Roanoke County, Virginia

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Roanoke County
U.S. county
County of Roanoke
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Coordinates:
Country	United States
Seat	Salem
Area
• Total	251 sq mi (650 km2)
• Land	250 sq mi (600 km2)
• Water	1 sq mi (3 km2)
Population  (2020)
• Total	96,470
• Density	380/sq mi (150/km2)
Website	Roanoke County, Virginia

[[Category:{{{state}}} counties]]

Roanoke County is a county located in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 96,470. The county seat is the independent city of Salem, though the county itself is part of the Roanoke metropolitan area.

History

Roanoke County was established in 1838 from parts of Botetourt and Montgomery counties. The county was named after the Roanoke River, which flows through the area. The name "Roanoke" is derived from the Algonquian word for "shell money."

Geography

Roanoke County is located in the western part of Virginia, within the Blue Ridge Mountains. The county has a total area of 251 square miles, of which 250 square miles is land and 1 square mile is water. The Roanoke River is a significant waterway in the county.

Adjacent counties and cities

• Botetourt County - north
• Bedford County - east
• Franklin County - south
• Montgomery County - west
• Craig County - northwest
• City of Roanoke - east
• City of Salem - center

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, Roanoke County had a population of 96,470. The county has a diverse population with a mix of urban and rural communities. The largest city in the county is Hollins.

Economy

The economy of Roanoke County is diverse, with significant contributions from healthcare, education, manufacturing, and retail sectors. The county is home to several major employers, including Carilion Clinic and Roanoke College.

Education

Roanoke County is served by the Roanoke County Public Schools system, which includes several elementary, middle, and high schools. Higher education institutions in the area include Roanoke College and Hollins University.

Transportation

Roanoke County is well-connected by several major highways, including Interstate 81 and U.S. Route 220. The county is also served by the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport.

Government

Roanoke County operates under a Board of Supervisors form of government. The Board is responsible for setting policies and overseeing the administration of county services.

Communities

Cities

• Salem (independent city, county seat)

Census-designated places

• Cave Spring
• Hollins
• Vinton

Other communities

• Bent Mountain
• Catawba
• Glenvar

See also

• Roanoke, Virginia
• Roanoke Valley
• Blue Ridge Mountains
• Roanoke River (Virginia)

External links

• Roanoke County, Virginia