The recession that's affected the housing market has also led to declining home construction in Boone, though the decline has been less steep than in the rest of the county. Last year, 18 single-family homes were permitted, with an average value of $227,000. Those figures include both the town limits and the extraterritorial jurisdiction, which is regulated by the town's Department of Developmental Services. Six multi-unit residential buildings were permitted last year, totaling 69 housing units, at an estimated value of $7.36 million. Total residential construction actually increased over 2008's figures, despite a lingering recession that began in late 2008.