Census data shows modest gain in Boone, slight decline in Blowing Rock; Watauga expected to grow
New estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau show that Boone and Blowing Rock have seen little change in population over the past five years.
The census estimates released this month show:
Boone with a population of 19,929, or about 4% more than its April 2020 count of 19,127.
Blowing Rock with 1,324 residents, down from 1,374 in 2020 — a loss of about 50 people over five years, or 4%.
Banner Elk shows the most notable growth in the region, climbing from 1,063 residents in 2020 to 1,242 in 2025 — an increase of about 17%.
Beech Mountain (659 residents) and Seven Devils (314) have had virtually no change over the same period.
The numbers don't fully capture the number of people in the area, as they count only residents who make their area their primary home. Boone's population is heavily influenced by Appalachian State University, which enrolls roughly 20,000 students. Blowing Rock faces a different measurement challenge. The town has a large number of second homes relative to its small permanent population, and those owners aren't counted in the tally even if they spend much of the year there.
Watauga County has been on a steady upward trajectory for decades, and officials expect that to continue. The county's population more than doubled between 1970 and 2020, climbing from 23,404 to 54,086, and projections show it will reach roughly 71,000 permanent residents by 2050, according to the Watauga Democrat. That would represent an increase of more than 17,000 people over the next 25 years.
Estimates show the county has roughly 20,000 seasonal residents — people who own second homes or vacation properties here but aren't counted in official tallies. —Tony Mecia