Median Income
$60,938
19% lower than US avg
Home Value
$45,300
84% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
54/100K
86% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
2.4%
93% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$517
56% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.7%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.6%
28% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Cogswell Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population114
Median Age57.6 yrs
Density345/mi²
Male / Female60% / 40%
Largest GroupWhite 77%
Veterans94.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$60,938
Per Capita$37,206
Unemployment2.6%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,784M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$45,300
Rent$517
Ownership65.5%
Zillow$165,201
Housing Units66
Rent Burden21.7%
Crime
C
Violent54/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity37.7%
Uninsured7.2%
Smoking13.5%
Depression19.2%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (5°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain23.2 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,303 ft (397 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+2.4%
High School+77.6%
Graduate+1.2%
School Score5.90
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 33%
Commute29 min
Broadband58.0%
Libraries2
Is Cogswell a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cogswell receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Cogswell offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Cogswell is $60,938, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.6%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Cogswell is $45,300, 84% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $517 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 0.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Cogswell is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 54 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
2.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Cogswell has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 23.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Cogswell has a population of 114 with a density of 345 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 57.6 years, 48% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 40.4% female and 59.6% male. The city is predominantly White (77.2%), with 22.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.7% of residents, while 5.3% speak Spanish. 94.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.4% of residents have a disability. 97.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
57.6yrs
Median Age
48% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.7%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.3%
60% below US avg
The median household income in Cogswell is $60,938, which is 19% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,206. The average weekly wage is $1,227, 14% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.6% (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 191 business establishments, including 12 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 6.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,938 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,206 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,227 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $82,176 |
| Gini Index | 0.401 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.6% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 191 |
| County GDP | $1,784M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 12 |
| Healthcare | 9 |
| Retail | 14 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,433 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.58% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.7% |
The median home value in Cogswell is $45,300, 84% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $165,201, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $517 (56% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 65.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 66 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1949. The average annual property tax is $3,433. 21.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $45,300 |
| 84% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $165,201 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $517 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 65.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.5% |
| Housing Units | 66 |
| Median Year Built | 1949 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,433 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.58% |
In Cogswell, 37.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 28.3% have high blood pressure. 13.5% are current smokers. 20.5% report binge drinking. 21.5% are physically inactive. 19.2% report depression. 13.7% experience frequent mental distress. 7.2% of residents lack health insurance. 65.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cogswell vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.7% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.3% |
| Asthma | 9.2% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.5% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.5% |
| Depression | 19.2% |
| Mental Distress | 13.7% |
| Physical Distress | 11.1% |
| Short Sleep | 29.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.3% |
| Uninsured | 7.2% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 66.0% |
| Dental Visits | 60.4% |
| Premature Death | 8,707/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 9 |
Cogswell has a violent crime rate of 54 per 100,000 residents, 86% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Cogswell receives a safety grade of C.
Crime Rates: Cogswell vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 54.3/100K |
| 86% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C |
| Safety Score | 2.0 / 5.0 |
Cogswell has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 61°F. The area gets 276 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 23.2 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 1,303 feet.
Temperature
9°F Jan (-13°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 41.5°F |
| 23% below US avg |
| January Average | 9°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,303 ft (397 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 345/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.1070°N, 97.7842°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Sargent County County |
| Nearest Airport | Aberdeen Regional (ABR)
55 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
23.2"
39% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.50"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 7.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 51.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M3.7 on Oct 20, 1995.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
125 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
80 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
421 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 14 fatalities, 178 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 20, 1957 |
EF5 |
94 km |
10 |
| Aug 7, 2010 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2004 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2002 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF4 |
74 km |
2 |
| Jul 17, 2011 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2002 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1996 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
9 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1973 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1965 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1961 |
EF3 |
79 km |
1 |
| Sep 6, 1958 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1952 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1950 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
13 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIESTERFELD (3,481 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
BIESTERFELD |
3,481 |
44 km |
| 2003 |
DANIELSON |
1,682 |
55 km |
| 2004 |
TACOMA PARK PLACE |
1,336 |
74 km |
| 2003 |
OLERUD |
1,275 |
53 km |
| 2016 |
SLR 2016 RX MICHELL |
1,242 |
40 km |
| 2000 |
PHEASANT OPENER |
1,206 |
88 km |
| 1985 |
ALICE 02 |
1,142 |
76 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,128 |
64 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,060 |
64 km |
| 2021 |
HARTLEBEN WPA |
1,002 |
63 km |
| 1992 |
SPRING LK |
1,001 |
85 km |
| 2006 |
MOSQUITO RANCH |
656 |
98 km |
| 1997 |
ROBIN HOOD |
542 |
100 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
9°F (-13°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| April |
44°F (6°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Cogswell has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F / from 9°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.5") and February the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Cogswell. 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 | $955 |
| Toddler | $873 |
| Preschool | $809 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $702 |
| Toddler | $663 |
| Preschool | $667 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cogswell
What is the population of Cogswell?
Cogswell has a population of 114 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 345 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 57.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 40.4% female and 59.6% male.
Is Cogswell expensive to live in?
Cogswell 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 $60,938, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $45,300 (84% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $517 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Cogswell safe?
Cogswell is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 54 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Cogswell receives a safety grade of C based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Cogswell?
Cogswell has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 9°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 23.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Cogswell?
The job market in Cogswell is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,227. There are 191 business establishments in the area, including 12 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 6.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Cogswell?
The median home value in Cogswell is $45,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $165,201. For renters, the median monthly rent is $517. Fair market rent is $795 for a 1-bedroom and $965 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,433.
How are the schools in Cogswell?
Schools in Cogswell score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 2.4% of adults in Cogswell hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.6% have completed high school. 1.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cogswell?
The obesity rate in Cogswell is 37.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.5% of adults are smokers. 21.5% are physically inactive. 19.2% of residents report depression. 7.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 65.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Cogswell?
The average commute in Cogswell is 29 minutes. 86.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Cogswell?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cogswell is 77.2% White, 22.8% Hispanic or Latino. 94.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.3% speak Spanish. 94.0% of the population are military veterans. 12.4% of residents have a disability. 97.3% have health insurance coverage.
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