Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Boone, NC
Thinking of moving to Boone, NC? This vibrant college town of 19,092 offers affordable living with median home prices at $392,000 and average rents around $1,270. Boone enjoys a low violent crime rate of just 98 per 100k, short 14-minute average commutes, and a beautiful mountain climate with cool summers and 55% sunny days. The city is home to Appalachian State University, boasts strong public schools, and provides easy access to outdoor recreation in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Explore Boone’s welcoming community, cost-of-living advantages, and outstanding quality of life below!
Demographics - Boone, NC
Boone, NC is a youthful college town with a population of 19,092 and a median age of just 21, reflecting the influence of Appalachian State University. The city is predominantly White, with a small but diverse mix of other ethnic groups, and about 6% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density gives Boone a lively but not overcrowded feel.
Population:
19,092
Density:
1,680 per sq mi
Median Age:
21.0
Gender Ratio:
83 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.3%
Ethnic Composition
White:
90.5%
Black:
3.6%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
4.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Boone, NC?
Boone offers a cost of living that is slightly below the national average, with a cost of living index of 98.2. Housing is the biggest expense, with median home values at $392,000 and average rents around $1,270, while utilities and groceries remain affordable. Residents benefit from North Carolina’s flat income tax rate of 4.75% and overall manageable monthly expenses.
Median House Value:
$392,000
Gross Rent:
$1,270
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,140
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,690
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$510
State Taxes:
Low:
4.75%
|
High:
4.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
98.2
Grocery:
96.4
Housing:
104.7
Utilities:
100.2
Transportation:
92.8
Health Care:
97.5
Miscellaneous:
95.8
Crime
Is Boone, NC a safe place to live?
Boone is considered a safe community, with a notably low violent crime rate of 98 per 100,000 people and property crime remaining below national averages. Residents have a 1 in 1,020 chance of experiencing violent crime, making it an attractive option for families and students alike. The city’s overall crime index reflects a secure, welcoming environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
98
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,032
Crime Index:
1,130
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,020
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 97
Weather
What is the weather like in Boone, NC year-round?
Boone enjoys a cool mountain climate with pleasant summers averaging highs of 78°F and mild winters with lows around 21°F. The town receives about 54 inches of annual rainfall and experiences sunshine 55% of the year, creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities. Seasonal changes are distinct, offering vibrant springs and colorful autumns.
Winter
Min:
21°F
Max:
41°F
Spring
Min:
37°F
Max:
67°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
78°F
Fall
Min:
36°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
54.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
55%
Neighbors
The local community is shaped by Appalachian State University, with a median income of $19,500 and a high educational attainment—over half the population holds a bachelor’s degree or higher. Commute times are short at just over 14 minutes, and a small percentage use public transportation. While the poverty rate is higher due to the large student population, Boone’s residents enjoy a strong sense of community and access to cultural and educational opportunities.
Median Income:
$19,500
Household Income:
$38,700
Family Income:
$72,100
Per Capita Income:
$18,900
Income Male:
$21,000
Income Female:
$18,000
Poverty Rate:
38.7%
Non English Speakers:
6.3%
Rent:
$1,270
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
2.8%
Commute Time:
14.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
94.9%
Bachelors or More:
52.3%
Education
How are the schools in Boone, NC?
Boone is home to strong public schools with favorable student-to-teacher ratios and a selection of private school options. The city is anchored by Appalachian State University, which enrolls over 20,000 students and brings vibrant educational and cultural resources to the area. Educational attainment is high, making Boone a great choice for families and lifelong learners.
Public Schools
Name:
Hardin Park School
Street:
361 Jefferson Rd
Phone:
828-264-8481
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Watauga High School
Street:
300 Go Pioneers Dr
Phone:
828-264-2407
Students:
1,480
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.9
Private Schools
Name:
Grace Academy
Street:
2075 Old US Hwy 421 S
Phone:
828-773-7832
Students:
75
Colleges
Name:
Appalachian State University
City:
Boone
State:
NC
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
20,400
Healthcare
Boone residents have access to quality healthcare through Watauga Medical Center and a solid network of physicians, with about 2.1 doctors per 1,000 people. Over 90% of the population is insured, contributing to a strong healthcare index score. Emergency services are readily available for both residents and students.
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:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.4%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Boone, NC?
The Boone housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $392,000 and a strong appreciation rate of 6.4% over the past year. Only about 28% of homes are owner-occupied, reflecting the city’s large student and renter population, while rental vacancies remain moderate. The market’s stability and growth make Boone appealing to both homebuyers and investors.
Median Home Price:
$392,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,270
Owner Occupied Rate:
27.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.4%
New Construction Rate:
2.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Boone’s DMV services are managed by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located on Bamboo Road. Residents can access driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other services both in person and online. The DMV provides essential support for newcomers and long-term residents alike.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
4469 Bamboo Rd, Boone, NC 28607
Phone:
1-919-715-7000
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.