Median Income
$80,938
8% higher than US avg
Home Value
$113,600
60% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.2%
40% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$525
55% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.3%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Bowbells Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population267
Median Age50.5 yrs
Density281/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans7.6%
Economy
A+
Median Income$80,938
Per Capita$54,892
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$293M
Commute32 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$113,600
Rent$525
Ownership73.6%
Zillow$233,818
Housing Units224
Rent Burden17.5%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property360/100K
Health
Obesity37.3%
Uninsured7.4%
Smoking13.6%
Depression20.4%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F (4°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain19.5 in/yr
Sunny Days274/yr
Elevation1,960 ft (597 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.2%
High School+95.9%
Graduate+6.8%
School Score5.42
Community
2024 VoteR 86% / D 12%
Commute32 min
Broadband94.4%
Libraries1
Is Bowbells a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bowbells receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Bowbells offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bowbells is $80,938, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bowbells is $113,600, 60% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $525 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Bowbells 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 360 per 100,000, 82% below the national average.
Education
20.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Bowbells has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 10°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 19.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Bowbells has a population of 267 with a density of 281 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 50.5 years, 30% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.8% female and 47.2% male. The city is predominantly White (88%), with 2.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.6% of residents. 7.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 9.8% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 90.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
50.5yrs
Median Age
30% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.6%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.4%
67% below US avg
The median household income in Bowbells is $80,938, which is 8% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $54,892 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,329. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 126 business establishments, including 8 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 6.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $80,938 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $54,892 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,329 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $93,079 |
| Gini Index | 0.433 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 126 |
| County GDP | $293M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 8 |
| Healthcare | 4 |
| Retail | 9 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.7% |
The median home value in Bowbells is $113,600, 60% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $233,818, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $525 (55% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 73.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 224 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. 17.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $113,600 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $233,818 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $525 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 73.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.4% |
| Housing Units | 224 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
In Bowbells, 37.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 29.9% have high blood pressure. 13.6% are current smokers. 24.2% report binge drinking. 20.4% are physically inactive, below the national average. 20.4% report depression. 14.4% experience frequent mental distress. 7.4% of residents lack health insurance. 12.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bowbells vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.3% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.9% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 5.1% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.6% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.4% |
| Depression | 20.4% |
| Mental Distress | 14.4% |
| Physical Distress | 10.9% |
| Short Sleep | 31.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.5% |
| Uninsured | 7.4% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 71.3% |
| Dental Visits | 68.2% |
| Premature Death | 5,189/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 12.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 4 |
Bowbells has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 360 per 100,000, 82% below the U.S. average. Overall, Bowbells receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Bowbells vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 360.4/100K |
| 82% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Bowbells has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. 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 19.5 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 1,960 feet.
Temperature
10°F Jan (-12°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 39.6°F |
| 27% below US avg |
| January Average | 10°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 274 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,960 ft (597 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 281/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.8022°N, 102.2458°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Burke County County |
| Nearest Airport | Minot International (MOT)
58 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
19.5"
49% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.95"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0483 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 3.4 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 1.51 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 1.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 58.4 / 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 |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M3.3 on Sep 28, 2012.
| Nov 11, 1998 |
10 km SW of Grenora, North Dakota |
M3.5 |
134 km |
| Sep 28, 2012 |
22 km ESE of Williston, North Dakota |
M3.3 |
117 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
143 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 2 fatalities, 7 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 5, 1955 |
EF4 |
42 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 2010 |
EF3 |
5 km |
1 |
| Jul 6, 1977 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1974 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1997 |
EF2 |
52 km |
1 |
| Jun 5, 1976 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1974 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1969 |
EF2 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1962 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1960 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1958 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 2024 |
EF1 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2009 |
EF1 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2009 |
EF1 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2003 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2001 |
EF1 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1999 |
EF1 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1999 |
EF1 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1999 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1990 |
EF1 |
70 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WILLIAMS CO WILDLAND FIRE (67,150 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
WILLIAMS CO WILDLAND FIRE |
67,150 |
88 km |
| 2015 |
LOSTWOOD WILDERNESS 2015 |
6,837 |
22 km |
| 2005 |
H RX 05 WILD |
5,644 |
23 km |
| 1986 |
WILDERNESS |
5,615 |
23 km |
| 1997 |
WILDERNESS |
5,556 |
23 km |
| 2005 |
CLEAR LAKE |
5,040 |
41 km |
| 2024 |
CHARLSON |
3,055 |
99 km |
| 2005 |
LOSTWOOD NON-NFP |
2,769 |
28 km |
| 2006 |
HB 35 |
2,164 |
16 km |
| 2023 |
NDLWR-HFR-FY23-RX-ASPEN |
2,074 |
23 km |
| 2017 |
NDLWR FY17 RX CENTRAL CORE |
1,899 |
26 km |
| 2016 |
LWR WUI RX FESCUE 2016 |
1,802 |
27 km |
| 1993 |
KRUSES |
1,802 |
29 km |
| 1990 |
KRUSES |
1,619 |
29 km |
| 1986 |
KRUSES |
1,615 |
30 km |
| 1996 |
KRUSES |
1,516 |
30 km |
| 2003 |
KRUSE |
1,507 |
30 km |
| 1987 |
TEAL |
1,470 |
21 km |
| 2001 |
HB 35 |
1,441 |
15 km |
| 2010 |
ASPEN HFR |
1,333 |
24 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
10°F (-12°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| April |
40°F (4°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
3.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| September |
55°F (13°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| October |
43°F (6°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| November |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| December |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Bowbells has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 10°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 16.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.0") and November the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Bowbells. 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 | $937 |
| Toddler | $855 |
| Preschool | $793 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $689 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $654 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bowbells
What is the population of Bowbells?
Bowbells has a population of 267 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 281 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 50.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.8% female and 47.2% male.
Is Bowbells expensive to live in?
Bowbells 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 $80,938, 8% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $113,600 (60% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $525 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Bowbells safe?
Bowbells 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 360 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Bowbells receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bowbells?
Bowbells has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 10°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 19.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Bowbells?
The job market in Bowbells is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,329. There are 126 business establishments in the area, including 8 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 6.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bowbells?
The median home value in Bowbells is $113,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $233,818. For renters, the median monthly rent is $525. Fair market rent is $795 for a 1-bedroom and $965 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 73.6%.
How are the schools in Bowbells?
Schools in Bowbells score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.2% of adults in Bowbells hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.9% have completed high school. 6.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bowbells?
The obesity rate in Bowbells is 37.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.6% of adults are smokers. 20.4% are physically inactive. 20.4% of residents report depression. 7.4% lack health insurance. 12.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Bowbells?
The average commute in Bowbells is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bowbells?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bowbells is 88% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino. 95.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.4% speak Spanish. 7.6% of the population are military veterans. 9.8% of residents have a disability. 90.5% have health insurance coverage.
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