Median Income
$70,882
6% lower than US avg
Home Value
$165,300
41% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
102/100K
73% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
29.1%
14% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$770
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.1%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.0%
72% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.6%
39% lower than US avg
How Bottineau Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,063
Median Age35.9 yrs
Density1,563/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 84%
Veterans6.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$70,882
Per Capita$39,191
Unemployment1.0%
Poverty7.6%
County GDP$586M
Commute13 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$165,300
Rent$770
Ownership60.0%
Zillow$238,344
Housing Units910
Rent Burden20.8%
Crime
F
Violent102/100K
Property1,320/100K
Health
Obesity39.1%
Uninsured7.6%
Smoking15.1%
Depression21.4%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp39°F (4°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain19.2 in/yr
Sunny Days274/yr
Elevation1,632 ft (497 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+29.1%
High School+96.0%
Graduate+7.7%
School Score5.98
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 21%
Commute13 min
Broadband90.4%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Bottineau a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bottineau receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Bottineau offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bottineau is $70,882, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.0%. Only 7.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bottineau is $165,300, 41% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $770 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Bottineau is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 102 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,320 per 100,000, 33% below the national average.
Education
29.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Bottineau has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F. Winters average 6°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. With 274 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 19.2 inches, including 49.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Bottineau has a population of 2,063 with a density of 1,563 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 35.9 years, 8% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.3% female and 51.7% male. The city is predominantly White (84.4%), with 11.9% Hispanic, 1.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.4% of residents. 6.5% of the population are veterans. 17.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.9yrs
Median Age
8% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Bottineau vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.4%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.6%
81% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Bottineau vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Bottineau is $70,882, which is 6% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,191. The average weekly wage is $1,013, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 335 business establishments, including 27 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Bottineau vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $70,882 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,191 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,013 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $85,516 |
| Gini Index | 0.469 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.0% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.6% |
| 39% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 335 |
| County GDP | $586M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 27 |
| Healthcare | 18 |
| Retail | 29 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,300 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.60% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 13.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.8% |
The median home value in Bottineau is $165,300, 41% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $238,344, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $770 (34% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $796 for a one-bedroom to $873 for a two-bedroom apartment. 60.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 910 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. The average annual property tax is $4,300 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 20.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $165,300 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $238,344 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $770 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $760 |
| 1 Bedroom | $796 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $873 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,153 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,464 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 60.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 60.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 40.0% |
| Housing Units | 910 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,300 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.60% |
In Bottineau, 39.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 31.3% have high blood pressure. 15.1% are current smokers. 22.2% report binge drinking. 23.6% are physically inactive. 21.4% report depression. 15.6% experience frequent mental distress. 7.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,130. The dentist ratio is 1:3,188. 63.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bottineau vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.3% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.1% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.6% |
| Depression | 21.4% |
| Mental Distress | 15.6% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 35.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.8% |
| Uninsured | 7.6% |
| 12% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,130 |
| Dentists | 1:3,188 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,175 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.6% |
| Dental Visits | 62.9% |
| Premature Death | 5,598/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 63.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
Bottineau has a violent crime rate of 102 per 100,000 residents, 73% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,320 per 100,000, 33% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Bottineau receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bottineau vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 101.6/100K |
| 73% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,320.2/100K |
| 33% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bottineau has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winters average 6°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 62°F. The area gets 274 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 19.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 49.8 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,632 feet.
Temperature
6°F Jan (-15°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 38.6°F |
| 29% below US avg |
| January Average | 6°F (-15°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 274 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,632 ft (497 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,563/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.8248°N, 100.4425°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Bottineau County County |
| Nearest Airport | Minot International (MOT) 55 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
19.2"
49% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.11"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 18.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 31.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 58.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
156 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 15 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1986 |
EF3 |
16 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1977 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2017 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2016 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1997 |
EF2 |
99 km |
1 |
| Jun 6, 1982 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1974 |
EF2 |
11 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 1973 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1972 |
EF2 |
14 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1965 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1960 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 2020 |
EF1 |
11 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 2018 |
EF1 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 2018 |
EF1 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 2011 |
EF1 |
67 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2010 |
EF1 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2007 |
EF1 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2005 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2005 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,371 ac, 1989).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
4,371 |
44 km |
| 2000 |
RED CROSS |
3,015 |
46 km |
| 2017 |
NDJCR WUI RX COUNTY RD 17 2016 |
2,772 |
34 km |
| 1992 |
CLARK II |
2,443 |
51 km |
| 2009 |
COUNTY ROAD 17 |
2,291 |
34 km |
| 1994 |
ASPEN |
1,994 |
34 km |
| 2008 |
POOL 326 |
1,805 |
30 km |
| 1997 |
FOXHOLM1 |
1,187 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
6°F (-15°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
10°F (-12°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| April |
40°F (4°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
3.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
2.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| October |
43°F (6°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| November |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
9°F (-13°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Bottineau has a seasonal temperature swing of 62°F / from 6°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.1") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Bottineau. 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 | $946 |
| Toddler | $864 |
| Preschool | $801 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $695 |
| Toddler | $656 |
| Preschool | $661 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bottineau
What is the population of Bottineau?
Bottineau has a population of 2,063 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 1,563 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.3% female and 51.7% male.
Is Bottineau expensive to live in?
Bottineau 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 $70,882, 6% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $165,300 (41% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $770 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Bottineau safe?
Bottineau is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 102 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,320 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Bottineau receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bottineau?
Bottineau has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 6°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 274 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 19.2 inches, with 49.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Bottineau?
The job market in Bottineau is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,013. There are 335 business establishments in the area, including 27 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 13 minutes, and 6.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bottineau?
The median home value in Bottineau is $165,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $238,344. For renters, the median monthly rent is $770. Fair market rent is $796 for a 1-bedroom and $873 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 60.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,300.
How are the schools in Bottineau?
Schools in Bottineau score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 29.1% of adults in Bottineau hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.0% have completed high school. 7.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bottineau?
The obesity rate in Bottineau is 39.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.1% of adults are smokers. 23.6% are physically inactive. 21.4% of residents report depression. 7.6% lack health insurance. 63.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,130.
What is transportation like in Bottineau?
The average commute in Bottineau is 13 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bottineau?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bottineau is 84.4% White, 1.3% Black or African American, 11.9% Hispanic or Latino. 97.4% of residents speak only English at home. 6.5% of the population are military veterans. 17.5% of residents have a disability. 94.8% have health insurance coverage.