RANK #349 / 996 · POP 184,043 · MO
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.3%
Boone County, Missouri, is perhaps best known as home to the University of Missouri in Columbia, the state's flagship university and the first public university west of the Mississippi River. Located in central Missouri, the county is situated halfway between St. Louis and Kansas City, with Interstate 70 providing a direct route for commuters. The community offers a blend of urban amenities in Columbia and smaller town charm in places like Ashland and Rocheport. Outdoor recreation is accessible with areas like Rock Bridge Memorial State Park and the Katy Trail, which spans the state, offering opportunities for hiking, biking, and enjoying natural scenery.
Life in Boone County appeals to a diverse population, including families, young professionals, and retirees, drawn by its educational institutions and healthcare options. Public schools in the county are generally above average, with districts like Columbia and Southern Boone County R-I noted for their performance. The economy is diverse, with education and healthcare serving as major employment sectors, anchored by the University of Missouri and large healthcare providers. Recent economic activity also includes investments in manufacturing and technology, contributing to the county's economic landscape.
Below national median (4.7x)
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 4.0x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
MU Combined Heat and Power Plant
Curators of the University of Missouri
|
$82M | Operating |
|
Columbia (MO) Natural Gas Power Plant
City of Columbia - (MO)
|
$50M | Operating |
|
Amazon Warehouse WMO3
Amazon
|
$50M | Operating |
|
New Residential Construction (Multiple Developments)
Various Home Builders
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Boone County has a Boom Town Index score of 65/100, ranking #349 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.2% and a median household income of $66,564, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Boone County is $237,600 with median rent at $994/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2802, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +1.0% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.2%. Home values changed +2.4% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 4.55% of Boone County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.