Median Income
$65,469
13% lower than US avg
Home Value
$141,800
50% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
51/100K
87% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
30.9%
8% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$743
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.9%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.1%
97% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.0%
27% lower than US avg
How Carrington Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,171
Median Age40.3 yrs
Density916/mi²
Male / Female51% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans5.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$65,469
Per Capita$38,140
Unemployment0.1%
Poverty9.0%
County GDP$444M
Commute13 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$141,800
Rent$743
Ownership67.8%
Zillow$197,375
Housing Units1,035
Rent Burden32.1%
Crime
F
Violent51/100K
Property455/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault51/100K
Burglary152/100K
Health
Obesity35.9%
Uninsured7.1%
Smoking14.1%
Depression22.0%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F (4°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Sunny Days253/yr
Elevation1,585 ft (483 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+30.9%
High School+91.9%
Graduate+4.9%
School Score6.12
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 18%
Commute13 min
Broadband87.8%
Libraries1
Is Carrington a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Carrington 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. Carrington offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Carrington is $65,469, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.1%. 9.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average 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 Carrington is $141,800, 50% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $743 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Carrington is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 51 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 455 per 100,000, 77% below the national average.
Education
30.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Carrington has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 68°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.
Carrington has a population of 2,171 with a density of 916 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age is 40.3 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.5% female and 50.5% male. The city is predominantly White (91.1%), with 1.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98% of residents. 5.1% of the population are veterans. 13.6% of residents have a disability. 96.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.3yrs
Median Age
4% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Carrington vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.0%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.0%
85% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Carrington vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Carrington is $65,469, which is 13% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $38,140. The average weekly wage is $961, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower 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 13 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Carrington vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,469 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $38,140 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $961 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $83,996 |
| Gini Index | 0.505 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.1% |
| 97% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.0% |
| 27% below 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 | 13.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.8% |
The median home value in Carrington is $141,800, 50% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $197,375, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $743 (36% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 67.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,035 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. 32.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $141,800 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $197,375 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $743 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 32.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 67.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.2% |
| Housing Units | 1,035 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
In Carrington, 35.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 29.9% have high blood pressure. 14.1% are current smokers. 23.3% report binge drinking. 22.3% are physically inactive. 22.0% report depression. 15.3% experience frequent mental distress. 7.1% of residents lack health insurance. 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: Carrington vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.9% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.9% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.1% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.3% |
| Depression | 22.0% |
| Mental Distress | 15.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.4% |
| Short Sleep | 32.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.8% |
| Uninsured | 7.1% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:781 |
| Dentists | 1:983 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.4% |
| Dental Visits | 60.6% |
| Premature Death | 4,966/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 16 |
Carrington has a violent crime rate of 51 per 100,000 residents, 87% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 50.5 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 455 per 100,000, 77% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 202, burglary at 152, vehicle theft at 101 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Carrington receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Carrington vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 50.5/100K |
| 87% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 50.5/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 454.6/100K |
| 77% below US avg |
| Burglary | 151.5/100K |
| Theft | 202.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 101.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 15 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Carrington has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 68°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 1,585 feet.
Temperature
9°F Jan (-13°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 39.8°F |
| 26% below US avg |
| January Average | 9°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 253 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,585 ft (483 m) |
| Area | 2.1 sq mi (5.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 916/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.4529°N, 99.1310°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Wells County County |
| Nearest Airport | Jamestown Regional (JMS)
42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.46"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
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
360 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 14 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 18, 2004 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 2002 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2007 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2001 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1987 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1971 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1958 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1957 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1952 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2018 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2016 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 19, 2004 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2001 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2001 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 2001 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1999 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1986 |
EF2 |
69 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 |
51 km |
| 2008 |
GRADER |
1,745 |
19 km |
| 2006 |
BROWN WF |
1,430 |
56 km |
| 1985 |
CHASE LAKE |
1,215 |
56 km |
| 2018 |
EAST JIM LAKE |
1,214 |
37 km |
| 1985 |
LAKE ALICE |
1,214 |
97 km |
| 2017 |
NDAWR FY17 RX G10 11 12 D5 |
1,148 |
32 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
9°F (-13°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
13°F (-10°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
13°F (-10°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Carrington has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 9°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.5") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Carrington. 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 Carrington
What is the population of Carrington?
Carrington has a population of 2,171 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 916 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.3 years. The population is 49.5% female and 50.5% male.
Is Carrington expensive to live in?
Carrington 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 $65,469, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $141,800 (50% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $743 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Carrington safe?
Carrington is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 51 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 455 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Carrington receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Carrington?
Carrington has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 9°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°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 Carrington?
The job market in Carrington is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.1% / 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 13 minutes, and 5.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Carrington?
The median home value in Carrington is $141,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $197,375. For renters, the median monthly rent is $743. Fair market rent is $795 for a 1-bedroom and $965 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.8%.
How are the schools in Carrington?
Schools in Carrington score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 30.9% of adults in Carrington hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.9% have completed high school. 4.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Carrington?
The obesity rate in Carrington is 35.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.1% of adults are smokers. 22.3% are physically inactive. 22.0% of residents report depression. 7.1% lack health insurance (below 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 Carrington?
The average commute in Carrington is 13 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Carrington?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Carrington is 91.1% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino. 98% of residents speak only English at home. 5.1% of the population are military veterans. 13.6% of residents have a disability. 96.8% have health insurance coverage.
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