Median Income
$42,755
43% lower than US avg
Home Value
$171,000
39% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
274/100K
28% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.8%
26% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$678
42% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.0%
34% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.8%
50% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
19.9%
60% higher than US avg
How Devils Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population7,170
Median Age37.2 yrs
Density1,030/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 78%
Veterans5.9%
Economy
B
Median Income$42,755
Per Capita$31,177
Unemployment1.8%
Poverty19.9%
County GDP$883M
Commute12 min
Housing
A
Home Value$171,000
Rent$678
Ownership43.5%
Zillow$238,203
Housing Units3,834
Rent Burden24.7%
Crime
F
Violent274/100K
Property3,715/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault151/100K
Burglary356/100K
Health
Obesity43.0%
Uninsured8.7%
Smoking18.2%
Depression22.6%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F (5°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain20.0 in/yr
Sunny Days274/yr
Elevation1,438 ft (438 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.8%
High School+91.9%
Graduate+3.5%
School Score6.13
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Commute12 min
Broadband80.4%
EV Stations3
Libraries1
Is Devils Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Devils Lake receives an overall livability score of 2.9 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 an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Devils Lake has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Devils Lake is $42,755, 43% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.8%. The poverty rate of 19.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Devils Lake is $171,000, 39% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $678 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Devils Lake is below the national average at 274 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,715 per 100,000, 90% above the national average.
Education
24.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Devils Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 7°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 274 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 20.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Devils Lake has a population of 7,170 with a density of 1,030 people per square mile, spread across 7.0 square miles. The median age is 37.2 years, 4% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.1% female and 46.9% male. The city is predominantly White (77.8%), with 16.3% Hispanic, 1.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.2% of residents. 5.9% of the population are veterans. 20.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 85.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.2yrs
Median Age
4% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Devils Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.2%
21% above US avg
Spanish
4.8%
64% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Devils Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Devils Lake is $42,755, which is 43% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,177 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $977, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 19.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 525 business establishments, including 46 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Devils Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $42,755 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,177 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $977 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $79,780 |
| Gini Index | 0.463 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.8% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 19.9% |
| 60% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 525 |
| County GDP | $883M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 46 |
| Healthcare | 54 |
| Retail | 74 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,880 |
| 39% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.85% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 12.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.6% |
| Public Transit | 1.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.4% |
The median home value in Devils Lake is $171,000, 39% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $238,203, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $678 (42% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 43.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 3,834 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $4,880 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $171,000 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $238,203 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $678 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 43.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 43.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 56.5% |
| Housing Units | 3,834 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,880 |
| 39% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.85% |
In Devils Lake, 43.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 32.2% have high blood pressure. 18.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.9% report binge drinking. 26.5% are physically inactive. 22.6% report depression. 16.9% experience frequent mental distress. 8.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,052. The dentist ratio is 1:1,047. 80.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Devils Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.0% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.2% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 7.1% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.2% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.5% |
| Depression | 22.6% |
| Mental Distress | 16.9% |
| Physical Distress | 13.5% |
| Short Sleep | 35.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.9% |
| Uninsured | 8.7% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,052 |
| Dentists | 1:1,047 |
| Mental Health | 1:198 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.6% |
| Dental Visits | 58.5% |
| Premature Death | 10,641/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 80.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 54 |
Devils Lake has a violent crime rate of 274 per 100,000 residents, 28% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 150.8 per 100,000, robbery at 27.4, rape at 96.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 3,715 per 100,000, 90% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 3,140, burglary at 356, vehicle theft at 219 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Devils Lake receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Devils Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 274.2/100K |
| 28% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 96.0/100K |
| Robbery | 27.4/100K |
| Assault | 150.8/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,715.4/100K |
| 90% above US avg |
| Burglary | 356.5/100K |
| Theft | 3,139.6/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 219.4/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 20 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Devils Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (5°C). Winters average 7°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 62°F. 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 20.0 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 1,438 feet.
Temperature
7°F Jan (-14°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 40.2°F |
| 26% below US avg |
| January Average | 7°F (-14°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 274 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,438 ft (438 m) |
| Area | 7.0 sq mi (18.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,030/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.1126°N, 98.8748°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Ramsey County County |
| Nearest Airport | Devils Lake Regional (DVL)
2 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
20.0"
47% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.27"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 18.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 15.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
361 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 1 fatality, 5 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 6, 1999 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2007 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2001 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1987 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1971 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1958 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1952 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2018 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2017 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2017 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2016 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2016 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| May 19, 2004 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2001 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2001 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1999 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1999 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1985 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1976 |
EF2 |
5 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CLARK II (2,443 ac, 1992).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1992 |
CLARK II |
2,443 |
99 km |
| 2008 |
GRADER |
1,745 |
95 km |
| 2006 |
BROWN WF |
1,430 |
20 km |
| 2021 |
DAHL |
1,312 |
58 km |
| 1985 |
LAKE ALICE |
1,214 |
29 km |
| 2017 |
NDAWR FY17 RX G10 11 12 D5 |
1,148 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
7°F (-14°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| April |
39°F (4°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| May |
53°F (11°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| June |
62°F (17°C) |
3.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| October |
44°F (7°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Devils Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 62°F / from 7°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.3") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Devils Lake. 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 | $870 |
| Toddler | $795 |
| Preschool | $737 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $640 |
| Toddler | $604 |
| Preschool | $608 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Devils Lake
What is the population of Devils Lake?
Devils Lake has a population of 7,170 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 1,030 people per square mile, spread across 7.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.2 years. The population is 53.1% female and 46.9% male.
Is Devils Lake expensive to live in?
Devils Lake 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 $42,755, 43% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $171,000 (39% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $678 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Devils Lake safe?
Devils Lake is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 274 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,715 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Devils Lake receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Devils Lake?
Devils Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 7°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 274 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 20.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Devils Lake?
The job market in Devils Lake is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $977. There are 525 business establishments in the area, including 46 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 12 minutes, and 5.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Devils Lake?
The median home value in Devils Lake is $171,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $238,203. For renters, the median monthly rent is $678. Fair market rent is $795 for a 1-bedroom and $965 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 43.5%. The average annual property tax is $4,880.
How are the schools in Devils Lake?
Schools in Devils Lake score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.8% of adults in Devils Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.9% have completed high school. 3.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Devils Lake?
The obesity rate in Devils Lake is 43.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.2% of adults are smokers. 26.5% are physically inactive. 22.6% of residents report depression. 8.7% lack health insurance. 80.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,052.
What is transportation like in Devils Lake?
The average commute in Devils Lake is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 72.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Devils Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Devils Lake is 77.8% White, 1.6% Black or African American, 16.3% Hispanic or Latino. 95.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.8% speak Spanish. 5.9% of the population are military veterans. 20.3% of residents have a disability. 85.9% have health insurance coverage.
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