Median Income
$105,357
40% higher than US avg
Home Value
$225,000
20% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
259/100K
32% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
30.3%
10% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.5%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Buchanan Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population92
Median Age48.5 yrs
Density1,150/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans67.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$105,357
Per Capita$46,893
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$309M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$225,000
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$212,729
Housing Units37
Rent Burden27.7%
Crime
F
Violent259/100K
Property2,869/100K
Health
Obesity35.5%
Uninsured5.8%
Smoking11.6%
Depression20.2%
Heart Disease4.0%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (6°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Sunny Days253/yr
Elevation1,555 ft (474 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+30.3%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+11.3%
School Score6.64
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 20%
Commute17 min
Broadband38.0%
EV Stations10
Libraries1
Is Buchanan a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Buchanan receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Buchanan offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Buchanan is $105,357, which is significantly higher than the national average / 40% above $75,149. This places Buchanan among higher-income communities. 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 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Buchanan is $225,000, 20% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Buchanan is below the national average at 259 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,869 per 100,000, 46% above the national average.
Education
30.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.6/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Buchanan has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 253 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Buchanan has a population of 92 with a density of 1,150 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 48.5 years, 25% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.3% female and 46.7% male. The city is predominantly White (92.4%), with 7.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.5% of residents, while 7.5% speak Spanish. 67.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 3.7% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 81.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.5yrs
Median Age
25% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.5%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.5%
44% below US avg
The median household income in Buchanan is $105,357, which is 40% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $46,893 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,103, 23% lower than the U.S. average. 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 173 business establishments, including 11 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 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 | $105,357 |
| 40% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $46,893 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,103 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $85,053 |
| Gini Index | 0.426 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 173 |
| County GDP | $309M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 11 |
| Healthcare | 15 |
| Retail | 23 |
| Manufacturing | 6 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Buchanan is $225,000, 20% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $212,729. Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 37 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. 27.7% 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 | $225,000 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $212,729 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
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 | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 37 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
In Buchanan, 35.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 6.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.0% of residents, below the national average. 24.0% have high blood pressure. 11.6% are current smokers. 24.7% report binge drinking. 17.1% are physically inactive, below the national average. 20.2% report depression. 13.9% experience frequent mental distress. 5.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,364. The dentist ratio is 1:845. 69.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Buchanan vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.5% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 6.5% |
| Heart Disease | 4.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 24.0% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 4.0% |
| Cancer | 6.7% |
| Stroke | 2.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.6% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 17.1% |
| Depression | 20.2% |
| Mental Distress | 13.9% |
| Physical Distress | 9.3% |
| Short Sleep | 26.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 81.7% |
| Uninsured | 5.8% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,364 |
| Dentists | 1:845 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,103 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.1% |
| Dental Visits | 69.6% |
| Premature Death | 9,030/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 69.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 15 |
Buchanan has a violent crime rate of 259 per 100,000 residents, 32% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,869 per 100,000, 46% above the U.S. average. Overall, Buchanan receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Buchanan vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 259.1/100K |
| 32% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,869.2/100K |
| 46% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Buchanan has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 253 sunny days per year, above the national average. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,555 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-12°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 42.2°F |
| 22% below US avg |
| January Average | 11°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 253 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,555 ft (474 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,150/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.0626°N, 98.8290°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Foster County County |
| Nearest Airport | Jamestown Regional (JMS)
12 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.39"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 7.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 38.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 79.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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)
Tornado History
349 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 21 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 18, 2004 |
EF4 |
46 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 2002 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 2011 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2001 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1987 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 1974 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1971 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Sep 6, 1958 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1957 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1952 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1950 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2018 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2016 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 2007 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2004 |
EF2 |
88 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 |
44 km |
| 2008 |
GRADER |
1,745 |
39 km |
| 2006 |
BROWN WF |
1,430 |
99 km |
| 1985 |
CHASE LAKE |
1,215 |
48 km |
| 2018 |
EAST JIM LAKE |
1,214 |
15 km |
| 2017 |
NDAWR FY17 RX G10 11 12 D5 |
1,148 |
19 km |
| 2006 |
FULLERS LAKE 06 |
1,109 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
3.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
2.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| November |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Buchanan has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 11°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 18.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.4") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Buchanan. 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 | $906 |
| Toddler | $828 |
| Preschool | $767 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $666 |
| Toddler | $629 |
| Preschool | $633 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Buchanan
What is the population of Buchanan?
Buchanan has a population of 92 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 1,150 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.3% female and 46.7% male.
Is Buchanan expensive to live in?
Buchanan 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 $105,357, 40% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $225,000 (20% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Buchanan safe?
Buchanan is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 259 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,869 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Buchanan receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Buchanan?
Buchanan has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 11°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 253 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Buchanan?
The job market in Buchanan is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,103. There are 173 business establishments in the area, including 11 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Buchanan?
The median home value in Buchanan is $225,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $212,729. The homeownership rate is 100.0%.
How are the schools in Buchanan?
Schools in Buchanan score 6.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 30.3% of adults in Buchanan hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 11.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Buchanan?
The obesity rate in Buchanan is 35.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 11.6% of adults are smokers. 17.1% are physically inactive. 20.2% of residents report depression. 5.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 69.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,364.
What is transportation like in Buchanan?
The average commute in Buchanan is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Buchanan?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Buchanan is 92.4% White, 7.6% Hispanic or Latino. 92.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.5% speak Spanish. 67.0% of the population are military veterans. 3.7% of residents have a disability. 81.7% have health insurance coverage.
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