If you're considering moving to the area, you've likely wondered about the population and steets of Roanoke. While a small city, Roanoke is home to over 66,000 residents, a large minority of whom are African American. The city's economic development began with the construction of an 1880s Norfolk & Western Railroad headquarters, and the area grew quickly from a small settlement to an industrial powerhouse.
During the 20th century, Roanoke continued to grow via annexation, although the city's legislative body barred itself from annexing neighboring counties. This area of the Blue Ridge Mountains is located between Tennessee and Maryland, and the city became a major transportation hub. However, its growth is largely due to the growth of the railroad and highway system.
Those who work alone are especially vulnerable, as nearly seventy-five percent of residents drove alone to work in 2014. In contrast, only four percent of workers opted for working from home. The chart shows the number of households using each mode of transportation over time. The chart employs a logarithmic scale on the y-axis to make it easier to distinguish the variations among smaller forms of transportation.
The Economic Development Department has a mandate to diversify the economy, broaden the tax base, and provide long-term employment opportunities for residents. By promoting a thriving business climate, the department is able to connect the needs of the business community with the local workforce. The Cave Spring area was ranked as one of the best places to live in America by CNN Money, and it has been named one of the best places to work by Money magazine.