North DakotaPop. 59,042Smaller cities
Is Grand Forks a Good Place to Live? Grand Forks, North Dakota: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Grand Forks ranks #222 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #111 of 524 smaller cities and #3 of 20 in North Dakota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (14.8 min, #2 of 524) and low unemployment (2.2%, #3 of 476), and trails on low household income ($63,627, #410 of 524).
Grand Forks by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Grand Forks'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 Grand Forks?
Grand Forks's cost of living index is 86.7, 13% below the US level of 100 and #87 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $980/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $304,143, 4% above the typical North Dakota home ($292,293).
| Measure | Grand Forks | North DakotaND | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 86.7#87 of 1,308 | 89 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $304,143#386 of 1,187 | $292,293 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,172/mo#84 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $249,900#396 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $980/mo#194 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.9x#548 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 18.5%#288 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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.
Grand Forks 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. Grand Forks is in the Grand Forks, ND-MN metro.
North Dakota housing market →Is Grand Forks safe?
Grand Forks recorded 270 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 18% below the US rate of 328 and 5% above North Dakota's 257. That ranks #505 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #230 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Grand Forks Police Department. Property crime runs 2,008 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Grand Forks | North DakotaND | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 270#505 of 1,085 | 257 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 2,008#714 of 1,085 | 1,698 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 Grand Forks?
The median household in Grand Forks earns $63,627, 23% below the US figure of $83,163 and 18% below North Dakota ($77,871). Unemployment is 2.2% (US 4.3%). 15.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Grand Forks | North DakotaND | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $63,627#961 of 1,312 | $77,871 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 2.2%#7 of 1,058 | 2.6% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 15.5%#887 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +1%#233 of 1,132 | +0.8% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). North Dakota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Grand Forks?
The median resident of Grand Forks is 29.6 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 40% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #462 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 46.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Grand Forks | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 29.6 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 40%#462 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 46.4% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Grand Forks's schools and health?
Grand Forks's 16 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (North Dakota 85.1%), with 11.6 students per teacher and $15,253 spent per pupil. 36.1% of adults are obese and 8.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Grand Forks | North DakotaND | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 87%#576 of 1,063 | 85.1% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 11.6#61 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $15,253#557 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 36.1%#880 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 8.9%#197 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 16.3%#477 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 7.7%#334 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). North Dakota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 7,278 students are enrolled in Grand Forks's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Grand Forks?
The average commute in Grand Forks is 14.8 minutes (North Dakota 17.5); 1.3% of workers take transit and 6.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Grand Forks scores 14.8 of 20 (above average walkable), #57 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 66.8°F and winters 9.9°F, with 21.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Grand Forks | North DakotaND | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 14.8 min#57 of 1,312 | 17.5 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 2.9%#171 of 1,312 | 4.3% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 78.6% | 76.7% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.3% | 0.5% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 3.3% | 3.7% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 6.5% | 7.1% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 14.8#57 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 | 15.8 | -3.1 | 0.5 |
| Feb | 20.5 | 0.7 | 0.5 |
| Mar | 33.9 | 15 | 0.9 |
| Apr | 52 | 29.3 | 1.2 |
| May | 66.9 | 41.4 | 2.8 |
| Jun | 76.4 | 52.9 | 3.8 |
| Jul | 80.7 | 57 | 3.5 |
| Aug | 79.8 | 54.3 | 2.8 |
| Sep | 70.4 | 45.3 | 2.3 |
| Oct | 53.9 | 32.5 | 1.9 |
| Nov | 35.7 | 17.8 | 0.9 |
| Dec | 21.4 | 4.2 | 0.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Grand Forks International Airport.
| Measure | Grand Forks | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 39.8°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 66.8°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 9.9°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 21.7 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Grand Forks International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Grand Forks?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Grand Forks's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Grand Forks County's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, ice storm, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 80% of US counties.
| Measure | Grand Forks | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.11%#309 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Grand Forks County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Grand Forks County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Winter weather | 0.0046% | 99% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0065% | 90% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0085% | 81% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0047% | 73% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.011% | 59% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.062% | 24% 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 Grand Forks compare with similar-size cities?
Grand Forks is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #111 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 59,042.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Forks, NDPop. 59,042 | #222 | 63.9 | $63,627 | $980/mo | 270 | 14.8 min |
| Margate, FLPop. 59,198 | #1036 | 49.3 | $62,450 | $1,750/mo | part year | 30.7 min |
| Dubuque, IAPop. 59,174 | #470 | 58.6 | $65,845 | $948/mo | 405 | 14.6 min |
| Des Plaines, ILPop. 59,156 | #69 | 69.4 | $97,875 | $1,606/mo | 108 | 28.2 min |
| Kokomo, INPop. 59,122 | #1055 | 48.8 | $55,360 | $939/mo | 477 | 19.1 min |
| St. Peters, MOPop. 59,092 | #221 | 63.9 | $91,637 | $1,321/mo | 172 | 22.7 min |
| Gilroy, CAPop. 59,004 | #639 | 56.0 | $133,107 | $2,301/mo | 406 | 33.3 min |
| Casper, WYPop. 58,839 | #530 | 57.6 | $70,218 | $1,009/mo | 320 | 17 min |
| Hempstead, NYPop. 58,801 | #685 | 55.3 | $90,420 | $1,622/mo | no data | 33.3 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 Grand Forks compare with the rest of North Dakota?
Grand Forks ranks #3 of the 20 North Dakota cities we track, with a score of 63.9 against North Dakota's statewide 75.5. Its households earn 18% below the North Dakota median. Violent crime is 5% above the statewide rate. Homes are 4% above 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 Grand Forks's score calculated?
Grand Forks scores 63.9 out of 100, #222 of 1,312 (grade A, 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 · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Grand Forks. Similar-size median 55.5.
58.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Grand Forks's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
75.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Grand Forks. Similar-size median 58.9.
58.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Grand Forks's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
67.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Grand Forks's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
83.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Grand Forks. Similar-size median 56.1.
39.3 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Grand Forks. Similar-size median 42.4.
57.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Grand Forks. Similar-size median 50.0.
50.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Grand Forks's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
72.6 - 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 50.8.
80.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Grand Forks's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Grand Forks 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 Grand Forks
Is Grand Forks, ND a good place to live?
Grand Forks ranks #222 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #111 of 524 smaller cities and #3 of 20 in North Dakota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (14.8 min, #2 of 524) and low unemployment (2.2%, #3 of 476), and trails on low household income ($63,627, #410 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Grand Forks?
Grand Forks's cost of living index is 86.7, 13% below the US level of 100 and #87 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $980/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $304,143, 4% above the typical North Dakota home ($292,293).
What is the crime rate in Grand Forks?
Grand Forks recorded 270 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 18% below the US rate of 328 and 5% above North Dakota's 257. That ranks #505 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #230 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Grand Forks Police Department. Property crime runs 2,008 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Grand Forks?
The median household in Grand Forks earns $63,627, 23% below the US figure of $83,163 and 18% below North Dakota ($77,871). Unemployment is 2.2% (US 4.3%). 15.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Grand Forks?
Median rent in Grand Forks is $980/mo (Census), #194 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,172/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 18.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Grand Forks?
The typical home value in Grand Forks is $304,143, up 7.6% in a year, against $292,293 for North Dakota and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $249,900.
How are the public schools in Grand Forks?
Grand Forks's 16 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (North Dakota 85.1%), with 11.6 students per teacher and $15,253 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Grand Forks?
The average commute is 14.8 minutes, #57 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 17.5 minutes across North Dakota. 2.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Grand Forks?
Grand Forks averages 39.8°F over the year, 66.8°F in summer and 9.9°F in winter, with 21.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Grand Forks walkable?
Grand Forks scores 14.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #57 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 Grand Forks at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Grand Forks County's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, ice storm, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 80% of US counties.
Who lives in Grand Forks?
Grand Forks has 59,042 residents. The median resident of Grand Forks is 29.6 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 40% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #462 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 46.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Grand Forks compare with the rest of North Dakota?
Grand Forks ranks #3 of the 20 North Dakota cities we track, with a score of 63.9 against North Dakota's statewide 75.5. Its households earn 18% below the North Dakota median. Violent crime is 5% above the statewide rate. Homes are 4% above the typical North Dakota home.
What cities are similar in size to Grand Forks?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Grand Forks's population of 59,042 are Margate, FL (#1036 overall), Dubuque, IA (#470 overall), Des Plaines, IL (#69 overall), Kokomo, IN (#1055 overall), and St. Peters, MO (#221 overall). Grand Forks is #222.