Median Income
$28,125
63% lower than US avg
Home Value
$18,800
93% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.7%
74% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.4%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
28.6%
694% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
40.0%
223% higher than US avg
How Fairdale Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population23
Median Age64.5 yrs
Density72/mi²
Male / Female57% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans17.4%
Economy
F
Median Income$28,125
Per Capita$35,243
Unemployment28.6%
Poverty40.0%
County GDP$589M
Housing
A+
Home Value$18,800
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$171,208
Housing Units21
Rent Burden35.0%
Health
Obesity36.4%
Uninsured0.0%
Smoking15.3%
Depression22.6%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp37°F (3°C)
Rain20.6 in/yr
Elevation1,619 ft (493 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.7%
High School+91.3%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.87
Community
2024 VoteR 74% / D 25%
Broadband100.0%
Libraries1
Is Fairdale a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fairdale receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Fairdale has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fairdale is $28,125, 63% below the national average of $75,149. At 28.6%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 40.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fairdale is $18,800, 93% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 0.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
8.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Fairdale has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 37°F. Winters average 3°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 20.6 inches, including 34.5 inches of snow.
Fairdale has a population of 23 with a density of 72 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 64.5 years, 66% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.5% female and 56.5% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents, while 5.9% speak Spanish. 17.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 39.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
23
Total Population
2023 Census
64.5yrs
Median Age
66% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
5.9%
56% below US avg
The median household income in Fairdale is $28,125, which is 63% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,243. The average weekly wage is $1,095, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 28.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 40.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 173 business establishments, including 12 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 40.0% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $28,125 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,243 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,095 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $114,473 |
| Gini Index | 0.500 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 28.6% |
| 694% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 40.0% |
| 223% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 173 |
| County GDP | $589M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 12 |
| Healthcare | 9 |
| Retail | 21 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,750 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 19.95% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 40.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 40.0% |
The median home value in Fairdale is $18,800, 93% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $171,208, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 21 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,750. 35.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $18,800 |
| 93% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $171,208 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 21 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,750 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 19.95% |
In Fairdale, 36.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 31.0% have high blood pressure. 15.3% are current smokers. 20.8% report binge drinking. 23.3% are physically inactive. 22.6% report depression. 16.1% experience frequent mental distress. 0.0% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,662. 67.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fairdale vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.4% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.0% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.3% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.3% |
| Depression | 22.6% |
| Mental Distress | 16.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 36.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,662 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,596 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.9% |
| Dental Visits | 62.9% |
| Premature Death | 5,632/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 67.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 9 |
Fairdale has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 37°F (3°C). Winters average 3°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 64°F. Annual precipitation totals 20.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 34.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,619 feet.
Temperature
3°F Jan (-16°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 37.3°F |
| 31% below US avg |
| January Average | 3°F (-16°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,619 ft (493 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 72/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.4900°N, 98.2312°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Cavalier County County |
| Nearest Airport | Devils Lake Regional (DVL)
40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
20.6"
46% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.98"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 11.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 56.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 22.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very 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
373 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 2 fatalities, 25 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 26, 2007 |
EF4 |
97 km |
1 |
| Jun 6, 1999 |
EF4 |
35 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2007 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 19, 2004 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2001 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1987 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2018 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2017 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2016 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Sep 19, 2014 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 2005 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 2005 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 2005 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 19, 2004 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 1999 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1999 |
EF2 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1999 |
EF2 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1985 |
EF2 |
32 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BROWN WF (1,430 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
BROWN WF |
1,430 |
81 km |
| 2021 |
DAHL |
1,312 |
30 km |
| 1985 |
LAKE ALICE |
1,214 |
67 km |
| 1996 |
P CHICKEN |
1,121 |
80 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
3°F (-16°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
7°F (-14°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| April |
38°F (4°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| May |
52°F (11°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| June |
62°F (17°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
67°F (19°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
65°F (18°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| October |
41°F (5°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| November |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
10°F (-12°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Fairdale has a seasonal temperature swing of 63°F / from 3°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 20.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.0") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Fairdale. 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 | $897 |
| Toddler | $820 |
| Preschool | $759 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $659 |
| Toddler | $623 |
| Preschool | $626 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fairdale
What is the population of Fairdale?
Fairdale has a population of 23 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 72 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 64.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.5% female and 56.5% male.
Is Fairdale expensive to live in?
Fairdale 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 $28,125, 63% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $18,800 (93% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 0.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Fairdale?
Fairdale has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 37°F (3°C). Winter temperatures average 3°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 20.6 inches, with 34.5 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Fairdale?
The job market in Fairdale faces challenges, with unemployment at 28.6% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,095. There are 173 business establishments in the area, including 12 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Fairdale?
The median home value in Fairdale is $18,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $171,208. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,750.
How are the schools in Fairdale?
Schools in Fairdale score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.7% of adults in Fairdale hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.3% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fairdale?
The obesity rate in Fairdale is 36.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.3% of adults are smokers. 23.3% are physically inactive. 22.6% of residents report depression. 0.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 67.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,662.
What are the demographics of Fairdale?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fairdale is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.9% speak Spanish. 17.4% of the population are military veterans. 39.1% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.