North DakotaPop. 47,791Small cities
Is Minot a Good Place to Live? Minot, North Dakota: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Minot ranks #301 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #58 of 208 small cities and #5 of 20 in North Dakota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.6%, #11 of 184) and low living costs (87, #45 of 208), and trails on low graduation rates (83.4%, #144 of 191).
Minot by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Minot'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 Minot?
Minot's cost of living index is 87, 13% below the US level of 100 and #101 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $973/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $280,355, 4% below the typical North Dakota home ($292,293).
| Measure | Minot | North DakotaND | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 87#101 of 1,308 | 89 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $280,355#325 of 1,187 | $292,293 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,260/mo#131 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $257,100#409 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $973/mo#179 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3.5x#381 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 15.9%#94 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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.
Minot 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. Minot is in the Minot, ND metro.
North Dakota housing market →Is Minot safe?
Minot recorded 295 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 10% below the US rate of 328 and 15% above North Dakota's 257. That ranks #555 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #103 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Minot Police Department. Property crime runs 1,193 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Minot | North DakotaND | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 295#555 of 1,085 | 257 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 1,193#303 of 1,085 | 1,698 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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 Minot?
The median household in Minot earns $73,219, 12% below the US figure of $83,163 and 6% below North Dakota ($77,871). Unemployment is 2.6% (US 4.3%). 11.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Minot | North DakotaND | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $73,219#748 of 1,312 | $77,871 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 2.6%#33 of 1,058 | 2.6% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 11.1%#581 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.1%#597 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 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). North Dakota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Minot?
The median resident of Minot is 33.5 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 29.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #803 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 56.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Minot | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 33.5 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 29.7%#803 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 56.7% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Minot's schools and health?
Minot's 17 public schools graduate 83.4% of students in four years (North Dakota 85.1%), with 14.1 students per teacher and $15,070 spent per pupil. 33.8% of adults are obese and 8.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Minot | North DakotaND | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 83.4%#771 of 1,063 | 85.1% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 14.1#301 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $15,070#580 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 33.8%#685 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 8.7%#175 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 14.9%#250 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 7.9%#358 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). North Dakota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 7,452 students are enrolled in Minot's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Minot?
The average commute in Minot is 19.7 minutes (North Dakota 17.5); 0.5% of workers take transit and 5.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Minot scores 9.4 of 20 (below average walkable), #763 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 69°F and winters 16.5°F, with 16.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Minot | North DakotaND | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 19.7 min#320 of 1,312 | 17.5 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 7.1%#843 of 1,312 | 4.3% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 77.2% | 76.7% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.5% | 0.5% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.4% | 3.7% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.6% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 5.3% | 7.1% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 9.4#763 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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 | 23.3 | 4.4 | 0.3 |
| Feb | 27 | 7.7 | 0.3 |
| Mar | 39.5 | 19 | 0.5 |
| Apr | 55.8 | 31.2 | 1 |
| May | 68.9 | 43.3 | 2.7 |
| Jun | 77.5 | 53.6 | 3.7 |
| Jul | 83.8 | 58.5 | 2.5 |
| Aug | 83.7 | 56.4 | 2.1 |
| Sep | 73.1 | 47.1 | 1.6 |
| Oct | 56.8 | 34.3 | 1.2 |
| Nov | 39.7 | 20.6 | 0.6 |
| Dec | 27.2 | 9.3 | 0.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Minot International Airport.
| Measure | Minot | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 43.4°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 69°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 16.5°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 16.7 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Minot International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Minot?
Ward County's air had a median air quality index of 36, and 79% of measured days were rated good; 12 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Ward County's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, ice storm, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.08% of building value, lower than 97% of US counties.
| Measure | Minot | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 36#161 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 12#911 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.08%#48 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Ward County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Ward County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Winter weather | 0.0058% | 100% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0034% | 82% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0068% | 77% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0027% | 70% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0032% | 63% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0078% | 47% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.038% | 4% 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 Minot compare with similar-size cities?
Minot is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #58 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 47,791.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minot, NDPop. 47,791 | #301 | 62.1 | $73,219 | $973/mo | 295 | 19.7 min |
| Wauwatosa, WIPop. 48,529 | #102 | 68.3 | $101,138 | $1,438/mo | 178 | 19.5 min |
| Goose Creek, SCPop. 48,078 | #559 | 57.2 | $88,178 | $1,690/mo | 247 | 26.7 min |
| Niagara Falls, NYPop. 47,987 | #1126 | 47.4 | $49,101 | $823/mo | 478 | 19.1 min |
| Middletown, CTPop. 47,958 | #228 | 63.8 | $79,438 | $1,446/mo | 67 | 23.3 min |
| Roswell, NMPop. 47,638 | #1211 | 44.6 | $51,583 | $876/mo | 662 | 18.2 min |
| Charleston, WVPop. 47,421 | #1064 | 48.6 | $65,812 | $908/mo | 596 | 16.9 min |
| Pahrump, NVPop. 47,347 | #1286 | 38.9 | $62,109 | $1,304/mo | no data | 29.8 min |
| East Providence, RIPop. 47,281 | #260 | 63.0 | $75,912 | $1,288/mo | 74 | 22.6 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 Minot compare with the rest of North Dakota?
Minot ranks #5 of the 20 North Dakota cities we track, with a score of 62.1 against North Dakota's statewide 75.5. Its households earn 6% below the North Dakota median. Violent crime is 15% above the statewide rate. Homes are 4% 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 Minot's score calculated?
Minot scores 62.1 out of 100, #301 of 1,312 (grade B+, 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 Minot. Similar-size median 52.9.
60.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Minot's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
79.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Minot. Similar-size median 52.2.
64.4 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Minot's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
58.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Minot's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
82.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Minot. Similar-size median 46.7.
51.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Minot. Similar-size median 44.2.
47.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Minot. Similar-size median 47.3.
42.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Minot's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
44.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
82.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Minot's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Minot 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 Minot
Is Minot, ND a good place to live?
Minot ranks #301 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #58 of 208 small cities and #5 of 20 in North Dakota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.6%, #11 of 184) and low living costs (87, #45 of 208), and trails on low graduation rates (83.4%, #144 of 191).
What is the cost of living in Minot?
Minot's cost of living index is 87, 13% below the US level of 100 and #101 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $973/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $280,355, 4% below the typical North Dakota home ($292,293).
What is the crime rate in Minot?
Minot recorded 295 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 10% below the US rate of 328 and 15% above North Dakota's 257. That ranks #555 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #103 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Minot Police Department. Property crime runs 1,193 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Minot?
The median household in Minot earns $73,219, 12% below the US figure of $83,163 and 6% below North Dakota ($77,871). Unemployment is 2.6% (US 4.3%). 11.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Minot?
Median rent in Minot is $973/mo (Census), #179 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,260/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 15.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Minot?
The typical home value in Minot is $280,355, up 3.4% in a year, against $292,293 for North Dakota and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $257,100.
How are the public schools in Minot?
Minot's 17 public schools graduate 83.4% of students in four years (North Dakota 85.1%), with 14.1 students per teacher and $15,070 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Minot?
The average commute is 19.7 minutes, #320 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 17.5 minutes across North Dakota. 7.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Minot?
Minot averages 43.4°F over the year, 69°F in summer and 16.5°F in winter, with 16.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Minot walkable?
Minot scores 9.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #763 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 Minot at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Ward County's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, ice storm, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.08% of building value, lower than 97% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Minot?
Ward County's air had a median air quality index of 36, and 79% of measured days were rated good; 12 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Minot?
Minot has 47,791 residents. The median resident of Minot is 33.5 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 29.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #803 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 56.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Minot compare with the rest of North Dakota?
Minot ranks #5 of the 20 North Dakota cities we track, with a score of 62.1 against North Dakota's statewide 75.5. Its households earn 6% below the North Dakota median. Violent crime is 15% above the statewide rate. Homes are 4% below the typical North Dakota home.
What cities are similar in size to Minot?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Minot's population of 47,791 are Wauwatosa, WI (#102 overall), Goose Creek, SC (#559 overall), Niagara Falls, NY (#1126 overall), Middletown, CT (#228 overall), and Roswell, NM (#1211 overall). Minot is #301.