Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Blowing Rock, NC
Thinking of moving to Blowing Rock, NC? With a small-town population of 1,410 and a median home price of $591,000, Blowing Rock offers a picturesque mountain lifestyle with a higher cost of living, abundant nature, and a tight-knit community. The area boasts low violent crime rates, a short average commute of 19 minutes, and high educational attainment. Residents enjoy four distinct seasons and easy access to top-rated schools and healthcare, making it a charming destination for those seeking scenic living and tranquility.
Demographics - Blowing Rock, NC
Demographics - Blowing Rock, NC
Blowing Rock is a close-knit mountain town with a population of 1,410, known for its predominantly older residents—the median age is 63.5. The community is largely White, with a small percentage of other ethnic groups, and maintains a relaxed, friendly atmosphere ideal for retirees or those seeking a quieter pace of life.
Population:
1,410
Density:
530 per sq mi
Median Age:
63.5
Gender Ratio:
87 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
95.0%
Black:
1.3%
Asian:
1.4%
Others:
2.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Blowing Rock, NC?
Living in Blowing Rock comes with a higher cost of living, as reflected by the median home value of $591,000 and an overall cost of living index of 115. Housing is notably more expensive than the national average, while groceries and utilities remain closer to typical U.S. costs.
Median House Value:
$591,000
Gross Rent:
$1,230
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$720
State Taxes:
Low:
5.25%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
115.0
Grocery:
98.2
Housing:
138.0
Utilities:
95.4
Transportation:
103.7
Health Care:
98.5
Miscellaneous:
97.3
Crime
Is Blowing Rock, NC a safe place to live?
Blowing Rock boasts a low violent crime rate, with only 81 incidents per 100,000 residents, making it a safe place to call home. Property crime is more common but still manageable, contributing to the community's welcoming and secure feel.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
81
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,110
Crime Index:
1,191
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,235
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 90
Weather
What is the weather like in Blowing Rock, NC year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with warm summers averaging highs of 76°F and cool winters dipping to 24°F at night. The area receives about 57 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 55% of the year, perfect for outdoor activities throughout the changing seasons.

Winter
Min:
24°F
Max:
41°F

Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
63°F

Summer
Min:
57°F
Max:
76°F

Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
57.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
55%
Neighbors
Blowing Rock’s neighbors enjoy a median household income of $75,300 and a low unemployment rate of 3.8%. The area is well-educated, with over 97% of adults holding at least a high school diploma, and most residents have short commutes, averaging under 19 minutes.
Median Income:
$39,800
Household Income:
$75,300
Family Income:
$95,100
Per Capita Income:
$54,100
Income Male:
$52,000
Income Female:
$42,000
Poverty Rate:
7.8%
Non English Speakers:
4.5%
Rent:
$1,230
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
18.6 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
97.2%
Bachelors or More:
55.5%
Education
How are the schools in Blowing Rock, NC?
Blowing Rock offers access to quality education, featuring a well-rated public elementary school with small class sizes, as well as private school options. Higher education is easily accessible, with Appalachian State University just 8 miles away in Boone.

Public Schools
Name:
Blowing Rock Elementary School
Street:
165 Morris St
Phone:
828-295-3204
Students:
375
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5

Private Schools
Name:
Grace Academy
Street:
180 Boone Heights Dr, Boone, NC
Phone:
828-773-7830
Students:
120

Colleges
Name:
Appalachian State University
City:
Boone
State:
NC
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
20,000
Healthcare
Healthcare in Blowing Rock is accessible, with Watauga Medical Center nearby and a strong network of physicians offering 2.2 doctors per 1,000 residents. The majority of residents have health insurance coverage, ensuring peace of mind for families and retirees.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Watauga Medical Center
Address:
336 Deerfield Rd, Boone, NC 28607
Phone:
(828) 262-4100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.0%
Health Care Index:
76.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Blowing Rock, NC?
Blowing Rock’s housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $591,000 and owner-occupied homes making up over 75% of properties. Home values have appreciated by 5.1% over the past year, reflecting steady demand for this scenic mountain locale.
Median Home Price:
$591,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,230
Owner Occupied Rate:
75.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.1%
New Construction Rate:
2.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents handle vehicle and licensing needs through the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles office in nearby Boone, offering convenient access to state services. The DMV provides comprehensive resources both in person and online for local drivers.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
125 Poplar Grove Connector, Boone, NC 28607
Phone:
919-715-7000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.