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Is Devils Lake a Good Place to Live? Devils Lake, North Dakota: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Devils Lake ranks #1006 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #180 of 234 towns and #19 of 20 in North Dakota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($711/mo, #4 of 231) and short commutes (12.1 min, #13 of 234), and trails on low household income ($43,220, #230 of 234) and high poverty (21.8%, #210 of 234).
Devils Lake by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Devils Lake's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Devils Lake?
Devils Lake's cost of living index is 87.3, 13% below the US level of 100 and #114 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $711/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $247,081, 15% below the typical North Dakota home ($292,293).
| Measure | Devils Lake | North DakotaND | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 87.3#114 of 1,308 | 89 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $247,081#236 of 1,187 | $292,293 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $164,900#119 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $711/mo#4 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 3.8x#506 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 19.7%#417 of 1,309 | — | 19.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). North Dakota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Devils Lake housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below.
North Dakota housing market →Is Devils Lake safe?
Devils Lake recorded 191 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 42% below the US rate of 328 and 25% below North Dakota's 257. That ranks #339 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #66 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Devils Lake Police Department. Property crime runs 1,449 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Devils Lake | North DakotaND | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 191#339 of 1,085 | 257 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 1,449#449 of 1,085 | 1,698 | 1,379 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). North Dakota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Devils Lake?
The median household in Devils Lake earns $43,220, 48% below the US figure of $83,163 and 44% below North Dakota ($77,871). 21.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Devils Lake | North DakotaND | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $43,220#1291 of 1,312 | $77,871 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 21.8%#1171 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | +0.1%#597 of 1,132 | +0.8% | 0% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). North Dakota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Devils Lake?
The median resident of Devils Lake is 37.3 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 21.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1099 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 39.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Devils Lake | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 37.3 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 21.9%#1099 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 39.4% | 65.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Devils Lake's schools and health?
Devils Lake's 6 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (North Dakota 85.1%), with 13.5 students per teacher and $14,196 spent per pupil. 42% of adults are obese and 12.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Devils Lake | North DakotaND | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 87%#576 of 1,063 | 85.1% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 13.5#223 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $14,196#673 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 42%#1208 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 12.7%#898 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 15.6%#351 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 8.6%#465 of 1,311 | — | 8.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). North Dakota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 1,782 students are enrolled in Devils Lake's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Devils Lake?
The average commute in Devils Lake is 12.1 minutes (North Dakota 17.5); 0% of workers take transit and 5.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Devils Lake scores 9.7 of 20 (below average walkable), #723 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 67.3°F and winters 10.6°F, with 20 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Devils Lake | North DakotaND | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 12.1 min#15 of 1,312 | 17.5 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 1.2%#16 of 1,312 | 4.3% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 77.4% | 76.7% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0% | 0.5% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 6.9% | 3.7% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.3% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 5.6% | 7.1% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 9.7#723 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). North Dakota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 16.2 | -1.8 | 0.5 |
| Feb | 20.9 | 1.5 | 0.4 |
| Mar | 33.2 | 15 | 0.6 |
| Apr | 51.1 | 31 | 1 |
| May | 65 | 44.1 | 2.5 |
| Jun | 74.2 | 54.9 | 3.8 |
| Jul | 79.4 | 59.3 | 3.8 |
| Aug | 78.8 | 57.2 | 2.4 |
| Sep | 69 | 48.5 | 2 |
| Oct | 52.8 | 34.4 | 1.5 |
| Nov | 34.8 | 18.2 | 0.8 |
| Dec | 21.8 | 4.7 | 0.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Devils Lake Kdlr.
| Measure | Devils Lake | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 40.2°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 67.3°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 10.6°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 20 in | 36.5 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Devils Lake Kdlr.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Devils Lake?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Devils Lake's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Ramsey County's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, strong wind, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 90% of US counties.
| Measure | Devils Lake | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.09%#155 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Ramsey County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Ramsey County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Winter weather | 0.0045% | 99% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.014% | 96% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0077% | 91% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0092% | 84% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0082% | 81% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0091% | 51% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.03% | 1% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Devils Lake compare with similar-size cities?
Devils Lake is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #180 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 7,308.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Devils Lake, NDPop. 7,308 | #1006 | 50.0 | $43,220 | $711/mo | 191 | 12.1 min |
| Kenai, AKPop. 7,641 | #533 | 57.6 | $87,083 | $1,138/mo | 344 | 15.5 min |
| Lander, WYPop. 7,432 | #699 | 55.0 | $74,813 | $896/mo | part year | 13.6 min |
| Millsboro, DEPop. 7,424 | #661 | 55.7 | $78,707 | $1,277/mo | 345 | 33 min |
| Caribou, MEPop. 7,382 | #615 | 56.5 | $53,709 | $757/mo | 82 | 14.7 min |
| Kingston, RIPop. 7,332 | #215 | 64.1 | $107,404 | — | no data | 18.4 min |
| Middlebury, VTPop. 7,220 | #5 | 76.4 | $86,250 | $1,201/mo | 54 | 14.6 min |
| Laurel, MTPop. 7,215 | #846 | 52.6 | $68,474 | $974/mo | 303 | 19.1 min |
| Sturgis, SDPop. 7,086 | #1120 | 47.6 | $54,404 | $780/mo | 329 | 18.3 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Devils Lake compare with the rest of North Dakota?
Devils Lake ranks #19 of the 20 North Dakota cities we track, with a score of 50 against North Dakota's statewide 75.5. Its households earn 44% below the North Dakota median. Violent crime is 25% below the statewide rate. Homes are 15% below the typical North Dakota home.
| City | Rank in ND | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Fargo, NDPop. 40,094 | #1 | 69.3 | $90,665 | $1,111/mo | 185 |
| Horace, NDPop. 4,588 | #2 | 69.0 | $138,578 | $2,146/mo | no data |
| Grand Forks, NDPop. 59,042 | #3 | 63.9 | $63,627 | $980/mo | 270 |
| Dickinson, NDPop. 25,357 | #4 | 62.7 | $82,696 | $957/mo | 183 |
| Minot, NDPop. 47,791 | #5 | 62.1 | $73,219 | $973/mo | 295 |
| Fargo, NDPop. 131,627 | #6 | 62.0 | $66,998 | $946/mo | 378 |
| Bismarck, NDPop. 75,556 | #7 | 61.8 | $78,387 | $999/mo | 241 |
| Watford City, NDPop. 6,039 | #8 | 61.3 | $102,260 | $1,336/mo | 387 |
| Williston, NDPop. 28,056 | #9 | 60.4 | $79,381 | $1,122/mo | 432 |
| Beulah, NDPop. 3,040 | #10 | 60.1 | $76,848 | $1,075/mo | 131 |
| Lincoln, NDPop. 4,381 | #11 | 58.0 | $87,652 | $950/mo | 44 |
| Grafton, NDPop. 4,102 | #12 | 54.9 | $62,679 | $733/mo | 200 |
| Wahpeton, NDPop. 8,010 | #13 | 54.4 | $62,750 | $751/mo | 135 |
| Minot AFB, NDPop. 4,878 | #14 | 53.7 | $62,500 | $1,431/mo | no data |
| Mandan, NDPop. 24,522 | #15 | 53.2 | $71,780 | $1,083/mo | 257 |
| Jamestown, NDPop. 15,787 | #16 | 53.2 | $56,554 | $773/mo | 133 |
| Valley City, NDPop. 6,541 | #17 | 52.2 | $60,339 | $780/mo | 61 |
| Casselton, NDPop. 2,953 | #18 | 52.1 | $73,259 | $814/mo | no data |
| Devils Lake, NDPop. 7,308 | #19 | 50.0 | $43,220 | $711/mo | 191 |
| New Town, NDPop. 2,721 | #20 | 42.0 | $52,500 | $851/mo | part year |
All 20 North Dakota cities we track, by overall score. North Dakota statewide: median income $77,871, violent crime 256.7 per 100,000.
How is Devils Lake's score calculated?
Devils Lake scores 50 out of 100, #1006 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with North Dakota's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data, some inputs missing · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Devils Lake. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
7.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Devils Lake's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
84.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Devils Lake. Similar-size median 56.5.
44.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Devils Lake's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
61.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Devils Lake's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
89.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Devils Lake. Similar-size median 50.8.
18.8 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Devils Lake. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
30.0 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Devils Lake. Similar-size median 48.3.
53.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Devils Lake's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
45.8 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 59.2.
90.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Devils Lake's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 234 places under 25,000 people we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Devils Lake has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Devils Lake
Is Devils Lake, ND a good place to live?
Devils Lake ranks #1006 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #180 of 234 towns and #19 of 20 in North Dakota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($711/mo, #4 of 231) and short commutes (12.1 min, #13 of 234), and trails on low household income ($43,220, #230 of 234) and high poverty (21.8%, #210 of 234).
What is the cost of living in Devils Lake?
Devils Lake's cost of living index is 87.3, 13% below the US level of 100 and #114 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $711/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $247,081, 15% below the typical North Dakota home ($292,293).
What is the crime rate in Devils Lake?
Devils Lake recorded 191 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 42% below the US rate of 328 and 25% below North Dakota's 257. That ranks #339 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #66 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Devils Lake Police Department. Property crime runs 1,449 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Devils Lake?
The median household in Devils Lake earns $43,220, 48% below the US figure of $83,163 and 44% below North Dakota ($77,871). 21.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Devils Lake?
Median rent in Devils Lake is $711/mo (Census), #4 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 19.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Devils Lake?
The typical home value in Devils Lake is $247,081, up 7.5% in a year, against $292,293 for North Dakota and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $164,900.
How are the public schools in Devils Lake?
Devils Lake's 6 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (North Dakota 85.1%), with 13.5 students per teacher and $14,196 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Devils Lake?
The average commute is 12.1 minutes, #15 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 17.5 minutes across North Dakota. 1.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Devils Lake?
Devils Lake averages 40.2°F over the year, 67.3°F in summer and 10.6°F in winter, with 20 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Devils Lake walkable?
Devils Lake scores 9.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #723 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Devils Lake at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Ramsey County's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, strong wind, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 90% of US counties.
Who lives in Devils Lake?
Devils Lake has 7,308 residents. The median resident of Devils Lake is 37.3 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 21.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1099 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 39.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Devils Lake compare with the rest of North Dakota?
Devils Lake ranks #19 of the 20 North Dakota cities we track, with a score of 50 against North Dakota's statewide 75.5. Its households earn 44% below the North Dakota median. Violent crime is 25% below the statewide rate. Homes are 15% below the typical North Dakota home.
What cities are similar in size to Devils Lake?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Devils Lake's population of 7,308 are Kenai, AK (#533 overall), Lander, WY (#699 overall), Millsboro, DE (#661 overall), Caribou, ME (#615 overall), and Kingston, RI (#215 overall). Devils Lake is #1006.