Median Income
$65,125
13% lower than US avg
Home Value
$73,300
74% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.8%
41% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$605
48% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.5%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.3%
92% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.1%
22% higher than US avg
How Fessenden Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population477
Median Age42.7 yrs
Density1,084/mi²
Male / Female50% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans4.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$65,125
Per Capita$37,124
Unemployment0.3%
Poverty15.1%
County GDP$444M
Commute11 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$73,300
Rent$605
Ownership74.9%
Zillow$123,278
Housing Units345
Rent Burden28.2%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property226/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity37.5%
Uninsured7.5%
Smoking15.1%
Depression21.6%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain17.3 in/yr
Sunny Days273/yr
Elevation1,613 ft (492 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.8%
High School+94.3%
Graduate+2.9%
School Score6.12
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 18%
Commute11 min
Broadband85.0%
Libraries1
Is Fessenden a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fessenden receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Fessenden offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fessenden is $65,125, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.3%. The poverty rate of 15.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 11 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fessenden is $73,300, 74% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $605 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Fessenden 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 226 per 100,000, 88% below the national average.
Education
19.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.3% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Fessenden has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 273 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 17.3 inches, including 33.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Fessenden has a population of 477 with a density of 1,084 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 42.7 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.5% female and 49.5% male. The city is predominantly White (98.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.1% of residents. 4.9% of the population are veterans. 8.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 97.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.7yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Fessenden vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.1%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.9%
78% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Fessenden vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Fessenden is $65,125, which is 13% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,124. The average weekly wage is $961, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 15.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 207 business establishments, including 18 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 11 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Fessenden vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,125 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,124 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $961 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $83,996 |
| Gini Index | 0.505 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.3% |
| 92% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 207 |
| County GDP | $444M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 18 |
| Healthcare | 16 |
| Retail | 26 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 11.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 67.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.4% |
The median home value in Fessenden is $73,300, 74% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $123,278, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $605 (48% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 74.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 345 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1957. 28.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $73,300 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $123,278 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $605 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 74.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.1% |
| Housing Units | 345 |
| Median Year Built | 1957 |
Property Tax
In Fessenden, 37.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 29.5% have high blood pressure. 15.1% are current smokers. 23.2% report binge drinking. 22.3% are physically inactive. 21.6% report depression. 15.8% experience frequent mental distress. 7.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:781. The dentist ratio is 1:983. 59.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fessenden vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.5% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.5% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.1% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.3% |
| Depression | 21.6% |
| Mental Distress | 15.8% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 33.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.5% |
| Uninsured | 7.5% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:781 |
| Dentists | 1:983 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.0% |
| Dental Visits | 63.2% |
| Premature Death | 4,966/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 16 |
Fessenden 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 226 per 100,000, 88% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 0, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 226 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Fessenden receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Fessenden 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 | 226.2/100K |
| 88% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 226.2/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Fessenden has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 273 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 17.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 33.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,613 feet.
Temperature
10°F Jan (-12°C)
69°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 40.9°F |
| 24% below US avg |
| January Average | 10°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 273 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,613 ft (492 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,084/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.6493°N, 99.6270°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Wells County County |
| Nearest Airport | Devils Lake Regional (DVL)
46 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
17.3"
55% 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 | 8.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 44.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 95.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
294 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 1 fatality, 33 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 11, 2002 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1952 |
EF4 |
94 km |
1 |
| Jul 18, 2001 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1958 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1952 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2018 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2017 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2016 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 19, 2004 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2001 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2001 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 2001 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1976 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 1974 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1974 |
EF2 |
32 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1974 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 1973 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 1972 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CHICAGOLAKE (4,606 ac, 1994).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1994 |
CHICAGOLAKE |
4,606 |
70 km |
| 2008 |
GRADER |
1,745 |
50 km |
| 2006 |
BROWN WF |
1,430 |
59 km |
| 1985 |
CHASE LAKE |
1,215 |
73 km |
| 2018 |
EAST JIM LAKE |
1,214 |
79 km |
| 1985 |
LAKE ALICE |
1,214 |
84 km |
| 2006 |
RICE LAKE 1 |
1,150 |
89 km |
| 2017 |
NDAWR FY17 RX G10 11 12 D5 |
1,148 |
74 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
10°F (-12°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
40°F (5°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (20°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Fessenden has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 10°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.4") and February the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Fessenden. 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 | $861 |
| Toddler | $787 |
| Preschool | $729 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $633 |
| Toddler | $598 |
| Preschool | $601 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fessenden
What is the population of Fessenden?
Fessenden has a population of 477 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 1,084 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.5% female and 49.5% male.
Is Fessenden expensive to live in?
Fessenden 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 $65,125, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $73,300 (74% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $605 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Fessenden safe?
Fessenden 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 226 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Fessenden receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Fessenden?
Fessenden has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 10°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 273 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 17.3 inches, with 33.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Fessenden?
The job market in Fessenden is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $961. There are 207 business establishments in the area, including 18 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 11 minutes, and 4.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fessenden?
The median home value in Fessenden is $73,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $123,278. For renters, the median monthly rent is $605. Fair market rent is $795 for a 1-bedroom and $965 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.9%.
How are the schools in Fessenden?
Schools in Fessenden score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.8% of adults in Fessenden hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.3% have completed high school. 2.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fessenden?
The obesity rate in Fessenden is 37.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.1% of adults are smokers. 22.3% are physically inactive. 21.6% of residents report depression. 7.5% lack health insurance. 59.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:781.
What is transportation like in Fessenden?
The average commute in Fessenden is 11 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 67.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fessenden?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fessenden is 98.5% White. 97.1% of residents speak only English at home. 4.9% of the population are military veterans. 8.2% of residents have a disability. 97.5% have health insurance coverage.
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