Median Income
$57,188
24% lower than US avg
Home Value
$155,500
45% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
27.9%
17% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$829
29% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.1%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.1%
69% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.2%
66% lower than US avg
How Cavalier Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,304
Median Age43.6 yrs
Density1,516/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans8.7%
Economy
B+
Median Income$57,188
Per Capita$45,845
Unemployment6.1%
Poverty4.2%
County GDP$813M
Commute13 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$155,500
Rent$829
Ownership51.0%
Zillow$171,055
Housing Units771
Rent Burden16.9%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property718/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity42.1%
Uninsured8.0%
Smoking15.2%
Depression22.4%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp38°F (3°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain20.0 in/yr
Sunny Days269/yr
Elevation888 ft (271 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+27.9%
High School+93.8%
Graduate+9.7%
School Score5.87
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 23%
Commute13 min
Broadband79.5%
Libraries3
Is Cavalier a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cavalier receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Cavalier offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Cavalier is $57,188, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.1% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 4.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate 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 Cavalier is $155,500, 45% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $829 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Cavalier 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 718 per 100,000, 63% below the national average.
Education
27.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Cavalier has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F. Winters average 4°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. With 269 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 20.0 inches, including 39.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Cavalier has a population of 1,304 with a density of 1,516 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 43.6 years, 12% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.4% female and 43.6% male. The city is predominantly White (91.9%), with 2.1% Hispanic, 2.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.7% of residents. 8.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.1% of residents have a disability. 88.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.6yrs
Median Age
12% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.7%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.3%
68% below US avg
The median household income in Cavalier is $57,188, which is 24% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $45,845 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,124, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 4.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 411 business establishments, including 16 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). 9.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,188 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $45,845 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,124 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $93,726 |
| Gini Index | 0.456 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.1% |
| 69% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.2% |
| 66% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 411 |
| County GDP | $813M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 16 |
| Healthcare | 19 |
| Retail | 40 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,000 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.93% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 12.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.7% |
The median home value in Cavalier is $155,500, 45% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $171,055, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $829 (29% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $702 for a one-bedroom to $873 for a two-bedroom apartment. 51.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 771 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. The average annual property tax is $3,000. 16.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $155,500 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $171,055 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $829 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 16.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $697 |
| 1 Bedroom | $702 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $873 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,170 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,464 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 51.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 51.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 49.0% |
| Housing Units | 771 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,000 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.93% |
In Cavalier, 42.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 30.1% have high blood pressure. 15.2% are current smokers. 24.0% report binge drinking. 23.9% are physically inactive. 22.4% report depression. 15.7% experience frequent mental distress. 8.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,384. The dentist ratio is 1:1,691. 48.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cavalier vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.1% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.1% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.2% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.9% |
| Depression | 22.4% |
| Mental Distress | 15.7% |
| Physical Distress | 12.2% |
| Short Sleep | 34.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.0% |
| Uninsured | 8.0% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,384 |
| Dentists | 1:1,691 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,331 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.8% |
| Dental Visits | 58.5% |
| Premature Death | 9,577/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 48.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 19 |
Cavalier has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 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 718 per 100,000, 63% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 718, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Cavalier receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Cavalier vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 718.3/100K |
| 63% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 718.3/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Cavalier has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F (3°C). Winters average 4°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 63°F. The area gets 269 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 20.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 39.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 888 feet.
Temperature
4°F Jan (-15°C)
67°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 38.2°F |
| 29% below US avg |
| January Average | 4°F (-15°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 269 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 888 ft (271 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,516/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.7940°N, 97.6226°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Pembina County County |
| Nearest Airport | Grand Forks International (GFK)
62 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
20.0"
47% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.58"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 20.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 58.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 31.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
243 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 1 fatality, 18 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 6, 1999 |
EF4 |
25 km |
0 |
| May 19, 2004 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2017 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Sep 19, 2014 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 2005 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 2005 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 2005 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 2005 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2005 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 19, 2004 |
EF2 |
16 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 1999 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1999 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1999 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1985 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1978 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1977 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1971 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1971 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1959 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1955 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: JUNEBERRY 3 (29,455 ac, 2011).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2011 |
JUNEBERRY 3 |
29,455 |
97 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
17,778 |
79 km |
| 2003 |
CARIBOU |
16,184 |
81 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
11,927 |
79 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
11,544 |
78 km |
| 2018 |
NORTH COUNTY ROAD 7 |
9,471 |
87 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
9,194 |
80 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
6,964 |
91 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
6,057 |
80 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
5,891 |
77 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
4,724 |
83 km |
| 2012 |
COUNTY 27 FIRE |
4,653 |
84 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
3,624 |
87 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
3,536 |
74 km |
| 2002 |
HONEY JOE |
3,514 |
97 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
3,351 |
81 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
3,224 |
75 km |
| 2015 |
MCKINLEY FIRE |
2,930 |
85 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
2,810 |
69 km |
| 2007 |
JUPITER FIRE |
2,389 |
68 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
4°F (-15°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
10°F (-12°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
40°F (5°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
67°F (20°C) |
2.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| September |
56°F (14°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| October |
43°F (6°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| November |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
9°F (-13°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Cavalier has a seasonal temperature swing of 63°F / from 4°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.6") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Cavalier. 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 | $883 |
| Toddler | $806 |
| Preschool | $747 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $649 |
| Toddler | $613 |
| Preschool | $617 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cavalier
What is the population of Cavalier?
Cavalier has a population of 1,304 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 1,516 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56.4% female and 43.6% male.
Is Cavalier expensive to live in?
Cavalier 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 $57,188, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $155,500 (45% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $829 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Cavalier safe?
Cavalier 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 718 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Cavalier receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Cavalier?
Cavalier has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F (3°C). Winter temperatures average 4°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. The area receives 269 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 20.0 inches, with 39.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Cavalier?
The unemployment rate in Cavalier is 6.1%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,124. There are 411 business establishments in the area, including 16 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 13 minutes, and 9.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Cavalier?
The median home value in Cavalier is $155,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $171,055. For renters, the median monthly rent is $829. Fair market rent is $702 for a 1-bedroom and $873 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 51.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,000.
How are the schools in Cavalier?
Schools in Cavalier score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 27.9% of adults in Cavalier hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.8% have completed high school. 9.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cavalier?
The obesity rate in Cavalier is 42.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.2% of adults are smokers. 23.9% are physically inactive. 22.4% of residents report depression. 8.0% lack health insurance. 48.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,384.
What is transportation like in Cavalier?
The average commute in Cavalier is 13 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Cavalier?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cavalier is 91.9% White, 2.8% Black or African American, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino. 95.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.3% speak Spanish. 8.7% of the population are military veterans. 14.1% of residents have a disability. 88.0% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
