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Is Valley City a Good Place to Live? Valley City, North Dakota: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Valley City ranks #870 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #158 of 234 towns and #17 of 20 in North Dakota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($780/mo, #14 of 231) and low violent crime (61 per 100,000, #11 of 146), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.9%, #134 of 151) and high poverty (16.7%, #176 of 234).
Valley City by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Valley City'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 Valley City?
Valley City'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 $780/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $200,821, 31% below the typical North Dakota home ($292,293).
| Measure | Valley City | 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 | $200,821#114 of 1,187 | $292,293 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,583/mo · US $1,948/mo | $845/mo#8 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $162,200#112 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $780/mo#17 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 2.7x#91 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 15.5%#74 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.
Valley City 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 Valley City safe?
Valley City recorded 61 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 81% below the US rate of 328 and 76% below North Dakota's 257. That ranks #45 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #11 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Valley City Police Department. Property crime runs 1,033 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Valley City | North DakotaND | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 61#45 of 1,085 | 257 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 1,033#233 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 Valley City?
The median household in Valley City earns $60,339, 27% below the US figure of $83,163 and 23% below North Dakota ($77,871). 16.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Valley City | North DakotaND | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $60,339#1040 of 1,312 | $77,871 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 16.7%#961 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | -0.9%#1074 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 Valley City?
The median resident of Valley City is 39.4 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 31.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #736 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Valley City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 39.4 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 31.4%#736 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 55.5% | 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 Valley City's schools and health?
Valley City's 4 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (North Dakota 85.1%), with 14.3 students per teacher and $13,719 spent per pupil. 37.5% of adults are obese and 11.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Valley City | North DakotaND | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 92%#222 of 1,063 | 85.1% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 14.3#337 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $13,719#743 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 37.5%#978 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 11.1%#639 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 14.7%#229 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 7.5%#317 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. 975 students are enrolled in Valley City's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Valley City?
The average commute in Valley City is 15.8 minutes (North Dakota 17.5); 0% of workers take transit and 3.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Valley City scores 8.5 of 20 (below average walkable), #933 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 67°F and winters 11.7°F, with 21.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Valley City | North DakotaND | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 15.8 min#90 of 1,312 | 17.5 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 6.2%#736 of 1,312 | 4.3% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 82.6% | 76.7% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0% | 0.5% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 7.5% | 3.7% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.3% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 3.5% | 7.1% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.5#933 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 | 18.3 | -2.3 | 0.5 |
| Feb | 23.2 | 1.3 | 0.5 |
| Mar | 36 | 14.2 | 0.8 |
| Apr | 53.2 | 27.7 | 1.2 |
| May | 67.1 | 41.2 | 3.2 |
| Jun | 76.4 | 53.2 | 3.6 |
| Jul | 81.2 | 57 | 3 |
| Aug | 80.1 | 54.1 | 2.6 |
| Sep | 71.4 | 44.6 | 2.7 |
| Oct | 55.9 | 31.9 | 1.9 |
| Nov | 38.3 | 18.3 | 0.7 |
| Dec | 24.2 | 5.6 | 0.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Valley City 3 Nnw.
| Measure | Valley City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 40.5°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 | 11.7°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 21.5 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 Valley City 3 Nnw.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Valley City?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Valley City's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Barnes County's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, ice storm, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.2% of building value, higher than 71% of US counties.
| Measure | Valley City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.2%#923 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 Barnes County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Barnes County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Winter weather | 0.0055% | 100% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0091% | 92% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.019% | 85% of counties |
| Hail | 0.01% | 84% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0065% | 82% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.12% | 81% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0029% | 71% 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 Valley City compare with similar-size cities?
Valley City is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #158 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 6,541.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valley City, NDPop. 6,541 | #870 | 52.2 | $60,339 | $780/mo | 61 | 15.8 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 |
| Tea, SDPop. 6,786 | #63 | 69.8 | $120,139 | $1,220/mo | 169 | 20.2 min |
| Powell, WYPop. 6,503 | #562 | 57.2 | $63,523 | $764/mo | 273 | 18.2 min |
| Shelburne, VTPop. 6,499 | #6 | 76.0 | $109,583 | $1,439/mo | 61 | 20.7 min |
| Edgemoor, DEPop. 6,349 | #1143 | 46.9 | $59,424 | $1,438/mo | no data | 26.3 min |
| Sterling, AKPop. 6,323 | #459 | 58.8 | $102,415 | $1,248/mo | no data | 30.1 min |
| Sidney, MTPop. 6,171 | #725 | 54.6 | $62,538 | $931/mo | 655 | 21.2 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 Valley City compare with the rest of North Dakota?
Valley City ranks #17 of the 20 North Dakota cities we track, with a score of 52.2 against North Dakota's statewide 75.5. Its households earn 23% below the North Dakota median. Violent crime is 76% below the statewide rate. Homes are 31% 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 Valley City's score calculated?
Valley City scores 52.2 out of 100, #870 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 Valley City. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
22.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Valley City's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
95.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Valley City. Similar-size median 56.5.
55.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Valley City's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
64.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Valley City's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
88.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Valley City. Similar-size median 50.8.
35.6 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Valley City. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
15.7 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Valley City. Similar-size median 48.3.
46.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Valley City's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
39.5 - 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.
28.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Valley City'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 Valley City 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 Valley City
Is Valley City, ND a good place to live?
Valley City ranks #870 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #158 of 234 towns and #17 of 20 in North Dakota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($780/mo, #14 of 231) and low violent crime (61 per 100,000, #11 of 146), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.9%, #134 of 151) and high poverty (16.7%, #176 of 234).
What is the cost of living in Valley City?
Valley City'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 $780/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $200,821, 31% below the typical North Dakota home ($292,293).
What is the crime rate in Valley City?
Valley City recorded 61 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 81% below the US rate of 328 and 76% below North Dakota's 257. That ranks #45 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #11 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Valley City Police Department. Property crime runs 1,033 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Valley City?
The median household in Valley City earns $60,339, 27% below the US figure of $83,163 and 23% below North Dakota ($77,871). 16.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Valley City?
Median rent in Valley City is $780/mo (Census), #17 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $845/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 15.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Valley City?
The typical home value in Valley City is $200,821, up 6.9% in a year, against $292,293 for North Dakota and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $162,200.
How are the public schools in Valley City?
Valley City's 4 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (North Dakota 85.1%), with 14.3 students per teacher and $13,719 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Valley City?
The average commute is 15.8 minutes, #90 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 17.5 minutes across North Dakota. 6.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Valley City?
Valley City averages 40.5°F over the year, 67°F in summer and 11.7°F in winter, with 21.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Valley City walkable?
Valley City scores 8.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #933 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 Valley City at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Barnes County's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, ice storm, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.2% of building value, higher than 71% of US counties.
Who lives in Valley City?
Valley City has 6,541 residents. The median resident of Valley City is 39.4 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 31.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #736 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Valley City compare with the rest of North Dakota?
Valley City ranks #17 of the 20 North Dakota cities we track, with a score of 52.2 against North Dakota's statewide 75.5. Its households earn 23% below the North Dakota median. Violent crime is 76% below the statewide rate. Homes are 31% below the typical North Dakota home.
What cities are similar in size to Valley City?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Valley City's population of 6,541 are Caribou, ME (#615 overall), Kingston, RI (#215 overall), Tea, SD (#63 overall), Powell, WY (#562 overall), and Shelburne, VT (#6 overall). Valley City is #870.