage)
Income (No Mortgage)
Cost of Living Index
Radford's cost of living is 13.8% below the national average (U.S. = 100).
Red line = U.S. average (100)
💡 Housing is the biggest savings — Radford housing costs are roughly 38% below the national average, making it one of the most affordable areas in Virginia.
Poverty Rate by Group
Overall
28.7%
White (Non-Hisp.)
27.5%
Black
33.1%
Hispanic/Latino
28.9%
Two+ Races
41.2%
Am. Indian
23.8%
Note: Radford's high poverty rate is significantly influenced by the large student population. Many college students living independently are counted as below the poverty line despite family support.
Employment & Workforce
Employment by Industry
Workforce Profile
Private Sector
74%
Government
23%
Self-Employed
3%
Unpaid Family
0%
Commute to Work
Mean commute time: 19 minutes
Taxpayer Migration (2021→2022)
Moved In
16.1% of taxpayers
Avg AGI: $39,053
Moved Out
16.4% of taxpayers
Avg AGI: $43,519
Top exchange: Montgomery County, VA (home of Virginia Tech)
Geography & Environment
Location
Coordinates: 37.13°N, 80.57°W
Region: New River Valley, SW Virginia
Nearest city: Roanoke (35 mi east)
Classification: Independent City
River: New River (one of the oldest in the world)
Nearby Distances
Blacksburg: 10 miles
Christiansburg: 8 miles
Roanoke: 35 miles
Greensboro, NC: 84 miles
Richmond: 190 miles
Washington, DC: 250 miles
Notable
Churches: 9+ (Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, etc.)
Cemeteries: 3 (Central, West View, Rock Road)
Waterways: New River, Plum Creek, Connellys Run
Businesses: RADVA Corp, New River Pharmaceuticals
Radon Risk: High (above 4 pCi/L)
Data Sources & Methodology
Data on this page is compiled from the U.S. Census Bureau (American Community Survey, 2020 Decennial Census), City-Data.com (2024 estimates), Bureau of Labor Statistics, and IRS Statistics of Income (taxpayer migration). Cost of living indices are from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). Some figures are estimates and may differ from official city records. Population counts include Radford University students residing in the city.