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.
Boone, Iowa is a medium-sized city with a population of 12,825 people. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (94% White). Given that fact, Boone could be considered less diverse than other cities. 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.
Living in Boone can be a fulfilling experience for anyone moving to the city. Having said that, in the state of Iowa, there are many amazing places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. The best areas in Boone and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, cost of living, education, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Iowa and national averages.
Using data and statistics Boone has received a livability score of 77 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 91st percentile when compared to all other cities. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Boone could be a great choice! Boone has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. For each of the livability categories, we know that Boone ranks very well for cost of living (A+), education (B+), employment (B) and housing (A+). There are some categories that Boone does not rank well for, including: amenities (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to find out why.
The unemployment rate in Boone has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 1%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.
Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Boone schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 66%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Boone an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Boone apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Assuming that Boone meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Boone. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Boone are simply unattainable. The median home price for Boone homes is $209,031, which is 12.9% lower than the Iowa average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Boone, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.3, which is 23.3% 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% |
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