Roanoke County, Virginia
Encyclopedia : R : RO : ROA : Roanoke County, Virginia
Roanoke County is a county located in the U.S. state — officially, "Commonwealth" — of Virginia. As of the 2000 census, the population was 85,778. Its county seat is Salem6. The independent cities of Roanoke and Salem (incorporated as such in 1884 and 1968 respectively) are located within the boundaries of Roanoke County, but are not a part of the county.
History
The county was formed in 1838 from the southern part of Botetourt County. It was named for the Roanoke River. Additional territory was transferred to Roanoke County from Montgomery County in 1845. Salem was originally the county seat. When Salem became an independent city, by agreement with the County the Roanoke County Courthouse remained in Salem (and the two localities share a jail). However, the County Administrative Offices were moved to the Cave Spring District. Accordingly, the Board of Supervisors now sits in the County, not Salem, and, thus, there is no incorporated municipality within the County that is formally designated as the "County Seat."Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 650 km² (251 mi²). 650 km² (251 mi²) of it is land and 0 km² (0 mi²) of it (0.07%) is water.Districts
The county is divided into five Supervisory Districts: Catawba, Cave Spring, Hollins, Vinton, and Windsor Hills. Vinton is an incorprated town with an elected town counsel, but is adminsistratively a part of the County. Salem is an independent city and is no longer administratively part of the County.There are five high schools located in Roanoke County. They are Cave Spring, Glenvar, Hidden Valley, Northside, and William Byrd. Famous people from Roanoke County include Tiki Barber and Ronde Barber. Hollins University, a member of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference, is located in Northern Roanoke County, near the Botetourt County border.
Adjacent Counties
- Botetourt County, Virginia - northeast
- Bedford County, Virginia - east
- Franklin County, Virginia - southeast
- Floyd County, Virginia - south-southwest
- Montgomery County, Virginia - west
- Craig County, Virginia - northwest
Demographics
As of the census² of 2000, there were 85,778 people, 34,686 households, and 24,696 families residing in the county. The population density was 132/km² (342/mi²). There were 36,121 housing units at an average density of 56/km² (144/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 93.63% White, 3.35% Black or African American, 0.12% Native American, 1.61% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.39% from other races, and 0.89% from two or more races. 1.04% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.There were 34,686 households out of which 30.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.90% were married couples living together, 8.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.80% were non-families. 25.10% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 2.88.
In the county, the population was spread out with 22.70% under the age of 18, 6.60% from 18 to 24, 27.50% from 25 to 44, 27.20% from 45 to 64, and 15.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 89.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.30 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $47,689, and the median income for a family was $56,450. Males had a median income of $39,126 versus $26,690 for females. The per capita income for the county was $24,637. About 2.70% of families and 4.50% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.20% of those under age 18 and 4.90% of those age 65 or over.
Towns
- Vinton
- Bent Mountain
External links
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