Bachelor's+
28.1%
17% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.6%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
23.8%
92% higher than US avg
How Bowdon Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population167
Median Age48.1 yrs
Density668/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans12.3%
Economy
Per Capita$24,372
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty23.8%
County GDP$444M
Commute32 min
Housing
Ownership87.2%
Zillow$197,375
Housing Units117
Rent Burden28.4%
Health
Obesity37.6%
Uninsured13.8%
Smoking14.9%
Depression22.3%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
Rain17.3 in/yr
Elevation1,811 ft (552 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+28.1%
High School+96.7%
Graduate+0.7%
School Score6.12
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 18%
Commute32 min
Broadband67.4%
Libraries1
Is Bowdon a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bowdon receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Bowdon offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 23.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Education
28.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Bowdon has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 17.3 inches, including 33.5 inches of snow.
Bowdon has a population of 167 with a density of 668 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 48.1 years, 24% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.7% female and 47.3% male. The city is predominantly White (99.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.3% of residents. 12.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.4% of residents have a disability. 86.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
167
Total Population
2023 Census
48.1yrs
Median Age
24% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.3%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.2%
91% below US avg
Per capita income is $24,372 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $961, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 23.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 207 business establishments, including 18 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). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $24,372 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $961 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $83,996 |
| Gini Index | 0.505 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 23.8% |
| 92% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 207 |
| County GDP | $444M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 18 |
| Healthcare | 16 |
| Retail | 26 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 59.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $197,375. Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 87.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 117 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1951. 28.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 87.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 87.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 12.8% |
| Housing Units | 117 |
| Median Year Built | 1951 |
Property Tax
In Bowdon, 37.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 29.4% have high blood pressure. 14.9% are current smokers. 22.5% report binge drinking. 22.5% are physically inactive. 22.3% report depression. 16.4% experience frequent mental distress. 13.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:781. The dentist ratio is 1:983. 59.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bowdon vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.6% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.4% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.9% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.5% |
| Depression | 22.3% |
| Mental Distress | 16.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 31.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.2% |
| Uninsured | 13.8% |
| 60% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:781 |
| Dentists | 1:983 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.5% |
| Dental Visits | 66.3% |
| Premature Death | 4,966/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 16 |
Bowdon has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 17.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 33.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,811 feet.
Temperature
10°F Jan (-12°C)
69°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 40.9°F |
| 24% below US avg |
| January Average | 10°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (20°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,811 ft (552 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 668/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.4685°N, 99.7089°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Wells County County |
| Nearest Airport | Devils Lake Regional (DVL)
58 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
17.3"
54% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.22"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 8.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 44.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 95.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
283 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 1 fatality, 38 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 11, 2002 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1952 |
EF4 |
76 km |
1 |
| Jul 18, 2001 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1958 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1952 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 2022 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2018 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2017 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2016 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 19, 2004 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2001 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2001 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 2001 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1999 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1982 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1976 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 1974 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 1974 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
7 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CHICAGOLAKE (4,606 ac, 1994).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1994 |
CHICAGOLAKE |
4,606 |
53 km |
| 2008 |
GRADER |
1,745 |
42 km |
| 2006 |
BROWN WF |
1,430 |
77 km |
| 1985 |
CHASE LAKE |
1,215 |
55 km |
| 2018 |
EAST JIM LAKE |
1,214 |
73 km |
| 2006 |
RICE LAKE 1 |
1,150 |
70 km |
| 2017 |
NDAWR FY17 RX G10 11 12 D5 |
1,148 |
69 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
10°F (-12°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (20°C) |
2.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| October |
44°F (7°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Bowdon has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 10°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.2") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Bowdon. 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 | $861 |
| Toddler | $787 |
| Preschool | $729 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $633 |
| Toddler | $598 |
| Preschool | $601 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bowdon
What is the population of Bowdon?
Bowdon has a population of 167 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 668 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.7% female and 47.3% male.
Is Bowdon expensive to live in?
Bowdon is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89 / below the baseline of 100.
What is the weather like in Bowdon?
Bowdon has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 10°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 17.3 inches, with 33.5 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Bowdon?
The job market in Bowdon is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $961. There are 207 business establishments in the area, including 18 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Bowdon?
Schools in Bowdon score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 28.1% of adults in Bowdon hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.7% have completed high school. 0.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bowdon?
The obesity rate in Bowdon is 37.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.9% of adults are smokers. 22.5% are physically inactive. 22.3% of residents report depression. 13.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 59.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:781.
What is transportation like in Bowdon?
The average commute in Bowdon is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 59.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bowdon?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bowdon is 99.4% White. 99.3% of residents speak only English at home. 12.3% of the population are military veterans. 14.4% of residents have a disability. 86.2% have health insurance coverage.