Blowing Rock, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
992
17.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$120,938/yr
0.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,931
3.1% year-over-year change

Blowing Rock population

How many people live in Blowing Rock

Blowing Rock is home to 992 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.5% of Blowing Rock locals are male, and 54.5% are female.

Total population
992
17.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.5%
451
Female
54.5%
541
Value Percent YoY change
Male 451 45.5% 20.6%
Female 541 54.5% 14.1%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Blowing Rock is 60, with the population distributed as follows: about 6.2% are children under 15, then 11.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 12.8% of the population, while another 32.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 37.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
59.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
6.2%
15 to 24
11.7%
25 to 44
12.8%
45 to 64
32.2%
Over 65
37.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 61 6.2% -9.0%
15 to 24 116 11.7% 10.5%
25 to 44 127 12.8% -0.8%
45 to 64 319 32.2% 45.7%
Over 65 369 37.2% 12.2%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Blowing Rock, 97.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.1% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 4.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.1%
Non-citizens
0.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 970 97.8% 17.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 21 2.1% 5.0%
Non-citizens 1 0.1% -80.0%
Racial breakdown
White
93.6%
Black or African American
2.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.3%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 928 93.6%
Black or African American 21 2.1%
Two or more races 43 4.3%

Households in Blowing Rock

A peek inside Blowing Rock households

Blowing Rock has 484 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 61% are families, while the remaining 39% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
484
15.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
189
Family households
295
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 189 39% -4.5%
Family households 295 61% 32.3%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Blowing Rock

The housing landscape of Blowing Rock

Blowing Rock's housing consists of 1,931 units, with 60.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,931
3.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,174 60.8%
1 unit, attached 57 3%
2 units 62 3.2%
3 or 4 units 107 5.5%
5 to 9 units 388 20.1%
10 to 19 units 89 4.6%
20 to 49 units 16 0.8%
Mobile home 38 2%
Homes built since 2020
4
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Blowing Rock

In Blowing Rock, the median construction year is 1985. About 9.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 20.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 188 9.7% -22.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 84 4.4% 10.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 162 8.4% 33.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 148 7.7% 5.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 199 10.3% -6.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 357 18.5% -5.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 343 17.8% 4.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 395 20.5% 13.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 51 2.6% 75.9%
Built in 2020 or later 4 0.2% N/A
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Blowing Rock occupancy rates

Out of the 484 occupied housing units in Blowing Rock, 83.3% are owner-occupied, while 16.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 74.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
484
15.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
81
Owner occupied
403
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 81 16.7% -24.3%
Owner occupied 403 83.3% 28.3%
Unoccupied housing units
74.9%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Blowing Rock housing costs

Housing costs in Blowing Rock come to a median of $1,692 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,278.

Median housing costs per month
$1,692/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Blowing Rock
$1,278/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Blowing Rock

Blowing Rock education at a glance

About 10.9% of the population in Blowing Rock went to high school, while 9.9% pursued college studies. Another 14.1% earned an associate degree and 39.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 25.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
High school diploma 99 10.9% 10.0%
College diploma 90 9.9% 143.2%
Associate degree 128 14.1% -12.3%
Bachelor's degree 360 39.6% 41.7%
Graduate degree 232 25.5% 3.6%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Blowing Rock

How much people earn in Blowing Rock

The average annual household income in Blowing Rock was $141,197 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $120,938, reflecting a +0.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Blowing Rock
$141,197/year
-0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Blowing Rock
$120,938/year
0.1% year-over-year change

Blowing Rock income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $184,219 overall. Overall, 97.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $184,219 38.8%
Over 65 $98,618 1.2%
Above poverty level
901
Below poverty level
22
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 901 97.6% 16.9%
Below poverty level 22 2.4% 57.1%

Average renter income in Blowing Rock

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Blowing Rock, their median household income was $59,375 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 25.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$59,375
Rent-to-income ratio
25.8%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Blowing Rock

Workforce and job types in Blowing Rock

The job market in Blowing Rock is powered by 543 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 86.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 13.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 25.2% run their own businesses, 61.7% are employed by private companies, and 5.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
543
22.9% year-over-year change
White collar
470
Blue collar
73
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 470 86.6% 23.0%
Blue collar 73 13.4% 21.7%
Employer type
Self employees
25.2%
Private companies
61.7%
Governmental workers
5.5%
Not for profit companies
7.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 137 25.2% 93.0%
Private companies 335 61.7% 21.4%
Governmental workers 30 5.5% -40.0%
Not for profit companies 41 7.6% -8.9%
Unemployment rate
0.4%
-33.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Blowing Rock stands at 0.4%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Blowing Rock

How people get around in Blowing Rock

Commuting methods vary: 78.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 406 78.8% 17.7%
Bicycle 14 2.7% -12.5%
Walk 5 1% N/A
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Blowing Rock by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28605 3,883 1,691 $76,477 $123,246

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FAQs about Blowing Rock demographics 

What is the total population of Blowing Rock?

Blowing Rock has a total population of 992 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +17.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Blowing Rock?

The gender ratio in Blowing Rock is as follows:
  • 45.5% males (451 residents)
  • 54.5% females (541 residents)

What is the median age in Blowing Rock?

The median age in Blowing Rock is 59.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Blowing Rock?

The age distribution in Blowing Rock is as follows:
  • Under 15: 6.2% (61 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.7% (116 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 12.8% (127 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 32.2% (319 residents)
  • Over 65: 37.2% (369 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Blowing Rock?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Blowing Rock is as follows:
  • White: 93.6% (928 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.1% (21 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.3% (43 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

What percentage of the population in Blowing Rock are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.8% of the population in Blowing Rock.

How many housing units are there in Blowing Rock?

There are 1,931 housing units in Blowing Rock, reflecting a +3.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Blowing Rock and what is the average household size?

Blowing Rock has a total of 484 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Blowing Rock?

Blowing Rock has a median household income of $120,938, representing a +0.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Blowing Rock?

The employment rate is 99.6% in Blowing Rock, with a workforce of 543 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 86.6% (470 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 13.4% (73 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 25.2% (137 residents)
  • Private companies: 61.7% (335 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 5.5% (30 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.6% (41 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025