Radford is a city in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of Virginia, in the New River Valley region. As of the 2020 census, the population was 22,360. Radford is the county seat of Radford City.
History
Radford was founded in 1887 as a railroad town, and was named after William Radford, a civil engineer who worked on the Norfolk and Western Railway. The city grew rapidly in the early 20th century, as it became a major center for the production of coal, iron, and steel. In the 1950s, Radford began to diversify its economy, and today it is a major center for education, healthcare, and manufacturing.
Geography
Radford is located in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of Virginia, in the New River Valley region. The city is bordered by Montgomery County to the north, east, and south, and by Pulaski County to the west. Radford is situated at the confluence of the New River and the Roanoke River.
Climate
Radford has a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. The average temperature in July is 77 °F (25 °C), and the average temperature in January is 35 °F (2 °C). The city receives an average of 43 inches (1,092 mm) of precipitation per year.
Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the population of Radford was 22,360. The city’s population is predominantly white, with African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians making up the remaining minority population. The median age in Radford is 26.4 years, and the median household income is $52,800.
Economy
Radford’s economy is based on a diverse range of industries, including education, healthcare, manufacturing, and tourism. The city is home to Radford University, which is the largest employer in the city. Other major employers in Radford include Carilion New River Valley Medical Center, Volvo Trucks North America, and Corning.
Culture
Radford is a vibrant city with a rich culture. The city is home to a number of museums, art galleries, and theaters. Radford also has a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Radford Music Festival, the Radford Art Walk, and the Radford Farmers Market.
Transportation
Radford is located at the intersection of Interstate 81 and U.S. Route 11, which makes it easily accessible by car. The city is also served by the Amtrak Cardinal train line.
Education
Radford is home to Radford University, which is a public research university with an enrollment of over 9,000 students. The city is also home to a number of other colleges and universities, including Virginia Tech, New River Community College, and Wytheville Community College.
Healthcare
Radford is home to Carilion New River Valley Medical Center, which is a 422-bed hospital that provides a wide range of medical services. The city is also home to a number of other hospitals and clinics.
Tourism
Radford is a popular tourist destination, due to its beautiful scenery, its rich history, and its cultural attractions. The city is home to a number of museums, art galleries, and theaters. Radford also has a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Radford Music Festival, the Radford Art Walk, and the Radford Farmers Market.
Government
Radford is governed by a council-manager form of government. The city council is composed of seven members who are elected at-large. The city manager is appointed by the city council and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the city.
