Median Income
$55,313
26% lower than US avg
Home Value
$79,300
72% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.4%
60% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$567
51% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.3%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.1%
14% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.8%
19% higher than US avg
How Fairmount Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population316
Median Age39.2 yrs
Density958/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans10.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$55,313
Per Capita$35,974
Unemployment3.1%
Poverty14.8%
County GDP$1,478M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$79,300
Rent$567
Ownership89.4%
Zillow$147,593
Housing Units199
Rent Burden16.7%
Health
Obesity36.3%
Uninsured5.1%
Smoking13.0%
Depression21.8%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
Rain24.5 in/yr
Elevation984 ft (300 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.4%
High School+90.6%
Graduate+3.7%
School Score5.65
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 30%
Commute15 min
Broadband92.1%
EV Stations3
Libraries2
Is Fairmount a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fairmount receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Fairmount offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fairmount is $55,313, 26% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.1%, indicating a healthy job market. 14.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fairmount is $79,300, 72% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $567 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
13.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Fairmount has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 24.5 inches, including 35.9 inches of snow.
Fairmount has a population of 316 with a density of 958 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 39.2 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.3% female and 55.7% male. The city is predominantly White (88.6%), with 5.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.4% of residents, while 7.3% speak Spanish. 10.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
316
Total Population
2023 Census
39.2yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Fairmount vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.4%
23% above US avg
Spanish
7.3%
46% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Fairmount vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Fairmount is $55,313, which is 26% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,974. The average weekly wage is $1,042, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 14.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 704 business establishments, including 43 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Fairmount vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $55,313 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,974 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,042 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $84,658 |
| Gini Index | 0.468 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.1% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.8% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 704 |
| County GDP | $1,478M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 43 |
| Healthcare | 48 |
| Retail | 71 |
| Manufacturing | 39 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,825 |
| 38% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.08% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.3% |
The median home value in Fairmount is $79,300, 72% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $147,593, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $118,500 with homes selling in an average of 113 days. Homes sell for 103% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $567 (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. 89.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 199 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. The average annual property tax is $4,825 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 16.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $79,300 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $147,593 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $118,500 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $118,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $151 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Days on Market | 113 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 103.0% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $567 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 16.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 89.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.6% |
| Housing Units | 199 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,825 |
| 38% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.08% |
In Fairmount, 36.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 29.3% have high blood pressure. 13.0% are current smokers. 23.3% report binge drinking. 22.4% are physically inactive. 21.8% report depression. 14.7% experience frequent mental distress. 5.1% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,070. The dentist ratio is 1:1,507. 61.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fairmount vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.3% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.4% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.3% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 4.9% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.0% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.4% |
| Depression | 21.8% |
| Mental Distress | 14.7% |
| Physical Distress | 10.9% |
| Short Sleep | 31.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.9% |
| Uninsured | 5.1% |
| 41% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,070 |
| Dentists | 1:1,507 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,312 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.2% |
| Dental Visits | 66.7% |
| Premature Death | 7,004/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 48 |
Fairmount has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 61°F. Annual precipitation totals 24.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 35.9 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 984 feet.
Temperature
10°F Jan (-12°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 42.8°F |
| 21% below US avg |
| January Average | 10°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 984 ft (300 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 958/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.0547°N, 96.6029°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Richland County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hector International (FAR)
61 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
24.5"
36% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.12"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 35.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 25.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 68.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 29, 2011.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
49 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
36 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
83 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
436 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 6 fatalities, 120 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF4 |
51 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 2010 |
EF4 |
7 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
90 km |
1 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF4 |
58 km |
2 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1996 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1982 |
EF3 |
11 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1964 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
1 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1956 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1952 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
10 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 2020 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LOUISBURGRADE (6,487 ac, 2004).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2004 |
LOUISBURGRADE |
6,487 |
97 km |
| 2021 |
BIESTERFELD |
3,481 |
72 km |
| 2003 |
ROTHSAY |
3,015 |
55 km |
| 2024 |
DORAN WMA |
2,455 |
31 km |
| 2004 |
FISH FIRE |
1,799 |
96 km |
| 2003 |
DANIELSON |
1,682 |
46 km |
| 2003 |
OLERUD |
1,275 |
69 km |
| 2005 |
GRAND MEWS |
1,245 |
93 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,153 |
89 km |
| 1998 |
LEE |
1,137 |
93 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,128 |
28 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,115 |
93 km |
| 2003 |
ANDERSON |
1,082 |
96 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,060 |
28 km |
| 2021 |
HARTLEBEN WPA |
1,002 |
28 km |
| 1998 |
ANDREASEN |
1,001 |
94 km |
| 1992 |
SPRING LK |
1,001 |
90 km |
| 1990 |
ANDERSON |
988 |
93 km |
| 1992 |
MEADOWS |
922 |
45 km |
| 2007 |
ANDERSON |
797 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
10°F (-12°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-9°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Fairmount has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F / from 10°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Fairmount. 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 | $900 |
| Toddler | $823 |
| Preschool | $762 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $662 |
| Toddler | $625 |
| Preschool | $629 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fairmount
What is the population of Fairmount?
Fairmount has a population of 316 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 958 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.2 years. The population is 44.3% female and 55.7% male.
Is Fairmount expensive to live in?
Fairmount 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 $55,313, 26% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $79,300 (72% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $567 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Fairmount?
Fairmount has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 10°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 24.5 inches, with 35.9 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Fairmount?
Fairmount has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,042. There are 704 business establishments in the area, including 43 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 1.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fairmount?
The median home value in Fairmount is $79,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $147,593. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $118,500, with homes typically selling within 113 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $567. Fair market rent is $795 for a 1-bedroom and $965 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 89.4%. The average annual property tax is $4,825.
How are the schools in Fairmount?
Schools in Fairmount score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.4% of adults in Fairmount hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.6% have completed high school. 3.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fairmount?
The obesity rate in Fairmount is 36.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.0% of adults are smokers. 22.4% are physically inactive. 21.8% of residents report depression. 5.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 61.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,070.
What is transportation like in Fairmount?
The average commute in Fairmount is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 69.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fairmount?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fairmount is 88.6% White, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino. 96.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.3% speak Spanish. 10.0% of the population are military veterans. 18.7% of residents have a disability. 94.9% have health insurance coverage.