Boone, NC β€” City Data, Demographics & Statistics

Watauga County Β· North Carolina

🧬

City DNA

A unique fingerprint for Boone based on 8 key metrics β€” compared to averages.

PopulationIncomeHome ValueSafetyEducationMedian AgeClimateCost of Living
Boone
National Avg
North Carolina Avg
Population: 62Income: 19Home Value: 37Safety: 100Education: 23Median Age: 36Climate: 50Cost of Living: 46

Quick Stats

Population

19,534

2023 ACS

Median Income

$28,633

2023

Median Home Value

$373,600

2023

Median Rent

$1,080

2023

Median Age

21.5

Unemployment

14.8%

Cost of Living Index

91.8

100 = national avg

Boone is a city in Watauga County, North Carolina, with a population of 19,534 according to the 2023 American Community Survey. Boone is one of the communities in North Carolina.

The median household income in Boone is $28,633, and the median home value is $373,600. The cost of living index is 91.8 (where 100 = national average), and the median rent is $1,080 per month. The unemployment rate is 14.8%, and the median age is 21.5 years.

People & Demographics

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023)

Population

Total Population

19,534

Male

9,122

46.7%

Female

10,412

53.3%

Median Age

21.5

Education & Household

Bachelor's or Higher

15.9%

High School or Higher

21.3%

Foreign Born

5.0%

Veterans

1.1%

Married

13.8%

Avg Household Size

2.3

Marital Status by Age

Race & Ethnicity

Diversity Index

0.247

Simpson's Index (0-1)

Largest Group

White

86.1%

Foreign Born

5.0%

White
86.1%
Black
4.7%
Asian
2.1%
Native American
0.2%
Two or More
5.4%
Other
1.5%

Hispanic/Latino Ethnicity

Hispanic/Latino is an ethnicity, not a race. People of any race can identify as Hispanic. This percentage overlaps with the racial categories above.

Hispanic/Latino

7.8%

1,522 people

Not Hispanic/Latino

92.2%

Hispanic/Latino Detail

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023)
Mexican
717 (47.1%)
Puerto Rican
135 (8.9%)
Cuban
17 (1.1%)
Dominican
27 (1.8%)
Salvadoran
17 (1.1%)
Guatemalan
12 (0.8%)
Honduran
136 (8.9%)
Other Hispanic
460 (30.2%)

Asian Detail

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023)
Asian Indian
3 (0.7%)
Chinese
99 (23.9%)
Filipino
5 (1.2%)
Vietnamese
113 (27.3%)
Korean
113 (27.3%)
Japanese
43 (10.4%)
Thai
12 (2.9%)
Other Asian
26 (6.3%)

American Indian & Alaska Native Detail

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023)
Other Native American
41 (100.0%)

Languages Spoken

Total Speakers (5+)

19,256

English Only

93.5%

#1 Non-English Language

Spanish

696 speakers

Limited English

2.7%

Language Distribution

Spanish
696 (3.6%)
Slavic Languages
120 (0.6%)
Korean
110 (0.6%)
Vietnamese
96 (0.5%)
Other Indo-European
81 (0.4%)
Arabic
54 (0.3%)
German
37 (0.2%)
Other Languages
28 (0.1%)
Other Asian
21 (0.1%)
French/Haitian/Cajun
8 (0.0%)

English Proficiency

Speaks English Very Well

97.3%

Limited English Proficiency

2.7%

Spanish
41.7% limited English
Slavic Languages
44.2% limited English
Korean
82.7% limited English
Vietnamese
36.5% limited English
Other Indo-European
22.2% limited English
Arabic
24.1% limited English
Other Asian
81.0% limited English

Veterans & Military

Total Veterans

205

1.0% of population

Disability Rate

3.4%

7 with disability

Veteran Median Income

$62,775

Period of Service

Gulf War (2001+)
7.3%
Gulf War (1990-2001)
12.7%
Vietnam
50.2%
Korea
2.9%

Veteran Age Distribution

18-34
7.3%
35-54
12.7%
55-64
12.7%
65-74
12.2%
75+
55.1%

Male Veterans

205

100.0%

0

Veteran vs Non-Veteran Income

Veteran Income

$62,775

Non-Veteran Income

$10,196

Difference

$52,579

515.7% higher

Disability Status

With Disability

7

Without Disability

198

Disability Rate

3.4%

Ancestry & Heritage

Total Reporting Ancestry

18,148

#1 Ancestry

English

16.2% (3,173)

#2 Ancestry

Irish

14.9% (2,913)

#3 Ancestry

American

14.1% (2,750)

Top 20 Ancestries

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023)
English
16.2%
Irish
14.9%
American
14.1%
German
14.0%
European
6.6%
Italian
6.3%
Scotch-Irish
4.7%
Scottish
3.1%
Polish
2.4%
French
2.0%
Ukrainian
1.4%
Swedish
1.1%
Arab
0.9%
Sub-Saharan African
0.8%
Hungarian
0.8%
Welsh
0.8%
British
0.6%
Russian
0.6%
Swiss
0.4%
West Indian
0.3%

Families & Households

Total Households

5,874

Family Households

1,580

26.9%

Married Couples

1,155

19.7%

Non-Family Households

4,294

73.1%

Single Mother Households

389

6.6%

Single Father Households

36

0.6%

Living Alone

1,860

31.7%

Children Under 18

Total Children

1,025

In Married Couple

708

69.1%

With Single Mother

317

30.9%

With Single Father

0

0.0%

Family Income

Median Family Income

$84,602

Married Couple Income

$106,504

Single Mother Income

$25,309

Avg Family Size

2.3

Avg Non-Family Size

2.3

Grandparents w/ Grandchildren

55

Grandparents Responsible

13

Economy

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023)

Income Overview

Median Household Income

$28,633

-61% vs national

Per Capita Income

$18,600

-50% vs national

Poverty Rate

52.1%

+283% vs national

Gini Index

0.5884

0 = perfect equality

Unemployment

14.8%

+185% vs national

SNAP Recipients

7.8%

of households

How Boone Compares

Boone vs Similar Cities

Compared to cities with 10,000 - 25,000 residents. Boone is highlighted.

Median Household Income

Per Capita Income

Poverty Rate

Unemployment Rate

πŸ“Š

Where Do You Stack Up?

Enter your household income to see how you compare to other households in Boone. The median household income here is $28,633.

$

Income Distribution

<$25K
45.8%
$25-50K
22.9%
$50-75K
8.5%
$75-100K
8.4%
$100-150K
8.2%
$150-200K
4.0%
$200K+
2.3%

Employment Snapshot

Unemployment Rate

14.8%

+156% vs NC avg

Labor Force

10,093

Employed

8,597

Mean Commute

13 min

How People Get to Work

Employment by Sector

Education & Workforce

Bachelor's Degree+

15.9%

of adults 25+

High School Diploma+

21.3%

of adults 25+

Median Age

21.5

Work from Home

10.4%

of workers

Cost of Living

Overall Index

91.8

100 = national avg

-8.2 vs national average

Living Wage (1 Adult)

$40,396

per year

Living Wage (Family of 4)

$95,482

per year

Cost Index by Category

Housing
141.6
Food
71.9
Transportation
53.5
Healthcare
77.5
Utilities
91.4

100 = national average. Higher = more expensive.

Fair Market Rent

Source: HUD

1 Bedroom

$988

per month

2 Bedroom

$1,177

per month

The median household income in Boone, NC is $28,633, which is 60.9% below the national average of $73,224. Per capita income is $18,600. The poverty rate of 52.1% is higher than the NC state average of 16.0%. The Gini index of income inequality is 0.5884, where 0 represents perfect equality and 1 represents maximum inequality. The unemployment rate is 14.8%, compared to the state average of 5.8%. The labor force is 10,093. 15.9% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 13 minutes, with 10.4% working from home. About 67.4% of workers drive alone to work. The overall cost of living index is 91.8, which is 8.2% below the national average. Housing costs are above the national average at an index of 141.6. A single adult needs to earn approximately $40,396 per year to cover basic expenses.

Housing & Real Estate

Market SnapshotRedfin β€” January 2026

Median Sale Price

$266,250

Median List Price

$449,000

Price Per Sq Ft

$250

Days on Market

90

Active Inventory

25

Months of Supply

6.3

Buyer's market

Zillow Home Value

$468,578

ZHVI β€” January 2026

Zillow Rent Index

$1,800

ZORI β€” January 2026

Market CompetitivenessRedfin

Sold Above List

0.0%

Off Market in 2 Weeks

0.0%

Sale-to-List Ratio

89.1%

Buyer's market

Sold Above Asking
0.0%
Under Contract in 2 Wks
0.0%
Listings with Price Drops
8.0%

Price TrendsRedfin

Sale Price ↓ 31.3%List Price ↓ 9.1%Mar 24 β†’ Jan 26

Market ActivityRedfin

Homes Sold

4

New Listings

8

Pending Sales

4

Homes Sold ↓ 33.3%New Listings ↓ 20.0%Pending ↓ 50.0%Mar 24 β†’ Jan 26

Price Per Square FootRedfin

Median Sale $/SF

$250

Median List $/SF

$316

Sale $/SF ↓ 7.1%List $/SF ↑ 2.6%Mar 24 β†’ Jan 26

Boone vs Similar CitiesCensus ACS / Redfin

Compared to cities with 10,000 - 25,000 residents. Boone is highlighted.

Median Home Value

Median Rent

Median Price Per Sq Ft

Rent Burden

Census Housing DataU.S. Census Bureau ACS 2023

Median Home Value

$373,600

Median Rent

$1,080

Total Housing Units

6,691

Vacancy Rate

12.2%

Owner Occupied

23.8%

Renter Occupied

76.3%

Median Property Tax

$2,233

per year

Monthly Cost (w/ Mortgage)

$1,220

Housing Types

Single Family
30.5%
Multi-Family
67.2%
Mobile Home
2.3%

Property TaxU.S. Census Bureau ACS 2023

Median Property Tax

$2,233

per year

Effective Tax Rate

0.60%

of home value

Median Home Value

$373,600

Estimated Mean Tax

$2,448

The effective property tax rate is calculated by dividing the median annual property tax ($2,233) by the median home value ($373,600). In Boone, NC, this works out to an effective rate of 0.60%. This is below the national average of approximately 1.1%.

The current median sale price in Boone, NC is $266,250 according to Redfin data. Homes spend a median of 90 days on the market. 0.0% of homes sold above asking price. The market has 6.3 months of supply. The median price per square foot is $250. Zillow's observed rent index is $1,800/month. About 23.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. The median year homes were built is 1984. There are 6,691 total housing units. Homeowners pay a median annual property tax of $2,233. The effective tax rate is 0.60%, below the national average.

Crime Overview

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (2024)

Violent Crime Rate

0.90

per 1,000 residents

-65% vs national

Property Crime Rate

9.09

per 1,000 residents

-47% vs national

Total Crimes

200

2024

Violent Clearance

56%

cases solved

Property Clearance

31%

cases solved

YoY Change

-14.1%

violent crime rate

improving vs 2023

How Boone Compares

Source: FBI (2024)

Boone vs Similar Cities

Source: FBI (2024)

Compared to cities with 10,000 - 25,000 residents. Boone is highlighted in green.

Violent Crime Rate (per 1,000)

Property Crime Rate (per 1,000)

Murder Rate (per 1,000)

Crime Rate Trends

Source: FBI
Violent ↓ 48.3%Property ↓ 50.4%2015 β†’ 2024

Crime Composition

Source: FBI (2024)

Violent Crime Breakdown

Property Crime Breakdown

Crime Clearance (Solve) Rates

Source: FBI (2024)

Boone police solve 100% of robbery cases but only 28% of burglary cases.

Weapon Used in Violent Crime

Source: FBI (2024)

Crime Breakdown

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (2024)
Crime TypeCategoryCountRate per 1KClearance %
MurderViolent00.00N/A
RapeViolent80.4050.0%
RobberyViolent10.05100.0%
Aggravated AssaultViolent90.4544.4%
BurglaryProperty251.2528.0%
Larceny/TheftProperty1497.4430.2%
Motor Vehicle TheftProperty80.4050.0%

Boone, NC reported 18 violent crimes and 182 property crimes in 2024. The violent crime rate of 0.90 per 1,000 residents is 65.4% below the national average of 2.60 per 1,000. Law enforcement cleared 56% of violent crimes. Larceny/theft accounts for 149 of the property crime reports. Firearms were involved in 22.2% of aggravated assaults. Violent crime has been trending downward.

Crime History

Source: FBI
YearViolentPropertyViolent RateProperty Rate
2024181820.909.09
2023212321.0511.57
2022202771.1115.38
2021332771.6213.63
2020232701.1513.52
2019262611.3113.12
2018242891.2314.80
2017343821.7819.96
2016353931.9021.39
2015323371.7418.32

Natural Hazard Risk

Source: FEMA National Risk Index

Risk Score

71.9

Relatively Low

Expected Annual Loss

68.8

Score (0-100)

Social Vulnerability

61.5

Score (0-100)

Community Resilience

68.4

Score (0-100)

Scores range from 0 (lowest risk) to 100 (highest risk) relative to all U.S. communities. Data from FEMA National Risk Index.

Disaster History & Federal Spending

Source: FEMA

Total Declarations

23

Public Assistance

$48.5M

Individual Assistance

$36.7M

Most Common Type

Hurricane

9 declarations

Public Assistance by Category

Total: $41.0M
DisasterTypeDatePA $IA $
Severe Winter Storm β†’Winter StormJan 2026β€”β€”
Tropical Storm Helene β†’Tropical StormSep 2024$43.1M$35.9M
Hurricane Ian β†’HurricaneOct 2022β€”β€”
Remnants of Tropical Storm Fred β†’HurricaneSep 2021$104Kβ€”
Hurricane Isaias β†’HurricaneAug 2020β€”β€”
Covid-19 Pandemic β†’BiologicalMar 2020$3.5M$463K
Covid-19 β†’BiologicalMar 2020β€”β€”
Hurricane Dorian β†’HurricaneSep 2019β€”β€”
Hurricane Florence β†’HurricaneSep 2018β€”β€”
Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, Mud… β†’FloodOct 2013β€”β€”
Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and… β†’FloodSep 2013$380Kβ€”
Severe Winter Storms and Flooding β†’Severe StormFeb 2010$1.1Mβ€”
Hurricane Katrina Evacuation β†’HurricaneSep 2005β€”β€”
Hurricane Ivan β†’HurricaneSep 2004$195K$197K
Tropical Storm Frances β†’HurricaneSep 2004$82K$227K
Severe Storms and Flooding β†’Severe StormJan 1998β€”β€”
Winter Storm β†’SnowstormFeb 1996β€”β€”
Blizzard of 96 β†’SnowstormJan 1996β€”β€”
Severe Storms, Flooding, High Winds β†’FloodOct 1995β€”β€”
Severe Snowfall & Winter Storm β†’SnowstormMar 1993β€”β€”

Showing 20 of 23 disasters

PA = FEMA Public Assistance (infrastructure recovery). IA = Individual Assistance (homeowner/renter aid).

Flood Insurance (NFIP)

Source: FEMA NFIP

Total Claims

460

Total Claims Paid

$16,249,502

Avg Claim Payout

$35,325

County-level NFIP data from FEMA National Flood Insurance Program.

Hazard Mitigation

Source: FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance

Mitigation Projects

10

Federal Funding

$5,331,417

Properties Protected

39

Avg Benefit-Cost Ratio

1.31

BCR

Top Mitigation Project Types

Project TypeProjectsFederal $
200.1: Acquisition of Private Real Property (Structures and Land) - Riverine6$4,256,764
91.1: Local Multihazard Mitigation Plan2$749,997
106.1: Other Non Construction (Regular Project Only)1$75,000
91.5: Local Multijurisdictional Multihazard Mitigation Plan - UPDATE1$249,656

Federally funded projects to reduce future disaster risk. Only includes completed or obligated projects.

Boone has a relatively low overall natural hazard risk rating according to FEMA's National Risk Index. The top hazard risks are landslide, ice storm, cold wave. The area has had 23 federal disaster declarations. The most common disaster type is hurricane (9 declarations). 460 flood insurance claims have been filed in the area. FEMA has obligated $48,516,753 in public assistance recovery funding. $36,746,453 has been distributed in individual assistance to disaster-affected residents. 10 hazard mitigation projects have been funded to reduce future risk.

Health

Community Health

Source: CDC PLACES

Obesity Rate

32.0%

4.1pp below the national average

Depression Rate

33.5%

10.0pp above the national average

Diabetes Rate

5.4%

6.5pp below the national average

Uninsured Rate

11.8%

1.2pp above the national average

Health Scorecard

Higher scores indicate better health outcomes relative to the national average (50 = average)

Health Outcomes

Age-adjusted prevalence rates. Green bars indicate rates below the national average; red indicates above.

High Cholesterol

21.2%

Arthritis

12.8%

Cancer (excl. skin)

3.1%

Teeth Lost (65+)

20.3%

Health Risk Behaviors

Prevention & Screening

Green bars indicate rates above the national average (more preventive care); red indicates below.

Mental Health & Wellbeing

Frequent Mental Distress

26.1%

14+ days in past month

Depression

33.5%

Loneliness

41.8%

Lack of Support

22.2%

Disability Prevalence

Any Disability

37.8%

Mobility

8.6%

Cognitive

25.2%

Hearing

5.2%

Vision

6.5%

Self-Care

3.1%

Independent Living

13.0%

Health-Related Social Needs

Prevalence of social risk factors affecting community health

Boone has an obesity rate of 32.0%, which is 4.1pp below the national average. The depression rate is 33.5%, 10.0pp above the national average. About 11.8% of adults lack health insurance. 73.2% of residents had an annual checkup in the past year.

Nearby Hospitals

Source: CMS Hospital Compare

Nearest Hospitals

5

With Emergency Services

4

Avg CMS Rating

2.5 / 5

Nearest Hospital

1.0 mi

Watauga Medical Center

Loading map…
HospitalDistanceTypeRatingER
Watauga Medical Center1.0 miAcute Care Hospitals4/5Yes
Charles A Cannon Jr Memorial Hospital14.1 miCritical Access Hospitalsβ€”Yes
Appalachian Regional Behavioral Healthcare14.1 miPsychiatricβ€”β€”
Caldwell Memorial Hospital17.5 miAcute Care Hospitals1/5Yes
Johnson County Community Hospital18.7 miCritical Access Hospitalsβ€”Yes

Climate & Environment

Water Systems

Source: EPA SDWIS

Water Systems

12

Pop. Served

32,398

Violations (5yr)

7

System NamePop. ServedViolations (5yr)
BOONE, TOWN OF19,8110
APPALACHIAN STATE UNIV WTP11,1502
BLUE RIDGE MTN CLUB6850
BRADFORD PARK3102
BLUE RIDGE PRESERVATION INC1500
LAURELWOOD DEVELOPMENT710
PEBBLE CREEK APARTMENTS521
VALLEY VIEW S/D400
THE BLUFFS AT BLOWING ROCK381
GREEN BRIAR APARTMENTS350
BLOOMFIELD APARTMENTS311
HEAVENLY MTN RESORT-VILLAGE250

There are 12 water systems serving the area. 7 water quality violations have been reported in the past 5 years.

Infrastructure

Commute Overview2023 ACS

Mean Commute

13 min

-43% vs national

Drive Alone

67.4%

-14% vs national

Public Transit

2.5%

+183% vs national

Work From Home

10.4%

+12% vs national

Carpool

7.9%

Walk

10.7%

How Boone's Commute ComparesCensus ACS 2023

How People Get to WorkCensus ACS 2023

Commute Mode BreakdownCensus ACS 2023

Traffic Fatalities

Source: NHTSA FARS (2021)

Fatalities

1

2021

3-Year Avg

1

fatalities/yr

YearCrashesFatalitiesAlcoholPedestrianCyclist
202111000
202011000
201911000

Data from NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). Includes only crashes involving at least one fatality.

The average commute in Boone, NC is 13 minutes, which is 43.2% below the national average of 23 minutes. 67.4% of workers drive alone, compared to the national average of 78.7%. 10.4% work from home, which is above the NC state average of 9.4%. Public transit is used by 2.5% of commuters, compared to the national average of 0.9%. 7.9% of workers carpool. 10.7% walk to work. In 2021, there were 1 traffic fatality from 1 fatal crash.

Internet & Broadband Access

Source: Census ACS

Broadband Access

85.2%

of households

Cable / Fiber / DSL

74.8%

of households

No Internet

6.1%

of households

Total Households

5,874

Internet Subscription Types

Cable, Fiber, or DSL
74.8%
Cellular Data Plan
81.8%
Satellite
3.7%
Cellular Only (no wired)
8.8%
No Internet Access
6.1%

Device Ownership

Source: Census ACS

Has Computer

97.3%

of households

Smartphone

96.2%

of households

Desktop / Laptop

88.0%

of households

Tablet

58.1%

of households

Any Computing Device
97.3%
Smartphone
96.2%
Desktop / Laptop
88.0%
Tablet
58.1%
Smartphone Only
7.3%
No Computer
2.7%

Percentage of households with each device type. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023 5-year estimates, tables B28001 & B28002).

Electricity Rates

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (2024)

Residential Rate

14.1Β’

per kWh

-26% vs 10,000 - 25,000 avg

Commercial Rate

10.6Β’

per kWh

-32% vs 10,000 - 25,000 avg

Industrial Rate

7.8Β’

per kWh

-35% vs 10,000 - 25,000 avg

Avg Monthly Bill

$144

residential

-2% vs 10,000 - 25,000 avg

17% below the national average of 17.1Β’/kWh

Residential electricity in North Carolina averages 14.1Β’ per kWh, compared to the national average of 17.1Β’. The average monthly electric bill is $144. State-level averages from EIA Electric Sales & Revenue data (2024).

Boone vs Similar Cities

Source: EIA (2024)

Comparing electricity rates with randomly selected cities of similar population (10,000 - 25,000). Each city represents its state's average rate.

Residential Rate (Β’/kWh)

Commercial Rate (Β’/kWh)

Industrial Rate (Β’/kWh)

Average Monthly Bill

Water Systems

Source: EPA SDWIS

Water Systems

12

Population Served

32,398

Violations (5yr)

7

System NameTypeSourcePop. ServedViolations
BOONE, TOWN OFCommunitySurface water19,8110
APPALACHIAN STATE UNIV WTPCommunitySurface water11,1502
BLUE RIDGE MTN CLUBCommunityGround water6850
BRADFORD PARKCommunityGround water3102
BLUE RIDGE PRESERVATION INCCommunityGround water1500
LAURELWOOD DEVELOPMENTCommunityGround water710
PEBBLE CREEK APARTMENTSCommunityGround water521
VALLEY VIEW S/DCommunityGround water400
THE BLUFFS AT BLOWING ROCKCommunityGround water381
GREEN BRIAR APARTMENTSCommunityGround water350
BLOOMFIELD APARTMENTSCommunityGround water311
HEAVENLY MTN RESORT-VILLAGECommunityGround water250

85.2% of households in Boone have broadband internet access. 74.8% have cable, fiber, or DSL service. 8.8% rely solely on cellular data without a wired connection. 6.1% of households have no internet access. 7.3% use only a smartphone without a desktop or laptop. The area is served by 12 water systems, providing water to 32,398 people. A total of 7 water quality violations have been recorded over the past 5 years.

Politics & Government

County-level data: Election results are reported at the county level. Boone is located in Watauga County, NC. Results reflect all voters in the county, not just those in Boone.

Election Overview

Source: Watauga County (2024)

2024 Winner

Democrat

Dem Votes

17,225

52.3%

GOP Votes

15,254

46.3%

Total Votes

32,934

Margin

D+6.0%

Shift from 2020

R+2.3pp

vs prior election

πŸ“ŠElection Results by Year
2016–2024
πŸ“ˆPartisan Lean Trend
D+6.0%

Election History

Source: County-Level Election Results
YearDem VotesGOP VotesTotalDem %GOP %Margin
202417,22515,25432,93452.3%46.3%D+6.0
202017,12214,45132,22053.1%44.9%D+8.3
201613,95313,52128,76948.5%47.0%D+1.5

In the 2024 presidential election, Watauga County recorded 32,934 total votes. Democrats won the county with 52.3% of the vote compared to 46.3% for Republicans, a margin of D+6.0%. Compared to 2020, the margin shifted R+2.3pp from the previous election. Since 2016, Watauga County has shifted 4.5 percentage points toward Democrats.

Nonprofits Overview

Source: IRS Exempt Organizations BMF

Total Nonprofits

226

Total Assets

$3.2B

Total Income

$2.5B

Per 10K Residents

115.7

nonprofits

+82.2% vs peers avg

Orgs with >$1M Assets

32

Median Assets

$410K

Oldest Active

1945

ruling year

Newest Org

2026

ruling year

Nonprofits by Category

Source: IRS / NTEE Classification
Religion
36
Arts & Culture
23
Education
18
Philanthropy
16
Human Services
11
Health Care
10
Environment
8
Recreation & Sports
8
Mental Health
7
Animal-Related
6
Housing & Shelter
6
International
6
Public Benefit
6
Public Safety
5
Food & Agriculture
4
Community Improvement
4
Crime & Legal
3
Youth Development
3
Science & Tech
2
Voluntary Health
1
Employment
1
97.0%of all nonprofit assets are held by the 10 largest organizations

Top 10 hold $3.1B of $3.2B total

Nonprofit Size Distribution

Source: IRS Exempt Organizations BMF

Number of nonprofits by total asset size

When Were Nonprofits Founded?

Source: IRS Ruling Date

Number of currently active nonprofits by founding decade

Nonprofits per 10K Residents vs Similar Cities

Source: IRS BMF + Census ACS

Compared to cities with population 10,000 - 25,000

Largest Nonprofits in Boone

Source: IRS Exempt Organizations BMF
OrganizationCategoryAssetsIncomeEst.IRS
SAMARITANS PURSEReligion$2.6B$2.3B1981
APPALACHIAN STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION INCβ€”$240.4M$34.6M1971
APPALACHIAN REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT CORPPRATIONHousing & Shelter$94.0M$9.6M2000
APPALACHIAN REGIONAL HEALTHCARE SYSTEM INCMental Health$34.0M$1.2M2006
APPALACHIAN REGIONAL HEALTHCARE FOUNDATIONPhilanthropy$33.5M$7.0M2006
NORTHWESTERN HOUSING ENTERPRISES INCORPORATEDHousing & Shelter$24.6M$3.9M2023
APPALACHIAN REGIONAL MEDICALASSOCIATES INCHealth Care$22.6M$30.4M2008
HIGH COUNTRY COMMUNITY HEALTHHealth Care$22.4M$28.3M2010
BLUE RIDGE CONSERVANCYEnvironment$21.5M$5.9M2000
WATAUGA OPPORTUNITIES INCEmployment$10.8M$8.7M1974
WINE TO WATEREnvironment$8.4M$7.0M2008
APPALACHIAN VOICESEnvironment$7.9M$6.8M1998
APPALACHIAN THEATRE OF THE HIGH COUNTRYArts & Culture$7.7M$1.4M2013
KATHLEEN KENNEDY FOUNDATIONPhilanthropy$7.7M$1.6M2016
THE WESTERN YOUTH NETWORK INCHuman Services$6.7M$3.7M1986
HOSPITALITY HOUSE OF NORTHWEST NORTH CAROLINAHousing & Shelter$6.7M$3.5M1985
WATAUGA HUMANE SOCIETYAnimal-Related$5.0M$1.0M1971
STEVENS FAMILY FOUNDATION INCβ€”$3.9M$933K1993
ARBORCREST GARDENS INCScience & Tech$3.4M$934K1989
BLUE RIDGE ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE LEAGUE INCEnvironment$2.9M$782K1987
MEAT CAMP VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT INCPublic Safety$2.9M$575K2012
HEBRON COLONY MINISTRIES INCMental Health$2.7M$1.3M1949
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY INTERNATIONAL INCβ€”$2.3M$1.7M1987
FREEDOM FARM MINISTRIESβ€”$2.2M$1.7M2007
INCA LINK INTERNATIONALReligion$2.1M$3.3M2011
INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS INCReligion$1.8M$597K1998
HIGH COUNTRY SOCCER ASSOCIATIONRecreation & Sports$1.8M$890K2001
BOONE CRISIS PREGNANCY CENTER INC 232 BIRCH STHealth Care$1.6M$578K1989
OPPOSING ABUSE WITH SERVICE INFORMATION AND SHELTER INCHuman Services$1.6M$1.5M1979
THE HUNGER AND HEALTH COALITION INCFood & Agriculture$1.5M$3.3M1983
W A M Y COMMUNITY ACTION INCβ€”$1.4M$2.1M1965
CHILDRENS COUNCIL OF WATAUGA COUNTY INCβ€”$1.0M$2.6M1981
HIGH COUNTRY UNITED WAYPhilanthropy$921K$1.6M1981
SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN BOTANICAL SOCIETYEnvironment$843K$63K1990
ERNEST HEMINGWAY FOUNDATIONβ€”$708K$224K1966
HOGAN FAMILY FOUNDATION INCPhilanthropy$638K$194K2001
BLUE RIDGE WOMEN IN AGRICULTUREFood & Agriculture$606K$1.5M2005
HIGH COUNTRY CHRISTIAN EDUCATION MINISTRIESEducation$573K$1.3M2009
HIGH COUNTRY CAREGIVER FOUNDATIONHuman Services$515K$1.4M2007
F A R M CAFE INCβ€”$504K$748K2012
CHILDRENS PLAYHOUSE INCYouth Development$493K$285K2005
WOMENS FUND OF THE BLUE RIDGE INCHuman Services$492K$599K2007
WATAUGA COUNTY EMERGENCY AND RESCUE SQUAD INCHealth Care$490K$349K1992
CCCLINIC INCHealth Care$469K$579K2007
VELA INSTITUTE INCEducation$418K$1.7M2018
TO MOVE MOUNTAINS PROJECTSInternational$410K$936K2019
MEDIATION AND RESTORATIVE JUSTICE CENTER INCCrime & Legal$382K$1.3M1994
GLOBAL DEVELOPERS NETWORK INCReligion$334K$811K2009
AARON ROSS SHAPIRO FOUNDATIONPhilanthropy$290K$269K2018
RESORT AREA MINISTRY RAMReligion$274K$336K2011

Boone, NC has 226 registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with combined assets of $3.2B. The most common category is Religion-Related, with 36 organizations. 32 nonprofits have assets exceeding $1 million. That works out to 115.7 nonprofits per 10,000 residents. The oldest active nonprofit dates back to 1945.

SBA Lending Overview

Source: SBA FOIA Loan-Level Data

Total SBA Loans

119

Total Approved

$43.7M

Jobs Supported

1,046

Per 10K Residents

60.9

SBA loans

-9.4% vs peers avg

Unique Lenders

37

Top Lender

First National Bank of Pennsylvania

25 loans

Top Industry

Accommodation & Food Services

Data Span

1992–2026

Loan Program Breakdown

Source: SBA FOIA
7(a)97% of all loans

Loans

115

Total Amount

$39.2M

Avg Loan

$341,130

Median Loan

$100,000

SBA Guaranteed

$29.6M(76%)

Jobs Supported

994

5043% of all loans

Loans

4

Total Amount

$4.5M

Avg Loan

$1,121,750

Median Loan

$442,500

7(a) β€” 97%504 β€” 3%

Recent Activity (Last 5 Years)

Source: SBA FOIA

Recent Loans

34

29% of all-time total

Recent Amount

$21.4M

49% of all-time total

Avg Recent Loan

$629,850

Top Industries Funded

Source: SBA FOIA / NAICS Codes
Accommodation & Food Services25 loans
NAICS 72
$10.4M
Construction12 loans
NAICS 23
$3.1M
Retail Trade11 loans
NAICS 44
$6.8M
Retail Trade10 loans
NAICS 45
$1.3M
Professional & Technical Services9 loans
NAICS 54
$5.7M

SBA Loans per 10K Residents vs Similar Cities

Source: SBA FOIA + Census ACS

Compared to cities with population 10,000 - 25,000

Top SBA Borrowers

Source: SBA FOIA
BusinessLoansAmount
Be Kind Llc5$6.4M
Milan Real Estate Llc1$3.4M
Mountain Beverage Llc3$3.3M
Animal Emergency and Pet Care Clinic of the High Country Pllc3$3.3M
Blue Ridge Waterworks Llc2$2.3M
Carolina Cabin Rentals1$2.3M
Lost Province Brewing Company Llc2$1.8M
Animal Emergency and Pet Care Clinic of the High Country1$1.7M
Clean & Dry Environmental Solutions Llc1$1.6M
Dr Ellie Dc Inc.1$1.1M

Boone, NC has received 119 SBA loans totaling $43.7M in approved funding between 1992 and 2026. The 7(a) program accounts for 115 loans (97% of the total), supporting 994 jobs. The 504 program, focused on real estate and large equipment, has funded 4 loans totaling $4.5M. The most common industry receiving SBA funding is Accommodation & Food Services. The most active SBA lender in Boone is First National Bank of Pennsylvania with 25 loans. That works out to 60.9 SBA loans per 10,000 residents.

ZIP Code Overview

Source: Census ACS

ZIP Codes

6

Total Population

48,367

Avg Median Income

$62,580

Avg Home Value

$319,683

ZIP Code Details

Source: Census ACS
ZIP CodePopulationMedian IncomeHome ValueMedian RentArea (sq mi)
286053,471$74,865$449,500$1,10532.8
2860735,504$44,132$339,200$1,081101.7
286182,240$62,667$308,000$1,05737.5
286263,058$71,186$301,300$1,26629.7
286841,835$66,123$295,300$1,15250.2
286982,259$56,506$224,800$66325.9

Boone, NC has 6 ZIP codes with a combined population of 48,367. The average median household income across all ZIP codes is $62,580. The average median home value is $319,683. The average median monthly rent is $1,054.

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