Median Income
$46,875
38% lower than US avg
Home Value
$76,700
73% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.8%
68% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$713
39% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.3%
32% higher than US avg
Unemployment
16.7%
364% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.0%
21% higher than US avg
How Drake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population245
Median Age44.5 yrs
Density124/mi²
Male / Female60% / 40%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans7.6%
Economy
C
Median Income$46,875
Per Capita$35,667
Unemployment16.7%
Poverty15.0%
County GDP$68M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$76,700
Rent$713
Ownership83.2%
Zillow$81,010
Housing Units189
Rent Burden40.8%
Health
Obesity42.3%
Uninsured4.9%
Smoking16.3%
Depression21.3%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F (4°C)
Rain18.1 in/yr
Elevation1,650 ft (503 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.8%
High School+92.4%
Graduate+4.9%
School Score5.10
Community
2024 VoteR 86% / D 13%
Commute14 min
Broadband74.4%
EV Stations1
Is Drake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Drake receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Drake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Drake is $46,875, 38% below the national average of $75,149. At 16.7%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 15.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Drake is $76,700, 73% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $713 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
10.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Drake 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. Annual precipitation totals 18.1 inches, including 41.0 inches of snow.
Drake has a population of 245 with a density of 124 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age is 44.5 years, 14% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 39.6% female and 60.4% male. The city is predominantly White (95.1%), with 3.3% Hispanic, 1.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.9% of residents. 7.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.5% of residents have a disability. 95.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
245
Total Population
2023 Census
44.5yrs
Median Age
14% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.9%
25% above US avg
Spanish
3.9%
71% below US avg
The median household income in Drake is $46,875, which is 38% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,667. The average weekly wage is $701, 51% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 16.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 15.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 52 business establishments, including 5 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 12.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $46,875 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,667 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $701 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,463 |
| Gini Index | 0.409 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 16.7% |
| 364% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 52 |
| County GDP | $68M |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 13.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 59.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.0% |
The median home value in Drake is $76,700, 73% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $81,010. Monthly rent averages $713 (39% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 83.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 189 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1949. 40.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $76,700 |
| 73% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $81,010 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $713 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 40.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 83.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.8% |
| Housing Units | 189 |
| Median Year Built | 1949 |
Property Tax
In Drake, 42.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 31.8% have high blood pressure. 16.3% are current smokers. 23.0% report binge drinking. 24.7% are physically inactive. 21.3% report depression. 15.6% experience frequent mental distress. 4.9% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). 37.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Drake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.3% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.8% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.3% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.7% |
| Depression | 21.3% |
| Mental Distress | 15.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 34.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.1% |
| Uninsured | 4.9% |
| 43% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 72.0% |
| Dental Visits | 62.7% |
| Premature Death | 15,039/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 37.6% |
Drake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winters average 7°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 62°F. Annual precipitation totals 18.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 41.0 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,650 feet.
Temperature
7°F Jan (-14°C)
69°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 39.5°F |
| 27% below US avg |
| January Average | 7°F (-14°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (20°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,650 ft (503 m) |
| Area | 2.0 sq mi (5.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 124/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.9227°N, 100.3744°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Sheridan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Minot International (MOT)
48 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
18.1"
52% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.57"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 5.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 31.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| 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)
Tornado History
253 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 1 fatality, 35 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 1, 1952 |
EF4 |
98 km |
1 |
| May 30, 1958 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1956 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1952 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 2022 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2017 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2016 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2004 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2001 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2001 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1982 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1974 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1974 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1974 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1974 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 1973 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1965 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1960 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RED CROSS (3,015 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
RED CROSS |
3,015 |
56 km |
| 2017 |
NDJCR WUI RX COUNTY RD 17 2016 |
2,772 |
67 km |
| 2009 |
COUNTY ROAD 17 |
2,291 |
67 km |
| 1994 |
ASPEN |
1,994 |
67 km |
| 2008 |
POOL 326 |
1,805 |
79 km |
| 2006 |
RIVERDALE WOODS/DOWNSTREAM |
1,705 |
93 km |
| 1997 |
FOXHOLM1 |
1,187 |
99 km |
| 2007 |
ROBINSON SUNFLOWER |
1,115 |
86 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
7°F (-14°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
24°F (-5°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| April |
40°F (4°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| May |
53°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (20°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| October |
43°F (6°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| November |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
13°F (-10°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Drake has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F / from 7°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 18.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.6") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Drake. 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 | $869 |
| Toddler | $794 |
| Preschool | $735 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $638 |
| Toddler | $603 |
| Preschool | $607 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Drake
What is the population of Drake?
Drake has a population of 245 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 124 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 39.6% female and 60.4% male.
Is Drake expensive to live in?
Drake 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 $46,875, 38% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $76,700 (73% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $713 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Drake?
Drake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 7°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 18.1 inches, with 41.0 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Drake?
The job market in Drake faces challenges, with unemployment at 16.7% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $701. There are 52 business establishments in the area, including 5 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 12.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Drake?
The median home value in Drake is $76,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $81,010. For renters, the median monthly rent is $713. Fair market rent is $795 for a 1-bedroom and $965 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 83.2%.
How are the schools in Drake?
Schools in Drake score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.8% of adults in Drake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.4% have completed high school. 4.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Drake?
The obesity rate in Drake is 42.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.3% of adults are smokers. 24.7% are physically inactive. 21.3% of residents report depression. 4.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 37.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Drake?
The average commute in Drake is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 59% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Drake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Drake is 95.1% White, 1.6% Black or African American, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino. 97.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.9% speak Spanish. 7.6% of the population are military veterans. 15.5% of residents have a disability. 95.1% have health insurance coverage.