Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Boone, IA
Thinking of moving to Boone, IA? With a friendly population of 12,322, Boone offers affordable living—median home prices are just $168,000 and rents average $820. Residents enjoy short 18-minute commutes and a low crime rate, with only 209 violent crimes per 100K people. Boone features quality schools, a strong sense of community, and four distinct seasons with 60% sunny days. It’s a great spot for those seeking small-town charm with easy access to education and essential amenities.
Demographics - Boone, IA
Boone, Iowa is home to about 12,300 residents, with a median age of nearly 40 and a population density of 1,350 people per square mile. The community is predominantly White, with over 93% identifying as such, and only a small percentage are non-English speakers. This city offers a balanced gender ratio and a friendly, close-knit atmosphere ideal for families and newcomers alike.
Population:
12,322
Density:
1,350 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.9
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
93.8%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
4.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Boone, IA?
Boone boasts a very affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $168,000 and average rent around $820 per month. Utility and grocery costs are also below the national average, making this city budget-friendly for households and individuals. State taxes range from 4.4% to 8.53%, helping residents keep more of their earnings.
Median House Value:
$168,000
Gross Rent:
$820
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$850
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,210
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
4.4%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.6
Grocery:
92.3
Housing:
68.7
Utilities:
98.5
Transportation:
86.4
Health Care:
91.2
Miscellaneous:
89.9
Crime
Is Boone, IA a safe place to live?
Boone enjoys a relatively low crime rate, with only 209 violent crimes per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 478 chance of being affected by violent crime. Property crime is also lower than in many comparably sized cities, offering peace of mind for families. Overall, Boone is considered a safe community to call home.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
209
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,320
Crime Index:
1,529
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 478
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 76
Weather
What is the weather like in Boone, IA year-round?
Residents in Boone experience all four seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 84°F and cold winters dipping to 11°F. The city receives about 35 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 60% of the year, perfect for outdoor activities. Seasonal changes bring vibrant falls and mild springs, contributing to the area's scenic charm.
Winter
Min:
11°F
Max:
32°F
Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
34.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Typical households in Boone earn a median income of $61,900, with a poverty rate just above 10% and an unemployment rate of 3.4%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and the average commute time is under 18 minutes. The area offers a welcoming, educated community with a modest cost of living and easy access to daily necessities.
Median Income:
$35,400
Household Income:
$61,900
Family Income:
$77,200
Per Capita Income:
$32,800
Income Male:
$46,300
Income Female:
$36,900
Poverty Rate:
10.4%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$820
Unemployment Rate:
3.4%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
17.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.9%
Bachelors or More:
27.8%
Education
How are the schools in Boone, IA?
Boone offers quality public and private schools, including Boone High School and Page Elementary, with favorable student-to-teacher ratios. The city is home to a campus of Des Moines Area Community College, and Iowa State University is just 15 miles away, providing a range of educational opportunities close to home. Families benefit from strong local schools and easy access to higher education.
Public Schools
Name:
Boone High School
Street:
400 7th St
Phone:
515-433-0890
Students:
670
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.3
Name:
Page Elementary School
Street:
1202 1st St
Phone:
515-433-0840
Students:
480
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.6
Private Schools
Name:
Trinity Lutheran School
Street:
712 12th St
Phone:
515-432-6912
Students:
120
Colleges
Name:
Des Moines Area Community College (Boone Campus)
City:
Boone
State:
IA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,800
Name:
Iowa State University
City:
Ames
State:
IA
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
30,700
Healthcare
Boone provides reliable healthcare access, anchored by Boone County Hospital offering emergency services and general care. With 1.8 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 95% health insurance coverage, locals benefit from accessible and responsive medical services. The city's healthcare index reflects solid options for both routine and urgent needs.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Boone County Hospital
Address:
1015 Union Street, Boone, IA 50036
Phone:
(515) 432-3140
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.1%
Health Care Index:
68.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Boone, IA?
The Boone housing market features a median home price of $168,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 67.5%. Rental options are available with an average two-bedroom rent of $820, and the area sees steady annual home appreciation near 5%. Low vacancy and foreclosure rates make this a stable and appealing market for buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$168,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$820
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.9%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents of Boone are served by the Iowa Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division located in nearby Ankeny. The DMV provides comprehensive vehicle registration, licensing, and related services with convenient phone and online support. Access to state DMV resources is straightforward and efficient for Boone locals.
State:
Iowa
Department:
Iowa Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
6310 SE Convenience Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50021
Phone:
515-244-8725
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.