Blowing Rock is a town located in North Carolina, situated in both Caldwell and Watauga counties. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 1,418.

Geography

Blowing Rock is located at 36°7'47" North, 81°40'21" West (36.129663, -81.672566), in the Blue Ridge mountain range.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has

• a total area of 7.8 km² (3.0 mi²).
• 7.7 km² (3.0 mi²) of it is land and
• 0.1 km² (0.04 mi²), or 1.00% of total area, is water.

Climate

The town's elevation of 3500-3600 feet above sea level results in a substantially cooler summer temperatures compared to nearby locations below it (typically in the 70s with cool nights), and chilly winters with frequent snowfalls from December through April. Ice storms are possible in the cooler months. Springtime is cool and generally pleasant.

Rainfall is moderate; thunderstorms are occasional, and rarely severe.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 1,418 people, 663 households, and 387 families residing in the town. The population density is 184.3/km² (477.9/mi²). There are 1,524 housing units at an average density of 198.1/km² (513.6/mi²). The racial makeup of the town is 97.95% White, 0.35% African American, 0.21% Native American, 0.35% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.07% from other races, and 1.06% from two or more races. 0.63% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 663 households, of which

• 16.9% have children under the age of 18 living with them,
• 52.3% are married couples living together,
• 4.5% have a female householder with no husband present, and
• 41.5% are non-families.

35.4% of all households are made up of individuals and 14.6% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.03 persons and the average family size is 2.59.

The population consists of

• 15.0% under the age of 18,
• 4.9% from 18 to 24,
• 20.0% from 25 to 44,
• 34.1% from 45 to 64, and
• 26.0% 65 years or older.

The median age is 51 years.

For every 100 females there are 86.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 80.4 males.

The median income for a household in the town is $54,271, and the median income for a family is $66,979. Males have a median income of $45,417 compared to $27,361 for females. The per capita income for the town is $34,294. 9.1% of the population and 2.9% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 16.1% of those under the age of 18 and 6.5% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

History

The town of Blowing Rock dates from the last years of the nineteenth century and began as a resort destination, largely for those seeking cool relief from summer heat.

Two churches are of architectural note, St. Mary's of the Hills Episcopal Church, and Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church.

Miscellaneous

The town has a vibrant economy based in part on tourism. A small, quaint downtown area is characterized by numerous shops of varying types, a pleasant public park, and diverse restaurants. The mountainous terrain provides scenic views with long-range vistas from several locations around town, including the Blowing Rock itself.

Most essential services are available in Blowing Rock, in Boone, North Carolina, approximately eight miles away, or elsewhere in the county.

The town is served by U.S. Highways 221 and 321. For other transportation facilities, consult Boone, North Carolina and Watauga County, North Carolina.

External links

• Official Blowing Rock, NC website
• Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce
• Blowing Rock Visitor's Guide