Median Income
$40,000
47% lower than US avg
Home Value
$115,900
59% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
34.7%
3% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$786
32% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.2%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.4%
33% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.3%
25% lower than US avg
How Ellendale Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population946
Median Age36.6 yrs
Density666/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans7.6%
Economy
B+
Median Income$40,000
Per Capita$25,233
Unemployment2.4%
Poverty9.3%
County GDP$519M
Commute12 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$115,900
Rent$786
Ownership58.9%
Zillow$165,201
Housing Units549
Rent Burden24.8%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property409/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity38.2%
Uninsured6.6%
Smoking13.4%
Depression21.3%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Sunny Days253/yr
Elevation1,456 ft (444 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+34.7%
High School+92.4%
Graduate+3.6%
School Score6.64
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 23%
Commute12 min
Broadband73.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Ellendale a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ellendale receives an overall livability score of 3.7 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 below-average incomes. Ellendale offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ellendale is $40,000, 47% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.4%. 9.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ellendale is $115,900, 59% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $786 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Ellendale 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 409 per 100,000, 79% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 34.7% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 92.4% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.6/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Ellendale has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 253 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Ellendale has a population of 946 with a density of 666 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 36.6 years, 6% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50% female and 50% male. The city is predominantly White (92.4%), with 3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.5% of residents, while 5.5% speak Spanish. 7.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.8% of residents have a disability. 91.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.6yrs
Median Age
6% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Ellendale vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.5%
20% above US avg
Spanish
5.5%
59% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Ellendale vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Ellendale is $40,000, which is 47% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,233 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,043, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 274 business establishments, including 17 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). 4.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Ellendale vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $40,000 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,233 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,043 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,385 |
| Gini Index | 0.472 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.4% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.3% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 274 |
| County GDP | $519M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 17 |
| Healthcare | 24 |
| Retail | 40 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,500 |
| 29% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.88% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 12.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.2% |
The median home value in Ellendale is $115,900, 59% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $165,201, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $786 (32% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 58.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 549 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. The average annual property tax is $4,500 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $115,900 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $165,201 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $786 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 58.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 58.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 41.1% |
| Housing Units | 549 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,500 |
| 29% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.88% |
In Ellendale, 38.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 29.4% have high blood pressure. 13.4% are current smokers. 22.5% report binge drinking. 21.0% are physically inactive, below the national average. 21.3% report depression. 15.0% experience frequent mental distress. 6.6% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,224. The dentist ratio is 1:1,641. 45.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ellendale vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.2% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.4% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 5.4% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.4% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.0% |
| Depression | 21.3% |
| Mental Distress | 15.0% |
| Physical Distress | 11.1% |
| Short Sleep | 34.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.9% |
| Uninsured | 6.6% |
| 23% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,224 |
| Dentists | 1:1,641 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,450 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.2% |
| Dental Visits | 64.0% |
| Premature Death | 6,934/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 24 |
Ellendale has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 409 per 100,000, 79% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 409, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Ellendale receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Ellendale vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 408.8/100K |
| 79% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 408.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 8 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Ellendale has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 253 sunny days per year, above the national average. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,456 feet.
Temperature
12°F Jan (-11°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 43.2°F |
| 20% below US avg |
| January Average | 12°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 253 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,456 ft (444 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 666/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.0044°N, 98.5254°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Dickey County County |
| Nearest Airport | Aberdeen Regional (ABR)
39 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.35"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 15.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 40.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 52.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M3.7 on Oct 20, 1995.
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
131 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
350 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 5 fatalities, 58 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 18, 2004 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2002 |
EF4 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 2011 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2002 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1996 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 1974 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
| Jun 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1966 |
EF3 |
73 km |
2 |
| May 20, 1965 |
EF3 |
10 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1961 |
EF3 |
64 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1950 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2011 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2010 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
23 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIESTERFELD (3,481 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
BIESTERFELD |
3,481 |
97 km |
| 2003 |
JOEL BERTSCH 2 |
1,460 |
74 km |
| 2004 |
TACOMA PARK PLACE |
1,336 |
57 km |
| 2004 |
ALLEN STUECKLE |
1,330 |
89 km |
| 2016 |
SLR 2016 RX MICHELL |
1,242 |
28 km |
| 2000 |
PHEASANT OPENER |
1,206 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| May |
56°F (14°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
65°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
Ellendale has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 12°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.4") and December the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Ellendale. 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 | $879 |
| Toddler | $803 |
| Preschool | $744 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $646 |
| Toddler | $610 |
| Preschool | $614 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ellendale
What is the population of Ellendale?
Ellendale has a population of 946 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 666 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50% female and 50% male.
Is Ellendale expensive to live in?
Ellendale 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 $40,000, 47% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $115,900 (59% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $786 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ellendale safe?
Ellendale 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 409 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Ellendale receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ellendale?
Ellendale has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 12°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 253 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Ellendale?
The job market in Ellendale is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,043. There are 274 business establishments in the area, including 17 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 12 minutes, and 4.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ellendale?
The median home value in Ellendale is $115,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $165,201. For renters, the median monthly rent is $786. Fair market rent is $795 for a 1-bedroom and $965 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 58.9%. The average annual property tax is $4,500.
How are the schools in Ellendale?
Schools in Ellendale score 6.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 34.7% of adults in Ellendale hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 92.4% have completed high school. 3.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ellendale?
The obesity rate in Ellendale is 38.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.4% of adults are smokers. 21.0% are physically inactive. 21.3% of residents report depression. 6.6% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 45.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,224.
What is transportation like in Ellendale?
The average commute in Ellendale is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 72.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ellendale?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ellendale is 92.4% White, 3% Hispanic or Latino. 94.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.5% speak Spanish. 7.6% of the population are military veterans. 13.8% of residents have a disability. 91.9% have health insurance coverage.
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