Sign In Register

Fairdale, ND

North Dakota · Cavalier County

Fairdale is a small town in North Dakota with a population of 23. Residents earn $28,125 per year, which is 63% below the national average.

Data updated April 2026

2.3 /5.0
C Fair
23 Population 72/sq mi density
$28,125 Median Income $35,243 per capita
$18,800 Home Value $171,208 Zillow
39°F Avg Temperature 269 sunny days/yr
80 Violent Crime/100K 2,077 property/100K
C
Overall
2.3 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
F
Economy
1.4 / 5.0
$28,125 median income, 8.7% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$18,800 home value
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
80 violent crimes/100K (79% below avg)
D
Education
1.7 / 5.0
8.7% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Fairdale, ND

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
Use the tabs and dropdown menus below to navigate every data point we track for this city.

Full City Profile
Median Income $28,125
63% lower than US avg
Home Value $18,800
93% lower than US avg
Violent Crime 80/100K
79% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 8.7%
74% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 36.4%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment 8.7%
142% 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%
Veterans23.0%

Economy

F
Median Income$28,125
Per Capita$35,243
Unemployment8.7%
Poverty40.0%
County GDP$589M

Housing

A+
Home Value$18,800
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$171,208
Housing Units21
Rent Burden35.0%

Crime

F
Violent80/100K
Property2,077/100K

Health

Obesity36.4%
Smoking15.3%
Depression22.6%
Heart Disease6.1%

Climate

Avg Temp39°F (4°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain20.2 in/yr
Sunny Days269/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%
Broadband11.0%
Libraries1

Is Fairdale a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Fairdale receives an overall livability score of 2.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. 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 8.7%, 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.

Safety & Crime

Fairdale is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 80 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,077 per 100,000, near the national average.

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 39°F. Winters average 5°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 20.2 inches, including 42.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.

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 94.1% of residents, while 5.9% speak Spanish. 23.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 52.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.

Population

23
Total Population
72
People / sq mi
64.5yrs
Median Age
66% above US avg
0.3mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 56.5%
Female 43.5%

Race & Ethnicity

Fairdale vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 94.1%
20% above US avg
Spanish 5.9%
56% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Fairdale vs U.S. Average

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 8.7% (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: Fairdale vs U.S.

Commute Mode

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 Index0.500 (0=equal, 1=unequal)

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment8.7%
142% above US avg
Poverty Rate40.0%
223% above US avg
Establishments (County)173
County GDP$589M

Business (County)

Restaurants12
Healthcare9
Retail21
Manufacturing4

Tax & Cost of Living

Property Tax (IRS)$3,750
7% above US avg
Cost of Living89.00 (100=avg)
Effective Tax Rate19.95%

Commute & Transportation

Drive Alone40.0%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home40.0%

Walkability

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 Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$18,800
93% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI$171,208

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Rent Burden35.0%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$769
1 Bedroom$795
2 Bedrooms$965
3 Bedrooms$1,297
4 Bedrooms$1,588

Ownership & Property

Homeownership100.0%
Owner-Occupied100.0%
Renter-Occupied0.0%
Housing Units21
Median Year Built1938

Property Tax

Avg Tax (IRS)$3,750
7% above US avg
Effective Rate19.95%
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. 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

Obesity36.4%
13% above US avg
Diabetes9.7%
Heart Disease6.1%
High Blood Pressure31.0%
Asthma10.8%
COPD6.1%
Cancer7.3%
Stroke3.1%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking15.3%
9% above US avg
Binge Drinking20.8%
Physical Inactivity23.3%
Depression22.6%
Mental Distress16.1%
Physical Distress12.0%
Short Sleep36.7%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate100.0%
Primary Care1:3,662
Mental Health1:3,596
Checkup Rate73.9%
Dental Visits62.9%
Premature Death5,632/100K

Food & Exercise

Food Environment8.9/10
Exercise Access67.1%
Healthcare Facilities9
Fairdale has a violent crime rate of 80 per 100,000 residents, 79% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,077 per 100,000, 6% above the U.S. average. Overall, Fairdale receives a safety grade of F.

Crime Rates: Fairdale vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Total Violent79.9/100K
79% below US avg

Property Crime

Total Property2,076.7/100K
6% above US avg

Traffic Safety

Avg Accident Severity0.0 / 4.0

Safety Score

Safety GradeF
Safety Score1.0 / 5.0
View full crime details →
Fairdale has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winters average 5°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 63°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 20.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 42.5 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,619 feet.

Temperature

5°F Jan (-15°C) 68°F Jul (20°C)
Annual Average38.6°F
29% below US avg
January Average5°F (-15°C)
July Average68°F (20°C)
Sunny Days269 days/yr

Geography

Elevation1,619 ft (493 m)
Area0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²)
Population Density72/sq mi
Coordinates48.4900°N, 98.2312°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago
CountyCavalier County County
Nearest AirportDevils Lake Regional (DVL)
40 miles away

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 20.2"
47% below US avg
Snowfall 42.5"
Wettest Month (Jun) 3.11"
Driest Month (Feb) 0.35"

Air Quality

AQI Median38.0
RatingGood

Natural Hazard Risk

Overall RiskVery Low
Risk Score11.8 / 100
Social Vulnerability56.0 / 100
Community Resilience22.1 / 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 5°F (-15°C) 0.5 in Coldest
February 10°F (-13°C) 0.4 in Driest
March 22°F (-6°C) 0.7 in
April 39°F (4°C) 1.2 in
May 53°F (12°C) 2.1 in
June 62°F (17°C) 3.1 in Wettest
July 68°F (20°C) 3.1 in Warmest
August 65°F (19°C) 2.4 in
September 55°F (13°C) 1.8 in
October 42°F (6°C) 1.2 in
November 23°F (-5°C) 0.6 in
December 8°F (-13°C) 0.4 in

Fairdale has a seasonal temperature swing of 63°F / from 5°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.1") and February the driest (0.4").

View full weather details →
Fairdale is located in Cavalier County. It is classified as Nonmetro / Rural, a rural community. 8.7% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 74% below the national average of 33.7%. 91.3% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 5.9 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 73.9% of the vote, a 49.1-point margin. 11.0% of households have broadband internet access (below the 90.0% national rate). There are 1 public libraries serving the community. 9 healthcare facilities operate in the area.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 73.9%
D 24.8%

Winner: Republican by 49.1 points

Safety & Disasters

Avg Accident Severity0.0 / 4.0
F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Education

Bachelor's Degree+8.7%
74% below US avg
High School+91.3%
Graduate Degree+0.0%
School Test Score5.87
D Education Grade (1.7/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

RUCC Code 9Nonmetro / Rural
Population Density72/sq mi
Total Area0.3 sq mi
CountyCavalier County County

Services

Broadband Access11.0%
Avg Download Speed216.6 Mbps
Avg Upload Speed203.8 Mbps
Max Download Speed1,000 Mbps
Public Libraries1
Healthcare Facilities9
Restaurants12
Retail Stores21

Commute & Transportation

Drive Alone40.0%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home40.0%
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)

Top Industries in Cavalier County

Largest private-sector industries by employment (BLS QCEW 2024 data, county level).

Industry Jobs Establishments Avg Annual Pay Location Quotient
Health Care & Social Assistance 180 10 $51,052 1.02
Retail Trade 151 19 $39,425 1.23
Wholesale Trade 144 19 $102,322 2.97
Transportation & Warehousing 80 10 $49,964 1.53
Construction 64 15 $58,428 0.99
Other Services 50 8 $33,875 1.35
Information & Technology 44 3 $73,750 1.91
Agriculture & Forestry 40 18 $56,110 4.01
Utilities 24 4 $110,914 5.12

National Parks Near Fairdale

4 national parks and monuments found near Fairdale.

ParkTypeFee
Grahams Island State Park State Park Free
Icelandic State Park State Park Free
Pembina Valley Provincial Park Free
Turtle River State Park State Park Free

Museums in Fairdale

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
BECHYNE HERITAGE HALLHISTORIC PRESERVATION7015936138
EDMORE HISTORICAL SOCIETYHISTORIC PRESERVATION
WHEATLAND MANORHISTORIC PRESERVATION7016442291

Cell Towers in Fairdale

AddressStructure TypeHeight (ft)
(Milton) 1.2 MI E - 12220 NDST HWY 66GTOWER125
SR 17 (121968)GTOWER96
Sr 17GTOWER96
SR 17 (121968)GTOWER96
Sr 17GTOWER96
NEAR 7977 Hwy 1LTOWER79

Fire Stations in Fairdale

NameAddressTypeActive FirefightersVolunteersPhone
Fairdale Rural Fire Protection District97 Main STVolunteer701-331-9165

Bridges in Fairdale

LocationTypeKindYear BuiltLength (ft)Daily TrafficCondition
Channel BeamConcrete19402574F
Channel BeamConcrete19773159F

Airports Near Fairdale

29 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Devils Lake Regional AirportDVLMedium Airport
Altona Municipal Airport-Small Airport
Anderson Strip-Small Airport
Bakke Airport-Small Airport
Bohn Airstrip-Small Airport
Bouret Ranch Airport-Small Airport
Cavalier Municipal Airport-Small Airport
Douglas Portage Airport-Small Airport
Fordville Airport-Small Airport
Forest Airport-Small Airport
Goodman Strip-Small Airport
Hinkle Airport-Small Airport
Inkster Airport-Small Airport
Kyllo Airport-Small Airport
Lakota Municipal Airport-Small Airport
Larimore Municipal Airport-Small Airport
Louise Municipal Airport-Small Airport
McVille Municipal Airport-Small Airport
Metz Field-Small Airport
Morden Regional Airport-Small Airport
Morten Airport-Small Airport
Olafson Brothers Airport-Small Airport
Park River W C Skjerven Field-Small Airport
Ricketyback Field-Small Airport
Robertson Field-Small Airport
Sobolik Airport-Small Airport
Walhalla Municipal Airport-Small Airport
Walser Strip-Small Airport
Winkler Airport-Small Airport

Churches & Religious Organizations in Fairdale

2 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
BETHESDA GLOBAL MINISTRIESPO BOX 103
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA8 MILES S 1 1/2 MILES E

Download Full City Report

Get a comprehensive, print-ready PDF with all data for Fairdale.

Get Report

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.

Is Fairdale safe?

Fairdale is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 80 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,077 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Fairdale receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Fairdale?

Fairdale has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 5°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 20.2 inches, with 42.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.

How is the job market in Fairdale?

The job market in Fairdale faces challenges, with unemployment at 8.7% / 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. 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. 94.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.9% speak Spanish. 23.0% of the population are military veterans. 52.9% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.

Nearby Cities

Compare Fairdale with another city: