North DakotaPop. 8,010Towns
Is Wahpeton a Good Place to Live? Wahpeton, North Dakota: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Wahpeton ranks #735 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #126 of 234 towns and #13 of 20 in North Dakota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($751/mo, #8 of 231) and low living costs (87.3, #41 of 230), and trails on low graduation rates (82%, #115 of 153).
Wahpeton by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Wahpeton'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 Wahpeton?
Wahpeton'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 $751/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $239,219, 18% below the typical North Dakota home ($292,293).
| Measure | Wahpeton | 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 | $239,219#220 of 1,187 | $292,293 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $171,300#143 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $751/mo#9 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% | 14.4%#39 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.
Wahpeton 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. Wahpeton is in the Wahpeton, ND-MN metro.
North Dakota housing market →Is Wahpeton safe?
Wahpeton recorded 135 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 59% below the US rate of 328 and 47% below North Dakota's 257. That ranks #207 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #44 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Wahpeton Police Department. Property crime runs 823 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Wahpeton | North DakotaND | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 135#207 of 1,085 | 257 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 823#146 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 Wahpeton?
The median household in Wahpeton earns $62,750, 25% below the US figure of $83,163 and 19% below North Dakota ($77,871). 15.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Wahpeton | North DakotaND | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $62,750#982 of 1,312 | $77,871 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 15.6%#897 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | +0.1%#597 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 Wahpeton?
The median resident of Wahpeton is 34.7 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 23.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1057 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 45.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Wahpeton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 34.7 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 23.1%#1057 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 45.4% | 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 Wahpeton's schools and health?
Wahpeton's 4 public schools graduate 82% of students in four years (North Dakota 85.1%), with 15.9 students per teacher and $13,897 spent per pupil. 37.3% of adults are obese and 10.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Wahpeton | North DakotaND | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 82%#809 of 1,063 | 85.1% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 15.9#617 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $13,897#721 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 37.3%#964 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 10.6%#524 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 16%#410 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 8%#372 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. 1,206 students are enrolled in Wahpeton's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Wahpeton?
The average commute in Wahpeton is 17.6 minutes (North Dakota 17.5); 0% of workers take transit and 6.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Wahpeton scores 8.9 of 20 (below average walkable), #851 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 68.1°F and winters 12.4°F, with 24.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Wahpeton | North DakotaND | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 17.6 min#173 of 1,312 | 17.5 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 6.4%#761 of 1,312 | 4.3% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 78.1% | 76.7% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0% | 0.5% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 7.9% | 3.7% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0.6% | 0.3% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 6.8% | 7.1% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.9#851 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 | 18.2 | -0.9 | 0.8 |
| Feb | 23 | 2.6 | 0.6 |
| Mar | 36.3 | 17.2 | 1.1 |
| Apr | 52.7 | 31.3 | 2.1 |
| May | 66.9 | 45.2 | 3.3 |
| Jun | 75.8 | 56.4 | 3.9 |
| Jul | 80 | 60 | 3.4 |
| Aug | 78.4 | 58.1 | 2.7 |
| Sep | 70.3 | 48.8 | 2.8 |
| Oct | 54.7 | 35 | 2.3 |
| Nov | 38 | 20.9 | 0.9 |
| Dec | 24.1 | 7.1 | 0.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Rothsay.
| Measure | Wahpeton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 41.7°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 68.1°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 12.4°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 24.8 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 Rothsay.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Wahpeton?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Wahpeton's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Richland County's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, tornado, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 83% of US counties.
| Measure | Wahpeton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.11%#274 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 Richland County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Richland County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Winter weather | 0.0042% | 98% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.019% | 84% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0054% | 77% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0019% | 74% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.001% | 57% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0026% | 55% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.06% | 22% 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 Wahpeton compare with similar-size cities?
Wahpeton is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #126 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 8,010.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wahpeton, NDPop. 8,010 | #735 | 54.4 | $62,750 | $751/mo | 135 | 17.6 min |
| York, NEPop. 8,141 | #817 | 53.1 | $63,265 | $862/mo | 183 | 9.7 min |
| Rawlins, WYPop. 8,129 | #766 | 53.9 | $64,773 | $741/mo | 114 | 13.3 min |
| Tiverton, RIPop. 8,091 | #220 | 64.0 | $99,158 | $1,342/mo | county/metro | 26.2 min |
| Ketchikan, AKPop. 8,078 | #506 | 58.0 | $85,275 | $1,417/mo | 350 | 10.6 min |
| Helena Valley West Central, MTPop. 8,056 | #714 | 54.8 | $90,082 | $1,327/mo | no data | 19.6 min |
| Montpelier, VTPop. 8,014 | #62 | 69.9 | $81,030 | $1,302/mo | 343 | 18.1 min |
| Oak Hill, WVPop. 7,937 | #1209 | 44.7 | $52,466 | $847/mo | 92 | 29 min |
| North Star, DEPop. 7,834 | #25 | 72.3 | $150,733 | — | no data | 24.1 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 Wahpeton compare with the rest of North Dakota?
Wahpeton ranks #13 of the 20 North Dakota cities we track, with a score of 54.4 against North Dakota's statewide 75.5. Its households earn 19% below the North Dakota median. Violent crime is 47% below the statewide rate. Homes are 18% 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 Wahpeton's score calculated?
Wahpeton scores 54.4 out of 100, #735 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 Wahpeton. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
24.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Wahpeton's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
92.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Wahpeton. Similar-size median 56.5.
53.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Wahpeton's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
51.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Wahpeton's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
88.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Wahpeton. Similar-size median 50.8.
38.7 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Wahpeton. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
30.0 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Wahpeton. Similar-size median 48.3.
50.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Wahpeton's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
41.6 - 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 59.2.
82.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Wahpeton'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 Wahpeton 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 Wahpeton
Is Wahpeton, ND a good place to live?
Wahpeton ranks #735 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #126 of 234 towns and #13 of 20 in North Dakota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($751/mo, #8 of 231) and low living costs (87.3, #41 of 230), and trails on low graduation rates (82%, #115 of 153).
What is the cost of living in Wahpeton?
Wahpeton'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 $751/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $239,219, 18% below the typical North Dakota home ($292,293).
What is the crime rate in Wahpeton?
Wahpeton recorded 135 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 59% below the US rate of 328 and 47% below North Dakota's 257. That ranks #207 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #44 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Wahpeton Police Department. Property crime runs 823 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Wahpeton?
The median household in Wahpeton earns $62,750, 25% below the US figure of $83,163 and 19% below North Dakota ($77,871). 15.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Wahpeton?
Median rent in Wahpeton is $751/mo (Census), #9 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 14.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Wahpeton?
The typical home value in Wahpeton is $239,219, up 3.5% in a year, against $292,293 for North Dakota and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $171,300.
How are the public schools in Wahpeton?
Wahpeton's 4 public schools graduate 82% of students in four years (North Dakota 85.1%), with 15.9 students per teacher and $13,897 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Wahpeton?
The average commute is 17.6 minutes, #173 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 17.5 minutes across North Dakota. 6.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Wahpeton?
Wahpeton averages 41.7°F over the year, 68.1°F in summer and 12.4°F in winter, with 24.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Wahpeton walkable?
Wahpeton scores 8.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #851 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 Wahpeton at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Richland County's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, tornado, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 83% of US counties.
Who lives in Wahpeton?
Wahpeton has 8,010 residents. The median resident of Wahpeton is 34.7 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 23.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1057 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 45.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Wahpeton compare with the rest of North Dakota?
Wahpeton ranks #13 of the 20 North Dakota cities we track, with a score of 54.4 against North Dakota's statewide 75.5. Its households earn 19% below the North Dakota median. Violent crime is 47% below the statewide rate. Homes are 18% below the typical North Dakota home.
What cities are similar in size to Wahpeton?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Wahpeton's population of 8,010 are York, NE (#817 overall), Rawlins, WY (#766 overall), Tiverton, RI (#220 overall), Ketchikan, AK (#506 overall), and Helena Valley West Central, MT (#714 overall). Wahpeton is #735.