Median Income
$76,964
2% higher than US avg
Home Value
$252,400
10% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
222/100K
42% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
27.4%
19% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$963
17% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.9%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.2%
39% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.7%
54% lower than US avg
How Dickinson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population25,216
Median Age33.3 yrs
Density1,910/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans6.6%
Economy
A+
Median Income$76,964
Per Capita$39,596
Unemployment2.2%
Poverty5.7%
County GDP$3,605M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$252,400
Rent$963
Ownership58.2%
Zillow$315,324
Housing Units11,725
Rent Burden26.5%
Crime
F
Violent222/100K
Property1,904/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault201/100K
Burglary184/100K
Health
Obesity37.9%
Uninsured8.9%
Smoking14.5%
Depression19.9%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (6°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain17.6 in/yr
Sunny Days273/yr
Elevation2,502 ft (763 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+27.4%
High School+90.6%
Graduate+6.6%
School Score5.87
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 16%
Commute18 min
Broadband88.7%
EV Stations7
Libraries2
Is Dickinson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dickinson 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, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Dickinson offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Dickinson is $76,964, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.2%. Only 5.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Dickinson is $252,400, 10% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $963 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Dickinson is below the national average at 222 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,904 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
27.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Dickinson has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 273 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.
Dickinson has a population of 25,216 with a density of 1,910 people per square mile, spread across 10.0 square miles. The median age is 33.3 years, 14% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.9% female and 52.1% male. The city is predominantly White (84.7%), with 2.8% Hispanic, 3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.6% of residents, while 7.4% speak Spanish. 6.6% of the population are veterans. 10.7% of residents have a disability. 91.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.3yrs
Median Age
14% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Dickinson vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.6%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.4%
45% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Dickinson vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Dickinson is $76,964, which is 2% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,596. The average weekly wage is $1,391. The unemployment rate is 2.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,566 business establishments, including 95 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Dickinson vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $76,964 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,596 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,391 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $91,873 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.2% |
| 39% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.7% |
| 54% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,566 |
| County GDP | $3,605M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 95 |
| Healthcare | 111 |
| Retail | 157 |
| Manufacturing | 32 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,209 |
| 20% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.67% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.1% |
| Work from Home | 4.8% |
The median home value in Dickinson is $252,400, 10% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $315,324, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98.9% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $963 (17% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 58.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 11,725 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1987. The average annual property tax is $4,209 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $252,400 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $315,324 |
| Median List Price | $342,450 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $342,450 |
| $/Sq Ft | $146 |
| Homes Sold | 18 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.9% |
| Price Drops | 16.8% |
| Inventory | 95 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $963 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,249 |
| Rent Burden | 26.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 58.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 58.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 41.8% |
| Housing Units | 11,725 |
| Median Year Built | 1987 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,209 |
| 20% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.67% |
In Dickinson, 37.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 30.7% have high blood pressure. 14.5% are current smokers. 22.5% report binge drinking. 23.6% are physically inactive. 19.9% report depression. 15.0% experience frequent mental distress. 8.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,652. The dentist ratio is 1:2,050. 72.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.2 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-25)
PM2.5
6.7
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
11.4
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
1.5
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.5
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
119.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Dickinson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.9% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.7% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.5% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.6% |
| Depression | 19.9% |
| Mental Distress | 15.0% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 32.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.8% |
| Uninsured | 8.9% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,652 |
| Dentists | 1:2,050 |
| Mental Health | 1:589 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.0% |
| Dental Visits | 63.9% |
| Premature Death | 7,622/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 72.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 111 |
Dickinson has a violent crime rate of 222 per 100,000 residents, 42% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 200.6 per 100,000, robbery at 8.5, rape at 12.8. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,904 per 100,000, 3% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,579, burglary at 184, vehicle theft at 141 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Dickinson receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Dickinson vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 222.0/100K |
| 42% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 12.8/100K |
| Robbery | 8.5/100K |
| Assault | 200.6/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,903.7/100K |
| 3% below US avg |
| Burglary | 183.5/100K |
| Theft | 1,579.3/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 140.9/100K |
| Arson | 8.5/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 36 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Dickinson has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 69°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 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 2,502 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-10°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 42.0°F |
| 22% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 273 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,502 ft (763 m) |
| Area | 10.0 sq mi (26.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,910/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.8928°N, 102.7960°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Stark County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dickinson/Theodore Roosevelt Regional (DIK)
6 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
17.6"
54% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.43"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 37.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 15.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 63.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M2.6 on May 6, 2014.
| Sep 28, 2012 |
22 km ESE of Williston, North Dakota |
M3.3 |
135 km |
| May 6, 2014 |
12 km NNW of Knife River, Montana |
M2.6 |
144 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
166 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 6 fatalities, 58 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 4, 1978 |
EF4 |
89 km |
5 |
| Jun 29, 1975 |
EF4 |
43 km |
1 |
| Jul 8, 2009 |
EF3 |
4 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1956 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1952 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2018 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2014 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2011 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 25, 2001 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1990 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1978 |
EF2 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1976 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1975 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1971 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1957 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1952 |
EF2 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 2019 |
EF1 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2018 |
EF1 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 2016 |
EF1 |
71 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LITTLE SWALLOW (9,886 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
LITTLE SWALLOW |
9,886 |
75 km |
| 1988 |
MURPHY |
8,918 |
84 km |
| 1999 |
ROUGH CRK |
7,887 |
89 km |
| 2018 |
18 DONUT HOLE |
7,838 |
49 km |
| 2012 |
LITTLE SWALLOW |
6,304 |
75 km |
| 1988 |
MIKES CREEK |
5,309 |
54 km |
| 2017 |
MAGPIE FIRE |
5,056 |
70 km |
| 2021 |
ROOSEVELT CREEK |
4,608 |
67 km |
| 2021 |
HORSE PASTURE |
4,431 |
91 km |
| 2004 |
DEEP CREEK |
4,180 |
70 km |
| 2012 |
DEEP CREEK 2 |
3,500 |
96 km |
| 1988 |
CINNAMON CREEK |
3,204 |
90 km |
| 2021 |
ELKHORN |
2,784 |
74 km |
| 2008 |
BROWN |
2,519 |
92 km |
| 2014 |
14 BEEF CORRAL WASH |
2,471 |
51 km |
| 1988 |
DANKS |
2,425 |
94 km |
| 1988 |
FANTAIL |
2,341 |
75 km |
| 2021 |
744 |
2,268 |
58 km |
| 2000 |
TALKINGTON 1 |
2,204 |
35 km |
| 2004 |
MAGPIE CAMP |
2,114 |
69 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
29°F (-1°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
2.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-9°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Dickinson has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 15°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 16.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.4") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Dickinson. 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 | $950 |
| Toddler | $867 |
| Preschool | $805 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $699 |
| Toddler | $659 |
| Preschool | $664 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dickinson
What is the population of Dickinson?
Dickinson has a population of 25,216 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 1,910 people per square mile, spread across 10.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.9% female and 52.1% male.
Is Dickinson expensive to live in?
Dickinson 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 $76,964, 2% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $252,400 (10% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $963 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Dickinson safe?
Dickinson is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 222 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,904 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Dickinson receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Dickinson?
Dickinson has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 273 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 Dickinson?
The job market in Dickinson is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,391. There are 1,566 business establishments in the area, including 95 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 4.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Dickinson?
The median home value in Dickinson is $252,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $315,324. For renters, the median monthly rent is $963. Fair market rent is $795 for a 1-bedroom and $965 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 58.2%. The average annual property tax is $4,209.
How are the schools in Dickinson?
Schools in Dickinson score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 27.4% of adults in Dickinson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.6% have completed high school. 6.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dickinson?
The obesity rate in Dickinson is 37.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.5% of adults are smokers. 23.6% are physically inactive. 19.9% of residents report depression. 8.9% lack health insurance. 72.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,652.
What is transportation like in Dickinson?
The average commute in Dickinson is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Dickinson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dickinson is 84.7% White, 3% Black or African American, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino. 92.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.4% speak Spanish. 6.6% of the population are military veterans. 10.7% of residents have a disability. 91.8% have health insurance coverage.
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