Median Income
$60,074
20% lower than US avg
Home Value
$124,700
56% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.1%
34% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$867
25% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.8%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.7%
31% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.6%
50% higher than US avg
How Beach Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population933
Median Age40.7 yrs
Density366/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans6.7%
Economy
B
Median Income$60,074
Per Capita$36,300
Unemployment4.7%
Poverty18.6%
County GDP$59M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$124,700
Rent$867
Ownership69.2%
Zillow$241,992
Housing Units515
Rent Burden19.9%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property746/100K
Health
Obesity37.8%
Uninsured8.1%
Smoking16.6%
Depression22.2%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain16.5 in/yr
Sunny Days273/yr
Elevation2,773 ft (845 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.1%
High School+95.4%
Graduate+8.3%
School Score5.74
Community
2024 VoteR 85% / D 13%
Commute21 min
Broadband81.4%
Libraries1
Is Beach a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Beach receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate. Beach offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Beach is $60,074, 20% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.7%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 18.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Beach is $124,700, 56% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $867 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Beach is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 746 per 100,000, 62% below the national average.
Education
22.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Beach has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 273 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 16.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Beach has a population of 933 with a density of 366 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age is 40.7 years, 5% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.4% female and 49.6% male. The city is predominantly White (84.9%), with 5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.6% of residents. 6.7% of the population are veterans. 17.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.7yrs
Median Age
5% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.6%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.4%
90% below US avg
The median household income in Beach is $60,074, which is 20% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,300. The average weekly wage is $776, 46% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 18.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 44 business establishments, including 6 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,074 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,300 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $776 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $55,307 |
| Gini Index | 0.415 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.7% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.6% |
| 50% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 44 |
| County GDP | $59M |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Beach is $124,700, 56% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $241,992, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $867 (25% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 69.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 515 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. 19.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $124,700 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $241,992 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $867 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.8% |
| Housing Units | 515 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
In Beach, 37.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 31.6% have high blood pressure. 16.6% are current smokers. 22.3% report binge drinking. 25.7% are physically inactive. 22.2% report depression. 16.4% experience frequent mental distress. 8.1% of residents lack health insurance. The food environment index is 4.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Beach vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.8% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.6% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.6% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.7% |
| Depression | 22.2% |
| Mental Distress | 16.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.6% |
| Short Sleep | 34.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.7% |
| Uninsured | 8.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 72.4% |
| Dental Visits | 62.8% |
Food & Exercise
Beach has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 746 per 100,000, 62% below the U.S. average. Overall, Beach receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Beach vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 746.3/100K |
| 62% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Beach has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 273 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 16.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 2,773 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 43.7°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 273 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,773 ft (845 m) |
| Area | 1.9 sq mi (5.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 366/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.9187°N, 104.0054°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Wibaux County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sidney-Richland Regional (SDY) 55 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
16.5"
57% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.07"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 11.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 4.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M2.6 on May 6, 2014.
| Sep 28, 2012 |
22 km ESE of Williston, North Dakota |
M3.3 |
135 km |
| May 6, 2014 |
12 km NNW of Knife River, Montana |
M2.6 |
77 km |
| Jul 29, 2013 |
18 km SE of Ekalaka, Montana |
M2.6 |
131 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
100 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 2 fatalities, 18 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 29, 1975 |
EF4 |
90 km |
1 |
| Jun 29, 1961 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2016 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2009 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1953 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1952 |
EF3 |
19 km |
1 |
| Jul 19, 1952 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1952 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| Jul 25, 2001 |
EF2 |
19 km |
0 |
| Jul 25, 2001 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1999 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1977 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1976 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1975 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1965 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1962 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1957 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1953 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1952 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
EF1 |
63 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: GAP/ROUGH CREEK (53,708 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
GAP/ROUGH CREEK |
53,708 |
79 km |
| 2018 |
18 DONUT HOLE |
7,838 |
43 km |
| 1988 |
MIKES CREEK |
5,309 |
51 km |
| 2017 |
MAGPIE FIRE |
5,056 |
62 km |
| 2021 |
ROOSEVELT CREEK |
4,608 |
40 km |
| 2021 |
HORSE PASTURE |
4,431 |
95 km |
| 2004 |
DEEP CREEK |
4,180 |
54 km |
| 2012 |
DEEP CREEK 2 |
3,500 |
56 km |
| 2003 |
3 MILE |
3,394 |
77 km |
| 1988 |
MONTANA LINE |
3,307 |
89 km |
| 1988 |
CINNAMON CREEK |
3,204 |
58 km |
| 1999 |
CEDARCRKN |
2,964 |
46 km |
| 2021 |
ELKHORN |
2,784 |
47 km |
| 2021 |
DOROTHY DRAW |
2,565 |
46 km |
| 2008 |
BROWN |
2,519 |
45 km |
| 2014 |
14 BEEF CORRAL WASH |
2,471 |
42 km |
| 1988 |
FANTAIL |
2,341 |
54 km |
| 2021 |
744 |
2,268 |
34 km |
| 2000 |
TALKINGTON 1 |
2,204 |
58 km |
| 2004 |
MAGPIE CAMP |
2,114 |
54 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| May |
56°F (14°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| June |
65°F (19°C) |
3.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
1.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Beach has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 17°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 14.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.1") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Beach. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$223 ($134–$356) |
| Specialist Visit |
$312 ($178–$490) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$178 ($89–$312) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,958 ($712–$4,450) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$116 ($67–$178) |
| Dental Filling |
$223 ($134–$356) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($45–$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$267 ($134–$445) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$534 ($356–$890) |
| Battery Replacement |
$178 ($89–$312) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53–$134) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($45–$125) |
| HVAC Repair |
$356 ($134–$712) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,230 ($3,560–$10,680) |
| Roof Repair |
$890 ($356–$1,780) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,010 ($4,895–$13,350) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,335 ($445–$3,115) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,350 ($4,450–$26,700) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,450 ($1,780–$8,900) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,335 ($712–$2,670) |
| Will Preparation |
$445 ($178–$890) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,225 ($890–$4,450) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$134 ($67–$223) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($45–$116) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.65 ($2.67–$4.90) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.12 ($2.23–$4.45) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.38 ($2.23–$4.90) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.01 ($2.67–$5.79) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.90 ($3.56–$6.68) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53–$1.60) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$125 ($71–$223) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$134) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($36–$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($36–$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$76 ($45–$134) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$178 ($67–$445) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,780 ($1,068–$3,115) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$116) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.12–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27–$223) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,068 ($534–$2,225) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$890 ($445–$1,780) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$356 ($178–$623) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($22–$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$890 ($356–$2,225) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,125 ($4,450–$26,700) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($45–$178) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$267 ($134–$445) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$178 ($89–$356) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,066 |
| Toddler | $1,107 |
| Preschool | $953 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $839 |
| Toddler | $855 |
| Preschool | $855 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Beach
What is the population of Beach?
Beach has a population of 933 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 366 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.7 years. The population is 50.4% female and 49.6% male.
Is Beach expensive to live in?
Beach is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $60,074, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $124,700 (56% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $867 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Beach safe?
Beach is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 746 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Beach receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Beach?
Beach has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 273 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 16.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Beach?
Beach has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $776. There are 44 business establishments in the area, including 6 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Beach?
The median home value in Beach is $124,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $241,992. For renters, the median monthly rent is $867. Fair market rent is $795 for a 1-bedroom and $965 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 69.2%.
How are the schools in Beach?
Schools in Beach score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.1% of adults in Beach hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.4% have completed high school. 8.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Beach?
The obesity rate in Beach is 37.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.6% of adults are smokers. 25.7% are physically inactive. 22.2% of residents report depression. 8.1% lack health insurance.
What is transportation like in Beach?
The average commute in Beach is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Beach?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Beach is 84.9% White, 5% Hispanic or Latino. 98.6% of residents speak only English at home. 6.7% of the population are military veterans. 17.9% of residents have a disability. 98.7% have health insurance coverage.