Median Income
$74,583
1% lower than US avg
Home Value
$73,100
74% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
35.0%
4% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$642
45% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.0%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.2%
39% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.5%
7% lower than US avg
How Finley Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population322
Median Age50.4 yrs
Density92/mi²
Male / Female59% / 41%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans3.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$74,583
Per Capita$41,310
Unemployment2.2%
Poverty11.5%
County GDP$213M
Commute13 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$73,100
Rent$642
Ownership77.7%
Zillow$125,433
Housing Units198
Rent Burden13.6%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property524/100K
Health
Obesity35.0%
Uninsured7.4%
Smoking14.7%
Depression21.7%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F (4°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Sunny Days253/yr
Elevation1,456 ft (444 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+35.0%
High School+94.7%
Graduate+0.9%
School Score6.61
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 37%
Commute13 min
Broadband71.0%
Is Finley a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Finley receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Finley offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Finley is $74,583, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.2%. 11.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Finley is $73,100, 74% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $642 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Finley 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 524 per 100,000, 73% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 35.0% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 94.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.6/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Finley has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 6°F in January while summers reach 69°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.
Finley has a population of 322 with a density of 92 people per square mile, spread across 3.5 square miles. The median age is 50.4 years, 30% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 41.3% female and 58.7% male. The city is predominantly White (93.5%), with 3.7% Hispanic, 1.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 3.4% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 13.1% of residents have a disability. 98.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
50.4yrs
Median Age
30% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Finley is $74,583, which is 1% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $41,310. The average weekly wage is $1,192, 17% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 84 business establishments, including 6 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $74,583 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $41,310 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,192 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $102,381 |
| Gini Index | 0.413 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.2% |
| 39% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.5% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 84 |
| County GDP | $213M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Retail | 7 |
| Manufacturing | 6 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 13.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.7% |
The median home value in Finley is $73,100, 74% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $125,433, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $642 (45% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 77.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 198 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1954. 13.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $73,100 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $125,433 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $642 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 13.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.3% |
| Housing Units | 198 |
| Median Year Built | 1954 |
Property Tax
In Finley, 35.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 30.1% have high blood pressure. 14.7% are current smokers. 22.8% report binge drinking. 22.4% are physically inactive. 21.7% report depression. 15.4% experience frequent mental distress. 7.4% of residents lack health insurance. 37.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Finley vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.0% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.1% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.7% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.4% |
| Depression | 21.7% |
| Mental Distress | 15.4% |
| Physical Distress | 11.6% |
| Short Sleep | 34.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.3% |
| Uninsured | 7.4% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 72.3% |
| Dental Visits | 60.7% |
| Premature Death | 6,084/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 37.7% |
Finley has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 524 per 100,000, 73% below the U.S. average. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Finley receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Finley vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 523.6/100K |
| 73% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Finley has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winters average 6°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 63°F. 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
6°F Jan (-14°C)
69°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 39.7°F |
| 26% below US avg |
| January Average | 6°F (-14°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 253 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,456 ft (444 m) |
| Area | 3.5 sq mi (9.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 92/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.5125°N, 97.8373°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Steele County County |
| Nearest Airport | Grand Forks International (GFK)
43 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.31"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 6.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 17.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 58.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
495 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 13 fatalities, 140 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 20, 1957 |
EF5 |
77 km |
10 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
41 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2007 |
EF4 |
29 km |
1 |
| Jul 18, 2004 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 2016 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2007 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2001 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1987 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1973 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1973 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1971 |
EF3 |
7 km |
0 |
| Aug 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Sep 6, 1958 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 1958 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1957 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1950 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
EF2 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2018 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2017 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2017 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BROWN WF (1,430 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
BROWN WF |
1,430 |
98 km |
| 2018 |
EAST JIM LAKE |
1,214 |
83 km |
| 2017 |
NDAWR FY17 RX G10 11 12 D5 |
1,148 |
83 km |
| 1985 |
ALICE 02 |
1,142 |
88 km |
| 1996 |
P CHICKEN |
1,121 |
79 km |
| 2006 |
FULLERS LAKE 06 |
1,109 |
31 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
6°F (-14°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (20°C) |
3.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| October |
44°F (7°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| November |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Finley has a seasonal temperature swing of 63°F / from 6°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 20.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.3") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Finley. 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 Finley
What is the population of Finley?
Finley has a population of 322 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 92 people per square mile, spread across 3.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 50.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 41.3% female and 58.7% male.
Is Finley expensive to live in?
Finley 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 $74,583, 1% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $73,100 (74% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $642 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Finley safe?
Finley 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 524 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Finley receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Finley?
Finley has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 6°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°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 Finley?
The job market in Finley is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,192. There are 84 business establishments in the area, including 6 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 13 minutes, and 2.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Finley?
The median home value in Finley is $73,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $125,433. For renters, the median monthly rent is $642. Fair market rent is $795 for a 1-bedroom and $965 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.7%.
How are the schools in Finley?
Schools in Finley score 6.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 35.0% of adults in Finley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 94.7% have completed high school. 0.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Finley?
The obesity rate in Finley is 35.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.7% of adults are smokers. 22.4% are physically inactive. 21.7% of residents report depression. 7.4% lack health insurance. 37.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Finley?
The average commute in Finley is 13 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 86.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Finley?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Finley is 93.5% White, 1.6% Black or African American, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 3.4% of the population are military veterans. 13.1% of residents have a disability. 98.3% have health insurance coverage.
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