Blue Ridge is a census-designated place (CDP) in southern Botetourt County, Virginia, United States. The population was 3,185 at the 2020 census. The CDP is located along U.S. Route 460. It is part of the Roanoke metropolitan area.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 6.088 square miles (15.77 km²).
Demographics
2020 census
As of the 2020 census, Blue Ridge had a population of 3,185. The median age was 48.4 years. 21.0% of residents were under the age of 18 and 21.5% of residents were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 96.2 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 91.8 males age 18 and over.
75.2% of residents lived in urban areas, while 24.8% lived in rural areas.
There were 1,232 households in Blue Ridge, of which 30.0% had children under the age of 18 living in them. Of all households, 62.4% were married-couple households, 11.6% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present, and 20.6% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present. About 20.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.
2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 3,084 people residing in the CDP. There were 1,269 housing units. The racial makeup of the CDP was 95.8% White, 2.6% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.0% Pacific Islander, 0.2% from other races, and 0.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.8% of the population.
2000 census
As of the census
Another county maintained park, Blue Ridge Park, is located just outside of the CDP. The park includes a baseball field, softball field, soccer field, basketball courts, tennis courts, walking trail, and paved track.
Government
The United States Postal Service operates the Blue Ridge Post Office within the CDP. The Blue Ridge ZIP Code extends into parts of neighboring Bedford County.
Education
The CDP is served by Botetourt County Public Schools. Public school students residing in Blue Ridge are zoned to attend Colonial Elementary School, Read Mountain Middle School, and Lord Botetourt High School.
Higher education institutions are located in Hollins and Roanoke.
Infrastructure
Aqua Virginia operates a number of community water systems within Blue Ridge.
Public safety
Law enforcement is provided by the Botetourt County Sheriff's Office. Fire protection and emergency medical services are provided by the Botetourt County Department of Fire and EMS and the Blue Ridge Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, which operates a fire station within the CDP.
Transportation
Air
The Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport is the closest airport with commercial service to the CDP.
Highways
- 20px U.S. Route 221 (Blue Ridge Boulevard)
- 20px U.S. Route 460 (Blue Ridge Boulevard)
- 20px Blue Ridge Parkway
Rail
The Norfolk Southern operated Blue Ridge District runs through the CDP. The closest passenger rail service is located in Roanoke.
Notable people
- Susan Swecker, former chair of the Democratic Party of Virginia