Boone, NC
Population 19,534 · North Carolina
About Boone, NC
Boone is a mid-sized city in North Carolina with a population of 19,534 residents. The median household income is $28,633 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Boone is 21.5 years.
Housing in Boone has a median home value of $373,600 and median monthly rent of $1,080. Of the 6,691 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 1,395 owner-occupied and 4,479 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Boone is 14.8% and the poverty rate is 52.1%. 53.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 14.9 minutes.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Boone
What is the population of Boone, NC?
The population of Boone, NC is 19,534 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Boone?
The median household income in Boone, NC is $28,633 per year.
What is the median home value in Boone?
The median home value in Boone, NC is $373,600.
What is the average rent in Boone?
The median monthly rent in Boone, NC is $1,080.
What is the unemployment rate in Boone?
The unemployment rate in Boone, NC is 14.8%.