Living in Blowing Rock, North Carolina
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Blowing Rock · Census data 2020–2024
Blowing Rock has 992 residents with a median age of 59.7. The median household income is $120,938 (67% higher than the North Carolina median), the median home value is $705,000, the median rent is $1,278/month.
Blowing Rock is a small town, so Census survey estimates have wide margins of error. Treat percentages as approximate.
Blowing Rock at a glance
- Population
- 992
- Median age
- 59.7State: 39.1
- Median household income
- $120,938State: $72,388
- Median home value
- $705,000State: $288,900
- Median rent
- $1,278/moState: $1,228
- Homeowners
- 83.3%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 64.2%
- Average commute
- 22 min
Is Blowing Rock a good place to live?
Pros: Median household income 67% higher than the North Carolina median; an average commute of 22 minutes; unemployment of 0.4%; a poverty rate of 2.4%.
Cons: Home values 144% higher than the state median.
The weather is best in June to September.
Cost of living in Blowing Rock
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Blowing Rock the median home value is $705,000, 112% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,278 per month, which is 18.1% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $2,597 a month in housing costs.
Blowing Rock median household income
The median household income in Blowing Rock is $120,938 and the income per person is $71,169. 2.4% of residents live below the poverty line (North Carolina: 13%).
Housing in Blowing Rock: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 1,931
- Owner-occupied
- 83.3%
- Renter-occupied
- 16.7%
- Vacant
- 74.9%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1985
- Average household size
- 1.93
74.9% of homes are vacant most of the year, a sign that Blowing Rock has many vacation and second homes.
Blowing Rock demographics
- Population
- 992
- Median age
- 59.7
- Under 18
- 8.4%
- 65 and older
- 37.2%
- Households
- 484
- Foreign-born
- 2%
- Veterans
- 2.6%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Blowing Rock ›
Education in Blowing Rock
64.2% of adults 25 and older in Blowing Rock have a bachelor's degree or higher (North Carolina: 35.7%), and 28.5% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Blowing Rock
- Unemployment rate
- 0.4%State: 4.7%
- Average commute
- 22 minState: 25 min
- Work from home
- 17.5%
- Drive alone
- 78.4%
- Public transit
- 0%
- Walk to work
- 1%
- Homes with broadband
- 94.4%
Blowing Rock vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blowing Rock | 992 | $120,938 | $705,000 | $1,278 |
| Boone | 20,032 | $30,065 | $411,100 | $1,111 |
| Foscoe | 1,226 | $49,243 | $325,800 | $928 |
| Seven Devils | 425 | $111,667 | $426,900 | $1,583 |
| Sugar Mountain | 539 | $96,094 | $343,800 | $1,500 |
| Banner Elk | 1,473 | $86,382 | $458,100 | $849 |
| Linville | 291 | $75,833 | — | — |
| Cove Creek | 1,629 | $52,847 | $295,700 | $1,601 |
| Beech Mountain | 987 | $90,855 | $443,500 | $1,137 |
More for people moving to Blowing Rock
Blowing Rock ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Blowing Rock: FAQ
What is the median household income in Blowing Rock, NC?
The median household income in Blowing Rock is $120,938, 67% higher than the North Carolina median of $72,388 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Blowing Rock?
The median home value in Blowing Rock is $705,000, compared with $288,900 in North Carolina.
How much is rent in Blowing Rock?
The median gross rent in Blowing Rock is $1,278 per month, about 18.1% of household income.
Is Blowing Rock, NC a good place to live?
Pluses: median household income 67% higher than the North Carolina median; an average commute of 22 minutes; unemployment of 0.4%; a poverty rate of 2.4%. Minuses: home values 144% higher than the state median.
What is the median age in Blowing Rock?
The median age in Blowing Rock is 59.7 years (North Carolina: 39.1).
How long is the commute in Blowing Rock?
The average commute to work in Blowing Rock is 22 minutes; 17.5% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Blowing Rock?
The unemployment rate in Blowing Rock is 0.4% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Blowing Rock?
64.2% of adults in Blowing Rock have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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