North DakotaPop. 4,878Towns
Is Minot AFB a Good Place to Live? Minot AFB, North Dakota: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Minot AFB ranks #778 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #133 of 234 towns and #14 of 20 in North Dakota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (1.2%, #2 of 234) and short commutes (9.8 min, #3 of 234), and trails on high rents ($1,431/mo, #176 of 231).
Minot AFB by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Minot AFB's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
No crime figure is shown for Minot AFB: no police agency reports to the FBI for it alone. See Is Minot AFB safe?
What is the cost of living in Minot AFB?
Minot AFB'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 $1,431/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities.
| Measure | Minot AFB | North DakotaND | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 87#101 of 1,308 | 89 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,431/mo#662 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 27.5%#1168 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.
Is Minot AFB safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Minot AFB alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Minot AFB crime rate or rank it on safety. North Dakota as a whole records 257 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What do people earn in Minot AFB?
The median household in Minot AFB earns $62,500, 25% below the US figure of $83,163 and 20% below North Dakota ($77,871). 1.2% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Minot AFB | North DakotaND | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $62,500#989 of 1,312 | $77,871 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 1.2%#2 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
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 Minot AFB?
The median resident of Minot AFB is 22.6 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 29.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #796 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 0.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Minot AFB | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 22.6 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 29.9%#796 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 0.4% | 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 Minot AFB's schools and health?
Minot AFB's 3 public schools graduate 83% of students in four years (North Dakota 85.1%), with 13.7 students per teacher and $15,223 spent per pupil. 30.6% of adults are obese and 2.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Minot AFB | North DakotaND | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 83%#778 of 1,063 | 85.1% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 13.7#249 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $15,223#561 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 30.6%#428 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 2.9%#3 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 18.2%#899 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 9.2%#551 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. 670 students are enrolled in Minot AFB's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Minot AFB?
The average commute in Minot AFB is 9.8 minutes (North Dakota 17.5); 0% of workers take transit and 3.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Minot AFB scores 6.3 of 20 (below average walkable), #1283 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 68.5°F and winters 14.4°F, with 17.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Minot AFB | North DakotaND | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 9.8 min#3 of 1,312 | 17.5 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 2.6%#114 of 1,312 | 4.3% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 80.4% | 76.7% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0% | 0.5% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 3.9% | 3.7% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0.1% | 0.3% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 3.3% | 7.1% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 6.3#1283 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 | 20.7 | 2.4 | 0.5 |
| Feb | 25.1 | 5.4 | 0.5 |
| Mar | 37.8 | 17.7 | 0.7 |
| Apr | 54.1 | 30.1 | 1.2 |
| May | 67.8 | 42.6 | 2.5 |
| Jun | 76.9 | 53.4 | 3.5 |
| Jul | 83.6 | 57.4 | 2.8 |
| Aug | 83.8 | 56.1 | 1.8 |
| Sep | 72.6 | 46.1 | 1.7 |
| Oct | 55.1 | 33.7 | 1.3 |
| Nov | 38.2 | 19.6 | 0.7 |
| Dec | 24.8 | 7.8 | 0.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Foxholm 7 N.
| Measure | Minot AFB | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 42.2°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 68.5°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 14.4°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 17.6 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 Foxholm 7 N.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Minot AFB?
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 AFB | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 36#161 of 1,138 | 38 | — |
| 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 234 places under 25,000 people 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 AFB compare with similar-size cities?
Minot AFB is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #133 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 4,878.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minot AFB, NDPop. 4,878 | #778 | 53.7 | $62,500 | $1,431/mo | no data | 9.8 min |
| Caribou, MEPop. 7,382 | #615 | 56.5 | $53,709 | $757/mo | 82 | 14.7 min |
| Elsmere, DEPop. 6,203 | #971 | 50.6 | $67,944 | $1,339/mo | 144 | 24.4 min |
| Lewistown, MTPop. 6,087 | #1094 | 48.0 | $48,750 | $1,007/mo | 639 | 12.7 min |
| Chena Ridge, AKPop. 5,881 | #186 | 64.9 | $133,775 | $1,110/mo | no data | 20.9 min |
| Belle Fourche, SDPop. 5,804 | #1045 | 49.1 | $65,071 | $983/mo | 254 | 25.8 min |
| Worland, WYPop. 4,794 | #663 | 55.7 | $63,357 | $703/mo | 252 | 10.5 min |
| Pascoag, RIPop. 4,410 | #422 | 59.7 | $121,369 | $1,319/mo | no data | 35.4 min |
| Newport, VTPop. 4,394 | #899 | 51.8 | $54,646 | $850/mo | 395 | 14.5 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 AFB compare with the rest of North Dakota?
Minot AFB ranks #14 of the 20 North Dakota cities we track, with a score of 53.7 against North Dakota's statewide 75.5. Its households earn 20% below the North Dakota median.
| 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 AFB's score calculated?
Minot AFB scores 53.7 out of 100, #778 of 1,312 (grade C+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 8 of 11 categories with local data; safety, growth, and outdoor access are 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 · 20% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Minot AFB. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
23.9 - HealthCity data · 16% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Minot AFB. Similar-size median 56.5.
69.5 - EducationCity data · 16% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Minot AFB's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
58.9 - AffordabilityCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Minot AFB's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 74.8.
76.5 - Household financesCity data · 11% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Minot AFB. Similar-size median 50.8.
62.0 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Minot AFB. Similar-size median 48.3.
49.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Minot AFB's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
27.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
82.6 - SafetyNot scored
No FBI figures from a police agency serving Minot AFB alone.
— - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for Minot AFB.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Minot AFB'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 Minot AFB 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 AFB
Is Minot AFB, ND a good place to live?
Minot AFB ranks #778 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #133 of 234 towns and #14 of 20 in North Dakota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (1.2%, #2 of 234) and short commutes (9.8 min, #3 of 234), and trails on high rents ($1,431/mo, #176 of 231).
What is the cost of living in Minot AFB?
Minot AFB'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 $1,431/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities.
Is Minot AFB safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Minot AFB alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Minot AFB crime rate or rank it on safety. North Dakota as a whole records 257 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What is the median household income in Minot AFB?
The median household in Minot AFB earns $62,500, 25% below the US figure of $83,163 and 20% below North Dakota ($77,871). 1.2% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much is rent in Minot AFB?
Median rent in Minot AFB is $1,431/mo (Census), #662 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 27.5% of the median household's income.
How are the public schools in Minot AFB?
Minot AFB's 3 public schools graduate 83% of students in four years (North Dakota 85.1%), with 13.7 students per teacher and $15,223 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Minot AFB?
The average commute is 9.8 minutes, #3 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 17.5 minutes across North Dakota. 2.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Minot AFB?
Minot AFB averages 42.2°F over the year, 68.5°F in summer and 14.4°F in winter, with 17.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Minot AFB walkable?
Minot AFB scores 6.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1283 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 AFB 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 AFB?
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 AFB?
Minot AFB has 4,878 residents. The median resident of Minot AFB is 22.6 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 29.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #796 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 0.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Minot AFB compare with the rest of North Dakota?
Minot AFB ranks #14 of the 20 North Dakota cities we track, with a score of 53.7 against North Dakota's statewide 75.5. Its households earn 20% below the North Dakota median.
What cities are similar in size to Minot AFB?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Minot AFB's population of 4,878 are Caribou, ME (#615 overall), Elsmere, DE (#971 overall), Lewistown, MT (#1094 overall), Chena Ridge, AK (#186 overall), and Belle Fourche, SD (#1045 overall). Minot AFB is #778.