Median Income
$74,464
1% lower than US avg
Home Value
$170,100
40% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
60/100K
84% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.8%
29% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.9%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.3%
92% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Center Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population510
Median Age33.1 yrs
Density1,063/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans10.2%
Economy
A+
Median Income$74,464
Per Capita$29,449
Unemployment0.3%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$332M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$170,100
Ownership97.3%
Zillow$222,828
Housing Units237
Rent Burden31.7%
Crime
F
Violent60/100K
Property209/100K
Health
Obesity34.9%
Uninsured7.0%
Smoking14.1%
Depression20.7%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain19.0 in/yr
Sunny Days273/yr
Elevation1,972 ft (601 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.8%
High School+92.3%
Graduate+6.1%
School Score5.43
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 14%
Commute26 min
Broadband90.1%
EV Stations1
Is Center a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Center 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. Center offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Center is $74,464, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.3%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Center is $170,100, 40% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Center is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 60 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 209 per 100,000, 89% below the national average.
Education
23.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Center has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 273 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 19.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Center has a population of 510 with a density of 1,063 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 33.1 years, 15% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.3% female and 52.7% male. The city is predominantly White (92.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.8% of residents. 10.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.1yrs
Median Age
15% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.8%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.2%
99% below US avg
The median household income in Center is $74,464, which is 1% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,449 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,762, 23% higher than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.3% (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 73 business establishments, including 72 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. 7.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $74,464 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,449 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,762 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $78,503 |
| Gini Index | 0.382 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.3% |
| 92% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 73 |
| County GDP | $332M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 72 |
| Healthcare | 3 |
| Retail | 6 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.5% |
The median home value in Center is $170,100, 40% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $222,828, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 0% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 97.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 237 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. 31.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $170,100 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $222,828 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $92 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 0.0% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
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 | 97.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 97.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 2.7% |
| Housing Units | 237 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
In Center, 34.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 28.9% have high blood pressure. 14.1% are current smokers. 24.0% report binge drinking. 21.6% are physically inactive. 20.7% report depression. 15.0% experience frequent mental distress. 7.0% of residents lack health insurance. 45.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Center vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.9% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.9% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.1% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.6% |
| Depression | 20.7% |
| Mental Distress | 15.0% |
| Physical Distress | 11.0% |
| Short Sleep | 33.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 72.0% |
| Dental Visits | 65.4% |
| Premature Death | 9,686/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 3 |
Center has a violent crime rate of 60 per 100,000 residents, 84% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 209 per 100,000, 89% below the U.S. average. Overall, Center receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Center vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 59.7/100K |
| 84% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 208.8/100K |
| 89% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Center has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 273 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 19.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,972 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 42.6°F |
| 21% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 273 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,972 ft (601 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,063/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.1149°N, 101.2977°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Oliver County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bismarck Municipal (BIS)
35 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
19.0"
50% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.15"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0474 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 2.8 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 1.58 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 1.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 77.1 / 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 Low |
| 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
233 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 8 fatalities, 99 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 29, 1953 |
EF5 |
88 km |
2 |
| Jul 4, 1978 |
EF4 |
91 km |
5 |
| Jul 1, 1952 |
EF4 |
61 km |
1 |
| Jul 30, 1981 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1978 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1956 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1956 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 2022 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF2 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2004 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1990 |
EF2 |
21 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1975 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1971 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1957 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1956 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1955 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1954 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 2022 |
EF1 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 2020 |
EF1 |
26 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
13 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: MCCLEAN BOTTOMS (6,421 ac, 2003).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2003 |
MCCLEAN BOTTOMS |
6,421 |
77 km |
| 2006 |
RIVERDALE WOODS/DOWNSTREAM |
1,705 |
40 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,678 |
85 km |
| 2002 |
BISRURAL2 |
1,649 |
75 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
1,492 |
74 km |
| 2002 |
BALE II |
1,179 |
97 km |
| 1999 |
SOLEN |
1,155 |
93 km |
| 2006 |
RICE LAKE 1 |
1,150 |
77 km |
| 2007 |
ROBINSON SUNFLOWER |
1,115 |
41 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
1,062 |
32 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,049 |
70 km |
| 2005 |
KIMBALL BOTTOMS FIRE |
1,028 |
67 km |
| 2000 |
MAC2 |
1,018 |
97 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| April |
42°F (5°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
2.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-3°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Center has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 14°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.2") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Center. 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 | $863 |
| Toddler | $789 |
| Preschool | $731 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $635 |
| Toddler | $599 |
| Preschool | $603 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Center
What is the population of Center?
Center has a population of 510 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 1,063 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.3% female and 52.7% male.
Is Center expensive to live in?
Center 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 $74,464, 1% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $170,100 (40% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Center safe?
Center is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 60 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 209 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Center receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Center?
Center has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 273 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 19.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Center?
The job market in Center is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,762. There are 73 business establishments in the area, including 72 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 7.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Center?
The median home value in Center is $170,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $222,828. The homeownership rate is 97.3%.
How are the schools in Center?
Schools in Center score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.8% of adults in Center hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.3% have completed high school. 6.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Center?
The obesity rate in Center is 34.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.1% of adults are smokers. 21.6% are physically inactive. 20.7% of residents report depression. 7.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 45.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Center?
The average commute in Center is 26 minutes. 85% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Center?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Center is 92.5% White. 99.8% of residents speak only English at home. 10.2% of the population are military veterans. 18.6% of residents have a disability. 93.0% have health insurance coverage.
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