Median Income
$70,347
6% lower than US avg
Home Value
$103,800
63% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
254/100K
33% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.5%
33% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$570
51% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.7%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.0%
44% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.2%
90% lower than US avg
How Drayton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population818
Median Age43.8 yrs
Density1,239/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans11.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$70,347
Per Capita$36,999
Unemployment2.0%
Poverty1.2%
County GDP$813M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$103,800
Rent$570
Ownership77.6%
Zillow$135,419
Housing Units396
Rent Burden30.0%
Crime
F
Violent254/100K
Property2,790/100K
Health
Obesity40.7%
Uninsured7.8%
Smoking14.1%
Depression21.8%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp38°F (4°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain22.1 in/yr
Sunny Days269/yr
Elevation801 ft (244 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.5%
High School+93.5%
Graduate+2.4%
School Score6.09
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 23%
Commute16 min
Broadband83.3%
Libraries3
Is Drayton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Drayton receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Drayton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Drayton is $70,347, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.0%. Only 1.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Drayton is $103,800, 63% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $570 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Drayton is below the national average at 254 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,790 per 100,000, 42% above the national average.
Education
22.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Drayton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F. Winters average 4°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. With 269 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 22.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Drayton has a population of 818 with a density of 1,239 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 43.8 years, 13% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.7% female and 54.3% male. The city is predominantly White (96.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.5% of residents. 11.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 9.5% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 88.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.8yrs
Median Age
13% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.5%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.5%
81% below US avg
The median household income in Drayton is $70,347, which is 6% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,999. The average weekly wage is $1,124, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.2% 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 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $70,347 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,999 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,124 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $93,726 |
| Gini Index | 0.456 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.0% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.2% |
| 90% 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 | 2.89% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.8% |
The median home value in Drayton is $103,800, 63% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $135,419, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $570 (51% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 77.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 396 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. The average annual property tax is $3,000. 30.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $103,800 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $135,419 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $570 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.4% |
| Housing Units | 396 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,000 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.89% |
In Drayton, 40.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 28.8% have high blood pressure. 14.1% are current smokers. 24.8% report binge drinking. 22.4% are physically inactive. 21.8% report depression. 15.4% experience frequent mental distress. 7.8% 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: Drayton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.7% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.8% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.4% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.1% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.4% |
| Depression | 21.8% |
| Mental Distress | 15.4% |
| Physical Distress | 11.5% |
| Short Sleep | 33.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.5% |
| Uninsured | 7.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,384 |
| Dentists | 1:1,691 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,331 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.5% |
| Dental Visits | 66.2% |
| Premature Death | 9,577/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 48.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 19 |
Drayton has a violent crime rate of 254 per 100,000 residents, 33% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,790 per 100,000, 42% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Drayton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Drayton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 253.6/100K |
| 33% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,790.0/100K |
| 42% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 12 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Drayton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F (4°C). Winters average 4°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 64°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 22.1 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 801 feet.
Temperature
4°F Jan (-16°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 38.4°F |
| 29% below US avg |
| January Average | 4°F (-16°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 269 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 801 ft (244 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,239/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.5621°N, 97.1795°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Pembina County County |
| Nearest Airport | Grand Forks International (GFK)
42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
22.1"
42% 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
336 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 2 fatalities, 51 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 26, 2007 |
EF4 |
99 km |
1 |
| Jun 6, 1999 |
EF4 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 19, 2004 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 1958 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2017 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 2015 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Sep 19, 2014 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 2014 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 2010 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2007 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 2005 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 2005 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 2005 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 2005 |
EF2 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2005 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2005 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2005 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2005 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 19, 2004 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: JUNEBERRY 3 (29,455 ac, 2011).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2011 |
JUNEBERRY 3 |
29,455 |
74 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
26,345 |
100 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
22,647 |
89 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
22,262 |
78 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
21,954 |
78 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
17,778 |
56 km |
| 2003 |
CARIBOU |
16,184 |
67 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
14,432 |
88 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
11,927 |
64 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
11,544 |
63 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
10,819 |
95 km |
| 2018 |
NORTH COUNTY ROAD 7 |
9,471 |
67 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
9,194 |
65 km |
| 2003 |
CANADA |
7,065 |
87 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
6,964 |
65 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
6,057 |
57 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
5,891 |
63 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
5,817 |
98 km |
| 2024 |
AGASSIZ NWR PROJECT RX |
5,562 |
98 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
5,274 |
92 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
4°F (-16°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
10°F (-12°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
3.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| October |
44°F (7°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| November |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
9°F (-13°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Drayton has a seasonal temperature swing of 64°F / from 4°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 18.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.4") and February the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Drayton. 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 Drayton
What is the population of Drayton?
Drayton has a population of 818 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 1,239 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.7% female and 54.3% male.
Is Drayton expensive to live in?
Drayton 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 $70,347, 6% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $103,800 (63% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $570 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Drayton safe?
Drayton is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 254 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,790 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Drayton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Drayton?
Drayton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 4°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 269 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 22.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Drayton?
The job market in Drayton is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.0% / 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 16 minutes, and 5.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Drayton?
The median home value in Drayton is $103,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $135,419. For renters, the median monthly rent is $570. Fair market rent is $795 for a 1-bedroom and $965 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.6%. The average annual property tax is $3,000.
How are the schools in Drayton?
Schools in Drayton score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.5% of adults in Drayton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.5% have completed high school. 2.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Drayton?
The obesity rate in Drayton is 40.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.1% of adults are smokers. 22.4% are physically inactive. 21.8% of residents report depression. 7.8% 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 Drayton?
The average commute in Drayton is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 69.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Drayton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Drayton is 96.3% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 97.5% of residents speak only English at home. 11.6% of the population are military veterans. 9.5% of residents have a disability. 88.5% have health insurance coverage.
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