Blowing Rock City Demographics

Blowing Rock, located in Watauga County, North Carolina, had an estimated population of 1,408 in 2022. The median age is approximately 62 years, reflecting a largely older community. Females constitute about 54% of the population, while males make up 46%. Racially, Blowing Rock is predominantly White (over 95%), with small percentages of Hispanic/Latino (about 2%), Asian (less than 1%), Black or African American (less than 1%), and other races.

Blowing Rock City Housing

Blowing Rock, in Watauga County, NC, features a 60% homeownership rate, with median home values around $630,000 in 2024—a 7% annual increase. Rentals are limited, averaging $1,600/month. Housing types range from charming historic cottages to luxury mountain homes, especially in neighborhoods like Mayview and Green Hill. The property tax rate is roughly $0.39 per $100 assessed value, plus Watauga County rates. Demand for vacation and second homes impacts both prices and availability, shaping a competitive but scenic real estate market.

Education in Blowing Rock City

Blowing Rock, a town in Watauga County, NC, is served by Blowing Rock Elementary (K-8); high school students typically attend Watauga High in nearby Boone. The area has a graduation rate of about 89% and around 49% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School ratings, such as Blowing Rock Elementary’s GreatSchools score of 9/10, reflect strong academics and safety. The district offers gifted and advanced placement programs, alongside community-based adult education courses, contributing to a robust educational environment. Blowing Rock itself does not have its own high school or college campus.

Transportation in Blowing Rock City

Blowing Rock, in Watauga County, NC, relies primarily on personal vehicles for transportation, with about 87% of residents commuting by car and average commute times near 18 minutes (U.S. Census data). Public transit usage is low—less than 1%—owing to limited fixed-route service by AppalCART. The town’s infrastructure centers on US Highway 321 and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Vehicle ownership is high: nearly 95% of households have at least one car. Local employment hubs include retail, hospitality, healthcare, and Boone (home to Appalachian State University), which serves as a significant regional employment center.

Blowing Rock City Healthcare

Blowing Rock, located in Watauga County, NC, lacks a full-service hospital but is served by the Appalachian Regional Healthcare System, with the nearest major facility—Watauga Medical Center (117 beds)—in nearby Boone. The town has a small number of primary care clinics and urgent care centers. Healthcare access is moderate; approximately 10% of Watauga County residents are uninsured. The population skews older, with 33% over age 65; common issues include cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Most providers are family medicine or internal medicine physicians and nurse practitioners, and over 85% of residents have some form of health insurance coverage.

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