Median Income
$66,750
11% lower than US avg
Home Value
$133,300
53% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.0%
64% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.1%
3% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Des Lacs Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population161
Median Age49.5 yrs
Density298/mi²
Male / Female62% / 38%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans6.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$66,750
Per Capita$48,273
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$5,094M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$133,300
Ownership97.4%
Zillow$283,998
Housing Units95
Rent Burden24.0%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property382/100K
Health
Obesity33.1%
Uninsured6.8%
Smoking12.5%
Depression21.2%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (6°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain17.6 in/yr
Sunny Days274/yr
Elevation1,935 ft (590 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+12.0%
High School+82.1%
Graduate+4.9%
School Score5.82
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 25%
Commute25 min
Broadband78.0%
EV Stations6
Libraries4
Is Des Lacs a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Des Lacs 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. Des Lacs offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Des Lacs is $66,750, 11% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Des Lacs is $133,300, 53% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Des Lacs 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 382 per 100,000, 81% below the national average.
Education
12.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Des Lacs has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 274 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 17.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Des Lacs has a population of 161 with a density of 298 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 49.5 years, 27% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 37.9% female and 62.1% male. The city is predominantly White (97.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.4% of residents. 6.0% of the population are veterans. 5.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 98.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
49.5yrs
Median Age
27% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.4%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.6%
81% below US avg
The median household income in Des Lacs is $66,750, which is 11% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $48,273 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,163, 19% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (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 2,723 business establishments, including 176 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 0.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $66,750 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $48,273 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,163 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $79,981 |
| Gini Index | 0.433 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,723 |
| County GDP | $5,094M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 176 |
| Healthcare | 196 |
| Retail | 284 |
| Manufacturing | 42 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,178 |
| 77% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.63% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.9% |
The median home value in Des Lacs is $133,300, 53% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $283,998, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 97.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 95 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. The average annual property tax is $6,178 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $133,300 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $283,998 |
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 | 97.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 97.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 2.6% |
| Housing Units | 95 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,178 |
| 77% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.63% |
In Des Lacs, 33.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 29.7% have high blood pressure. 12.5% are current smokers. 23.4% report binge drinking. 20.8% are physically inactive, below the national average. 21.2% report depression. 14.3% experience frequent mental distress. 6.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,279. The dentist ratio is 1:1,187. 79.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Des Lacs vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.1% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.8% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.7% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 4.7% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.5% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.8% |
| Depression | 21.2% |
| Mental Distress | 14.3% |
| Physical Distress | 10.4% |
| Short Sleep | 37.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.5% |
| Uninsured | 6.8% |
| 21% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,279 |
| Dentists | 1:1,187 |
| Mental Health | 1:330 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.8% |
| Dental Visits | 69.1% |
| Premature Death | 7,781/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 196 |
Des Lacs has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 382 per 100,000, 81% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Des Lacs receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Des Lacs vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 381.7/100K |
| 81% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Des Lacs has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 274 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 17.6 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 1,935 feet.
Temperature
12°F Jan (-11°C)
71°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 42.2°F |
| 22% below US avg |
| January Average | 12°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 274 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,935 ft (590 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 298/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.2569°N, 101.5637°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Ward County County |
| Nearest Airport | Minot International (MOT)
13 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
17.6"
54% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.31"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0476 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 2.9 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 1.29 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.2 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 64.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 76.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M3.3 on Sep 28, 2012.
| Sep 28, 2012 |
22 km ESE of Williston, North Dakota |
M3.3 |
135 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
198 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 2 fatalities, 19 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 5, 1955 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 2010 |
EF3 |
77 km |
1 |
| Jul 6, 1977 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1974 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1956 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 2022 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2004 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1997 |
EF2 |
29 km |
1 |
| Jun 6, 1982 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1974 |
EF2 |
1 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1974 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1969 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1962 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1960 |
EF2 |
20 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1958 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1954 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 2024 |
EF1 |
64 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 2022 |
EF1 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2009 |
EF1 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 2007 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LOSTWOOD WILDERNESS 2015 (6,837 ac, 2015).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2015 |
LOSTWOOD WILDERNESS 2015 |
6,837 |
79 km |
| 2005 |
H RX 05 WILD |
5,644 |
80 km |
| 1986 |
WILDERNESS |
5,615 |
80 km |
| 1997 |
WILDERNESS |
5,556 |
80 km |
| 2005 |
CLEAR LAKE |
5,040 |
56 km |
| 2024 |
CHARLSON |
3,055 |
99 km |
| 2000 |
RED CROSS |
3,015 |
94 km |
| 2017 |
NDJCR WUI RX COUNTY RD 17 2016 |
2,772 |
85 km |
| 2005 |
LOSTWOOD NON-NFP |
2,769 |
76 km |
| 1988 |
DANKS |
2,425 |
94 km |
| 2007 |
MUSKRAT LAKE |
2,344 |
81 km |
| 2009 |
COUNTY ROAD 17 |
2,291 |
84 km |
| 2006 |
HB 35 |
2,164 |
79 km |
| 2023 |
NDLWR-HFR-FY23-RX-ASPEN |
2,074 |
76 km |
| 1994 |
ASPEN |
1,994 |
84 km |
| 2017 |
NDLWR FY17 RX CENTRAL CORE |
1,899 |
77 km |
| 2008 |
POOL 326 |
1,805 |
76 km |
| 2016 |
LWR WUI RX FESCUE 2016 |
1,802 |
74 km |
| 1993 |
KRUSES |
1,802 |
75 km |
| 2006 |
RIVERDALE WOODS/DOWNSTREAM |
1,705 |
88 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
13°F (-10°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
40°F (5°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
3.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (21°C) |
2.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| October |
44°F (7°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| November |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
13°F (-10°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Des Lacs has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 12°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.3") and February the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Des Lacs. 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 | $953 |
| Toddler | $869 |
| Preschool | $807 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $701 |
| Toddler | $660 |
| Preschool | $666 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Des Lacs
What is the population of Des Lacs?
Des Lacs has a population of 161 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 298 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 37.9% female and 62.1% male.
Is Des Lacs expensive to live in?
Des Lacs 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 $66,750, 11% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $133,300 (53% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Des Lacs safe?
Des Lacs 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 382 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Des Lacs receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Des Lacs?
Des Lacs has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 12°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 274 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 17.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Des Lacs?
The job market in Des Lacs is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,163. There are 2,723 business establishments in the area, including 176 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 0.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Des Lacs?
The median home value in Des Lacs is $133,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $283,998. The homeownership rate is 97.4%. The average annual property tax is $6,178.
How are the schools in Des Lacs?
Schools in Des Lacs score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.0% of adults in Des Lacs hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.1% have completed high school. 4.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Des Lacs?
The obesity rate in Des Lacs is 33.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.5% of adults are smokers. 20.8% are physically inactive. 21.2% of residents report depression. 6.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 79.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,279.
What is transportation like in Des Lacs?
The average commute in Des Lacs is 25 minutes. 71.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Des Lacs?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Des Lacs is 97.5% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 97.4% of residents speak only English at home. 6.0% of the population are military veterans. 5.0% of residents have a disability. 98.5% have health insurance coverage.
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