Median Income
$67,269
10% lower than US avg
Home Value
$156,400
45% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
289/100K
24% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
25.0%
26% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$791
32% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.6%
36% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.1%
69% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.8%
77% lower than US avg
How Boone Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population12,445
Median Age38.5 yrs
Density1,362/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans6.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$67,269
Per Capita$35,077
Unemployment1.1%
Poverty2.8%
County GDP$1,293M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$156,400
Rent$791
Ownership73.7%
Zillow$206,653
Housing Units5,690
Rent Burden25.8%
Crime
F
Violent289/100K
Property1,133/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault273/100K
Burglary185/100K
Health
Obesity43.6%
Uninsured6.8%
Smoking15.5%
Depression21.8%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.1 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,145 ft (349 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.0%
High School+95.8%
Graduate+5.1%
School Score5.84
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 38%
Commute19 min
Broadband87.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Boone a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Boone receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Boone offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Boone is $67,269, 10% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.1%. Only 2.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Boone is $156,400, 45% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $791 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Boone is below the national average at 289 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,133 per 100,000, 42% below the national average.
Education
25.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Boone experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.1 inches, including 35.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Boone has a population of 12,445 with a density of 1,362 people per square mile, spread across 9.0 square miles. The median age is 38.5 years, 1% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.6% female and 50.4% male. The city is predominantly White (92%), with 1.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.9% of residents. 6.0% of the population are veterans. 12.5% of residents have a disability. 93.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.5yrs
Median Age
1% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.9%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.1%
84% below US avg
The median household income in Boone is $67,269, which is 10% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,077. The average weekly wage is $1,037, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 749 business establishments, including 40 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $67,269 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,077 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,037 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,641 |
| Gini Index | 0.405 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.1% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.8% |
| 77% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 749 |
| County GDP | $1,293M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 40 |
| Healthcare | 49 |
| Retail | 66 |
| Manufacturing | 32 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,603 |
| 32% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.94% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.3% |
| Work from Home | 6.5% |
The median home value in Boone is $156,400, 45% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $206,653, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 95.1% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $791 (32% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $1,026 for a two-bedroom apartment. 73.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 5,690 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1952. The average annual property tax is $4,603 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $156,400 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $206,653 |
| Median List Price | $219,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $219,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $160 |
| Homes Sold | 9 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.1% |
| Price Drops | 39.0% |
| Inventory | 59 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $791 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $836 |
| Rent Burden | 25.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $783 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,026 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,427 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,500 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 73.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.3% |
| Housing Units | 5,690 |
| Median Year Built | 1952 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,603 |
| 32% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.94% |
In Boone, 43.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 31.6% have high blood pressure. 15.5% are current smokers. 22.9% report binge drinking. 24.6% are physically inactive. 21.8% report depression. 17.8% experience frequent mental distress. 6.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,227. The dentist ratio is 1:2,419. 78.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.3 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-24)
PM2.5
4.2
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
5.0
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
2.1
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.4
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
125.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Boone vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.6% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.6% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.5% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.6% |
| Depression | 21.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 35.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.6% |
| Uninsured | 6.8% |
| 21% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,227 |
| Dentists | 1:2,419 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,399 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.2% |
| Dental Visits | 66.8% |
| Premature Death | 6,966/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 49 |
Boone has a violent crime rate of 289 per 100,000 residents, 24% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 273.1 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 16.1. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,133 per 100,000, 42% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 860, burglary at 185, vehicle theft at 88 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Boone receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Boone vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 289.2/100K |
| 24% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 16.1/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 273.1/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,132.7/100K |
| 42% below US avg |
| Burglary | 184.8/100K |
| Theft | 859.6/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 88.4/100K |
| Arson | 16.1/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 89 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Boone experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 39.1 inches. The area receives 35.9 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,145 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.1°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,145 ft (349 m) |
| Area | 9.0 sq mi (23.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,362/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.0493°N, 93.8725°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Boone County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.1"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.04"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 28.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.7. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
133 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
738 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 38 fatalities, 617 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
99 km |
9 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
13 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
86 km |
6 |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
96 km |
1 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
95 km |
6 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
21 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
88 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
41 km |
2 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
74 km |
1 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 (1,050 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 |
1,050 |
71 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
24°F (-5°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
5.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Boone has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 19°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.0") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Boone. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $705 |
| Toddler | $607 |
| Preschool | $607 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $475 |
| Toddler | $468 |
| Preschool | $468 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Boone
What is the population of Boone?
Boone has a population of 12,445 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,362 people per square mile, spread across 9.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.5 years. The population is 49.6% female and 50.4% male.
Is Boone expensive to live in?
Boone is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $67,269, 10% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $156,400 (45% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $791 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Boone safe?
Boone is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 289 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,133 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Boone receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Boone?
Boone has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.1 inches, with 35.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Boone?
The job market in Boone is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,037. There are 749 business establishments in the area, including 40 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 6.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Boone?
The median home value in Boone is $156,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $206,653. For renters, the median monthly rent is $791. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $1,026 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 73.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,603.
How are the schools in Boone?
Schools in Boone score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 25.0% of adults in Boone hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.8% have completed high school. 5.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Boone?
The obesity rate in Boone is 43.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.5% of adults are smokers. 24.6% are physically inactive. 21.8% of residents report depression. 6.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 78.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,227.
What is transportation like in Boone?
The average commute in Boone is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Boone?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Boone is 92% White, 1.2% Black or African American, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 97.9% of residents speak only English at home. 6.0% of the population are military veterans. 12.5% of residents have a disability. 93.6% have health insurance coverage.
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