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Is New Town a Good Place to Live? New Town, North Dakota: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
New Town ranks #1256 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #224 of 234 towns and #20 of 20 in North Dakota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (14 min, #34 of 234) and low rents ($851/mo, #39 of 231), and trails on high poverty (24%, #218 of 234) and low graduation rates (77%, #138 of 153).
New Town by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with New Town'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 New Town: its police agency reported only part of the year. See Is New Town safe?
What is the cost of living in New Town?
New Town'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 $851/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $207,600.
| Measure | New Town | 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 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $207,600#251 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $851/mo#53 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 4x#577 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 19.5%#391 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 New Town safe?
The FBI figures we hold for New Town are far below North Dakota's rates for a city of 2,721, which usually means the police agency reported only part of the year, so we don't publish them or rank New Town on safety. North Dakota as a whole records 257 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What do people earn in New Town?
The median household in New Town earns $52,500, 37% below the US figure of $83,163 and 33% below North Dakota ($77,871). 24% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | New Town | North DakotaND | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $52,500#1193 of 1,312 | $77,871 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 24%#1218 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | -0.7%#1029 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 New Town?
The median resident of New Town is 28.2 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 21.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1128 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 32.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | New Town | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 28.2 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 21.4%#1128 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 32.3% | 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 New Town's schools and health?
New Town's 3 public schools graduate 77% of students in four years (North Dakota 85.1%), with 10.7 students per teacher and $17,294 spent per pupil. 45.6% of adults are obese and 14.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | New Town | North DakotaND | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 77%#944 of 1,063 | 85.1% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 10.7#23 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $17,294#387 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 45.6%#1290 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 14.1%#1093 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 19.2%#1076 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 11.9%#864 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. 950 students are enrolled in New Town's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in New Town?
The average commute in New Town is 14 minutes (North Dakota 17.5); 0% of workers take transit and 1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index New Town scores 8.8 of 20 (below average walkable), #866 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 67°F and winters 15.9°F, with 17.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | New Town | North DakotaND | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 14 min#41 of 1,312 | 17.5 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 2.9%#171 of 1,312 | 4.3% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 78.9% | 76.7% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0% | 0.5% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 2.4% | 3.7% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.3% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 1% | 7.1% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.8#866 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 | 22.4 | 3.8 | 0.5 |
| Feb | 27.3 | 7.6 | 0.5 |
| Mar | 40.3 | 18.6 | 0.7 |
| Apr | 56 | 29.6 | 1.1 |
| May | 67.4 | 40.7 | 2.6 |
| Jun | 75.8 | 50.4 | 3.3 |
| Jul | 83 | 55.4 | 3 |
| Aug | 83.4 | 54.2 | 1.7 |
| Sep | 73.1 | 45 | 1.9 |
| Oct | 56.2 | 32.3 | 1.4 |
| Nov | 38.5 | 19.6 | 0.7 |
| Dec | 25.9 | 8.2 | 0.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Keene 3s.
| Measure | New Town | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 42.3°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 67°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 15.9°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 17.9 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 Keene 3s.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in New Town?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in New Town's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Mountrail County's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, hail, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 94% of US counties.
| Measure | New Town | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.09%#96 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 Mountrail County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Mountrail County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Winter weather | 0.0052% | 100% of counties |
| Hail | 0.013% | 88% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.004% | 84% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.008% | 83% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0026% | 59% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0078% | 47% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.035% | 3% 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 New Town compare with similar-size cities?
New Town is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #224 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 2,721.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Town, NDPop. 2,721 | #1256 | 42.0 | $52,500 | $851/mo | part year | 14 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 |
| Buffalo, WYPop. 4,572 | #595 | 56.8 | $62,629 | $1,019/mo | 106 | 12.9 min |
| Dakota Dunes, SDPop. 3,936 | #93 | 68.7 | $136,125 | $1,225/mo | no data | 12.1 min |
| Narragansett Pier, RIPop. 3,167 | #782 | 53.6 | $82,192 | $1,649/mo | no data | 26.5 min |
| Bellows Falls, VTPop. 2,891 | #871 | 52.2 | $56,086 | $1,038/mo | 110 | 20.1 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 New Town compare with the rest of North Dakota?
New Town ranks #20 of the 20 North Dakota cities we track, with a score of 42 against North Dakota's statewide 75.5. Its households earn 33% 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 New Town's score calculated?
New Town scores 42 out of 100, #1256 of 1,312 (grade F, which follows rank). It is scored on the 9 of 11 categories with local data; safety 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 · 18% of score
Median household income and unemployment in New Town. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
15.2 - HealthCity data · 15% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in New Town. Similar-size median 56.5.
29.3 - EducationCity data · 15% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in New Town's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
62.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 12% of score
New Town's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
86.1 - Household financesCity data · 10% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in New Town. Similar-size median 50.8.
18.7 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 9% of score
Population growth and unemployment in New Town. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
18.6 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in New Town. Similar-size median 48.3.
44.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across New Town's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
41.1 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 5% 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.
94.0 - SafetyNot scored
New Town's police agency has no full year of FBI reports to score.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: New Town'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 New Town 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 New Town
Is New Town, ND a good place to live?
New Town ranks #1256 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #224 of 234 towns and #20 of 20 in North Dakota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (14 min, #34 of 234) and low rents ($851/mo, #39 of 231), and trails on high poverty (24%, #218 of 234) and low graduation rates (77%, #138 of 153).
What is the cost of living in New Town?
New Town'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 $851/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $207,600.
Is New Town safe?
The FBI figures we hold for New Town are far below North Dakota's rates for a city of 2,721, which usually means the police agency reported only part of the year, so we don't publish them or rank New Town 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 New Town?
The median household in New Town earns $52,500, 37% below the US figure of $83,163 and 33% below North Dakota ($77,871). 24% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in New Town?
Median rent in New Town is $851/mo (Census), #53 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 19.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in New Town?
The Census median value of owner-occupied homes in New Town is $207,600, #251 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest).
How are the public schools in New Town?
New Town's 3 public schools graduate 77% of students in four years (North Dakota 85.1%), with 10.7 students per teacher and $17,294 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in New Town?
The average commute is 14 minutes, #41 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 New Town?
New Town averages 42.3°F over the year, 67°F in summer and 15.9°F in winter, with 17.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is New Town walkable?
New Town scores 8.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #866 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 New Town at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Mountrail County's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, hail, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 94% of US counties.
Who lives in New Town?
New Town has 2,721 residents. The median resident of New Town is 28.2 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 21.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1128 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 32.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does New Town compare with the rest of North Dakota?
New Town ranks #20 of the 20 North Dakota cities we track, with a score of 42 against North Dakota's statewide 75.5. Its households earn 33% below the North Dakota median.
What cities are similar in size to New Town?
The tracked cities in other states closest to New Town's population of 2,721 are Caribou, ME (#615 overall), Elsmere, DE (#971 overall), Lewistown, MT (#1094 overall), Chena Ridge, AK (#186 overall), and Buffalo, WY (#595 overall). New Town is #1256.