Home Value
$58,900
79% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
80/100K
79% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
35.3%
5% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.4%
32% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.1%
69% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.2%
66% lower than US avg
How Crystal Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population101
Median Age66.1 yrs
Density146/mi²
Male / Female55% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans85.0%
Economy
Per Capita$32,344
Unemployment1.1%
Poverty4.2%
County GDP$813M
Commute19 min
Housing
Home Value$58,900
Ownership95.0%
Zillow$171,055
Housing Units71
Rent Burden23.0%
Crime
F
Violent80/100K
Property2,077/100K
Health
Obesity42.4%
Uninsured7.7%
Smoking15.9%
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp38°F (3°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain20.0 in/yr
Sunny Days269/yr
Elevation911 ft (278 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+35.3%
High School+90.6%
Graduate+3.6%
School Score6.09
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 23%
Commute19 min
Broadband60.0%
Libraries3
Is Crystal a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Crystal receives an overall livability score of 2.4 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 high obesity rates. Crystal has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.1%. Only 4.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Crystal is $58,900, 79% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership.
Safety & Crime
Crystal is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 80 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,077 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 35.3% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 90.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Crystal 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.
Crystal has a population of 101 with a density of 146 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 66.1 years, 70% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.5% female and 54.5% male. The city is predominantly White (95%), with 3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 85.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 30.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 99.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
66.1yrs
Median Age
70% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $32,344 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,124, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.1% (below 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 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $32,344 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,124 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $93,726 |
| Gini Index | 0.456 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.1% |
| 69% below 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 | 5.09% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 92.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Crystal is $58,900, 79% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $171,055, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 95.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 71 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $3,000. 23.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $58,900 |
| 79% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $171,055 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
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 | 95.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 95.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 5.0% |
| Housing Units | 71 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,000 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.09% |
In Crystal, 42.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 31.0% have high blood pressure. 15.9% are current smokers. 24.5% report binge drinking. 23.5% are physically inactive. 21.9% report depression. 15.7% experience frequent mental distress. 7.7% 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: Crystal vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.4% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.0% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.9% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.5% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 15.7% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 34.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.7% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,384 |
| Dentists | 1:1,691 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,331 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.4% |
| Dental Visits | 62.5% |
| Premature Death | 9,577/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 48.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 19 |
Crystal has a violent crime rate of 80 per 100,000 residents, 79% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,077 per 100,000, 6% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Crystal receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Crystal vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 79.9/100K |
| 79% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,076.7/100K |
| 6% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Crystal 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 911 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 | 911 ft (278 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 146/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.5981°N, 97.6686°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Pembina County County |
| Nearest Airport | Grand Forks International (GFK)
50 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
20.0"
47% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.39"
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
322 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 2 fatalities, 46 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 26, 2007 |
EF4 |
98 km |
1 |
| Jun 6, 1999 |
EF4 |
8 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2007 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 19, 2004 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 1958 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2017 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 2015 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Sep 19, 2014 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 2005 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 2005 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 2005 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 2005 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2005 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 19, 2004 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 1999 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1999 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1999 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1985 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1978 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (17,778 ac, 1988).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
17,778 |
87 km |
| 2003 |
CARIBOU |
16,184 |
93 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
11,927 |
90 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
11,544 |
89 km |
| 2018 |
NORTH COUNTY ROAD 7 |
9,471 |
97 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
9,194 |
91 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
6,964 |
97 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
6,057 |
88 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
5,891 |
89 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
4,724 |
93 km |
| 2012 |
COUNTY 27 FIRE |
4,653 |
83 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
3,624 |
97 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
3,536 |
86 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
3,351 |
91 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
3,224 |
84 km |
| 2015 |
MCKINLEY FIRE |
2,930 |
95 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
2,810 |
81 km |
| 2007 |
JUPITER FIRE |
2,389 |
72 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
2,181 |
91 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
2,169 |
92 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) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
40°F (5°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
67°F (20°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| September |
56°F (14°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| October |
43°F (6°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| November |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
9°F (-13°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Crystal has a seasonal temperature swing of 63°F / from 4°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 18.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.4") and February the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Crystal. 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 Crystal
What is the population of Crystal?
Crystal has a population of 101 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 146 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 66.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.5% female and 54.5% male.
Is Crystal expensive to live in?
Crystal is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $58,900 (79% below the U.S. median).
Is Crystal safe?
Crystal is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 80 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,077 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Crystal receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Crystal?
Crystal 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 Crystal?
The job market in Crystal is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. 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 19 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Crystal?
The median home value in Crystal is $58,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $171,055. The homeownership rate is 95.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,000.
How are the schools in Crystal?
Schools in Crystal score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 35.3% of adults in Crystal hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 90.6% have completed high school. 3.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Crystal?
The obesity rate in Crystal is 42.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.9% of adults are smokers. 23.5% are physically inactive. 21.9% of residents report depression. 7.7% 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 Crystal?
The average commute in Crystal is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 92.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Crystal?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Crystal is 95% White, 3% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 85.0% of the population are military veterans. 30.2% of residents have a disability. 99.0% have health insurance coverage.
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