Cost Of Living
The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Schools
High test scores, elevated graduation rates as well as the conveniently located elementary and high schools in this area have all contributed to the high score in the schools category.
Ratings
Local residents have positive things to say about the proximity of restaurants, grocery stores, parks, public transit, friendliness of neighbors, sense of community and overall safety of the area.
Amenities
A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.
Located in the state of Iowa, Boone is a medium-sized city with a population of 12,470 residents. If we look at the most recent Census, Boone is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and American Indian and Alaskan. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Boone is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 19 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, relocating to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Boone, Iowa could be a positive experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. The best areas in Boone and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, cost of living, health & safety, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Iowa and national averages.
The livability score in Boone is 77 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 92nd percentile of all cities across America. This is a phenomenal score, as Boone ranks well in multiple categories! Boone has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. There are nine total categories that form the livability score. Boone scores well for crime (B), cost of living (A+), education (B), employment (B) and housing (A) There is at least one category that did not score well in Boone. The following was graded with a discouraging score: amenities (F).
The Boone unemployment rate of 0.96% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.
Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In Boone, the average school test scores reached an impressive 66%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making Boone an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Boone excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
Boone real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Boone. Median real estate prices in Boone come in at $114,600, which is 13.7% lower than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Boone, the home price to income ratio is 1.9, which is 20.8% lower than the Iowa average.
| Statistic | Boone | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 19min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 82.4% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.6% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.4% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 1.4% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.8% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 2.5% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
Here are the best places to live in Iowa
Check out the 10 safest cities in Iowa
Safest Cities In The US
These are the largest cities in Iowa