Median Income
$40,000
47% lower than US avg
Home Value
$72,000
74% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
257/100K
32% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.0%
64% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$575
51% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.3%
32% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.3%
15% higher than US avg
How Carson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population260
Median Age58.7 yrs
Density65/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 84%
Veterans11.8%
Economy
B
Median Income$40,000
Per Capita$34,417
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty14.3%
County GDP$104M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$72,000
Rent$575
Ownership77.8%
Zillow$222,828
Housing Units239
Rent Burden32.9%
Crime
F
Violent257/100K
Property3,007/100K
Health
Obesity42.3%
Uninsured9.2%
Smoking17.6%
Depression23.2%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (6°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Sunny Days253/yr
Elevation2,313 ft (705 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+12.0%
High School+91.9%
Graduate+1.3%
School Score5.94
Community
2024 VoteR 83% / D 16%
Commute26 min
Broadband74.7%
Libraries1
Is Carson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Carson receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Carson has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Carson is $40,000, 47% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 14.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Carson is $72,000, 74% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $575 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Carson is below the national average at 257 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,007 per 100,000, 53% above the national average.
Education
12.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Carson has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 14°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.
Carson has a population of 260 with a density of 65 people per square mile, spread across 4.0 square miles. The median age is 58.7 years, 51% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.4% female and 49.6% male. The city is predominantly White (83.8%), with 10.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.1% of residents, while 9.9% speak Spanish. 11.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 99.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
58.7yrs
Median Age
51% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.1%
15% above US avg
Spanish
9.9%
26% below US avg
The median household income in Carson is $40,000, which is 47% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,417 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $962, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 14.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 110 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 26 minutes. 3.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $40,000 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,417 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $962 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,151 |
| Gini Index | 0.505 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.3% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 110 |
| County GDP | $104M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 8 |
| Healthcare | 10 |
| Retail | 11 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.9% |
The median home value in Carson is $72,000, 74% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $222,828, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $575 (51% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 77.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 239 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1961. 32.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $72,000 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $222,828 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $575 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 32.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.2% |
| Housing Units | 239 |
| Median Year Built | 1961 |
Property Tax
In Carson, 42.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 32.7% have high blood pressure. 17.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.3% report binge drinking. 27.3% are physically inactive. 23.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.0% experience frequent mental distress. 9.2% of residents lack health insurance. The dentist ratio is 1:2,243. 27.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Carson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.3% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.7% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 7.2% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.3% |
| Depression | 23.2% |
| Mental Distress | 17.0% |
| Physical Distress | 13.5% |
| Short Sleep | 33.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.3% |
| Uninsured | 9.2% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Dentists | 1:2,243 |
| Mental Health | 1:369 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.6% |
| Dental Visits | 59.0% |
| Premature Death | 8,581/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 27.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 10 |
Carson has a violent crime rate of 257 per 100,000 residents, 32% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,007 per 100,000, 53% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Carson receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Carson vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 256.8/100K |
| 32% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,007.0/100K |
| 53% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Carson has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 14°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 2,313 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 42.2°F |
| 22% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 253 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,313 ft (705 m) |
| Area | 4.0 sq mi (10.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 65/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.4223°N, 101.5706°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Grant County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bismarck Municipal (BIS)
46 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.35"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 14.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 72.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 30.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
220 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 7 fatalities, 70 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 29, 1953 |
EF5 |
69 km |
2 |
| Jul 4, 1978 |
EF4 |
24 km |
5 |
| Jul 30, 1981 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1978 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1956 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1955 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2011 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1990 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1975 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1971 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 1969 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1969 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1956 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 29, 1953 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 2024 |
EF1 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 2020 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 2019 |
EF1 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 2016 |
EF1 |
65 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: TENBROOK (30,588 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
TENBROOK |
30,588 |
45 km |
| 2021 |
WINDY |
16,866 |
78 km |
| 2013 |
PAUTRE |
11,733 |
96 km |
| 2006 |
STONE MAN CHURCH |
10,389 |
83 km |
| 2006 |
LUND |
9,425 |
67 km |
| 2006 |
BLACK HORSE CREEK |
8,000 |
98 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
7,593 |
59 km |
| 2003 |
MCCLEAN BOTTOMS |
6,421 |
77 km |
| 1999 |
BULLHEAD |
5,606 |
86 km |
| 2022 |
HWY31 AND 101ST WEST |
4,879 |
50 km |
| 2006 |
B WARD 1 |
3,325 |
94 km |
| 2015 |
CANNON BALL |
3,068 |
75 km |
| 2000 |
PASTURE 9 BURN |
2,768 |
92 km |
| 2012 |
MCINTOSH |
2,653 |
55 km |
| 2004 |
FISCHER |
2,578 |
75 km |
| 2012 |
CORNSTALK |
2,561 |
77 km |
| 2007 |
HARRIS |
2,369 |
99 km |
| 2000 |
NEUGERFIRE |
2,150 |
64 km |
| 2024 |
STATELINE |
2,123 |
79 km |
| 2003 |
24 |
2,119 |
79 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
3.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
2.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| September |
58°F (15°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Carson has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 14°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 16.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.4") and January the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Carson. 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 | $865 |
| Toddler | $791 |
| Preschool | $733 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $636 |
| Toddler | $601 |
| Preschool | $605 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Carson
What is the population of Carson?
Carson has a population of 260 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 65 people per square mile, spread across 4.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 58.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.4% female and 49.6% male.
Is Carson expensive to live in?
Carson 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 $40,000, 47% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $72,000 (74% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $575 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Carson safe?
Carson is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 257 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,007 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Carson receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Carson?
Carson has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 14°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 Carson?
The job market in Carson is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $962. There are 110 business establishments in the area, including 8 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 3.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Carson?
The median home value in Carson is $72,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $222,828. For renters, the median monthly rent is $575. Fair market rent is $795 for a 1-bedroom and $965 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.8%.
How are the schools in Carson?
Schools in Carson score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.0% of adults in Carson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.9% have completed high school. 1.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Carson?
The obesity rate in Carson is 42.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.6% of adults are smokers. 27.3% are physically inactive. 23.2% of residents report depression. 9.2% lack health insurance. 27.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Carson?
The average commute in Carson is 26 minutes. 82% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Carson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Carson is 83.8% White, 10.8% Hispanic or Latino. 90.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 9.9% speak Spanish. 11.8% of the population are military veterans. 20.5% of residents have a disability. 99.3% have health insurance coverage.
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