Boone, NC
Population 19,534 · North Carolina
About Boone, NC
Boone is a mid-sized city located in North Carolina with a population of 19,534 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $28,633 per year, which is 62% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 21.5 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Boone features a median home value of $373,600, which is 53% above the national median of $244,900. This places Boone in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,080, 7% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,691 total housing units, 24% are owner-occupied (1,395 units) and 76% are renter-occupied (4,479 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Boone shows an unemployment rate of 14.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 52.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Boone have an average one-way commute time of 14.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
53.1% of Boone residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 3.7% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 3.3% Asian residents, with 4.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Boone Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Boone, NC
Compared to national averages, Boone has a median household income of $28,633 (62% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $373,600, which is 53% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,080 is 7% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Boone's income is 56% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 63% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Boone, NC?
Boone offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,080/month, and a well-educated community where 53.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 14.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($28,633) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $373,600. However, Boone’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Boone has a population of 19,534 with a median age of 21.5 years. Compare Boone with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Boone
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knightdale | 19,532 | $91,638 | $331,900 | Compare |
| Kinston | 19,576 | $35,250 | $108,300 | Compare |
| Lexington | 19,691 | $41,775 | $158,100 | Compare |
| Lumberton | 19,220 | $43,114 | $140,100 | Compare |
| Harrisburg | 19,203 | $143,393 | $431,900 | Compare |
| Mebane | 18,899 | $84,312 | $295,600 | Compare |
| Elizabeth City | 18,740 | $50,947 | $202,100 | Compare |
| Lenoir | 18,282 | $48,889 | $165,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Carolina
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Boone With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Boone
What is the population of Boone, NC?
The population of Boone, NC is 19,534 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Boone?
The median household income in Boone, NC is $28,633 per year, which is 62% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Boone?
The median home value in Boone, NC is $373,600, which is 53% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Boone?
The median monthly rent in Boone, NC is $1,080, which is 7% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Boone?
The unemployment rate in Boone, NC is 14.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Boone, NC a good place to live?
Boone offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 19,534 and a median age of 21.5, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Boone, NC?
53.1% of residents in Boone aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Boone?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Boone, NC: median home value is $373,600 (53% above national), median rent is $1,080/month, and median household income is $28,633. The home-value-to-income ratio is 13.0x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Boone?
The poverty rate in Boone, NC is 52.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Boone, NC?
Boone's population is 3.7% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 3.3% Asian, and 3.2% two or more races. 4.9% of residents are foreign-born.