Median Income
$78,750
5% higher than US avg
Home Value
$212,500
25% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.8%
47% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.5%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.2%
17% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Fort Ransom Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population112
Median Age39.0 yrs
Density361/mi²
Male / Female64% / 36%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans2.2%
Economy
A
Median Income$78,750
Per Capita$35,348
Unemployment4.2%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$387M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$212,500
Ownership80.4%
Zillow$175,907
Housing Units57
Rent Burden33.8%
Health
Obesity36.5%
Uninsured5.4%
Smoking12.9%
Depression20.3%
Heart Disease4.7%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
Rain22.3 in/yr
Elevation1,136 ft (346 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.8%
High School+94.5%
Graduate+6.3%
School Score5.95
Community
2024 VoteR 63% / D 35%
Commute30 min
Broadband84.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Fort Ransom a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fort Ransom receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Fort Ransom offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fort Ransom is $78,750, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.2%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fort Ransom is $212,500, 25% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
17.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Fort Ransom has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 22.3 inches, including 46.7 inches of snow.
Fort Ransom has a population of 112 with a density of 361 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 39.0 years, 0% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 35.7% female and 64.3% male. The city is predominantly White (98.2%), with 1.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.1% of residents. 2.2% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 13.4% of residents have a disability. 94.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
112
Total Population
2023 Census
39.0yrs
Median Age
0% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Fort Ransom vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.1%
25% above US avg
Spanish
3.0%
78% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Fort Ransom vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Fort Ransom is $78,750, which is 5% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,348. The average weekly wage is $956, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 259 business establishments, including 19 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 2.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Fort Ransom vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $78,750 |
| 5% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,348 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $956 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,955 |
| Gini Index | 0.407 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.2% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 259 |
| County GDP | $387M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 19 |
| Healthcare | 31 |
| Retail | 24 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,800 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.79% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.3% |
The median home value in Fort Ransom is $212,500, 25% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $175,907, lower than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 80.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 57 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1981. The average annual property tax is $3,800. 33.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $212,500 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $175,907 |
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 | 80.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.6% |
| Housing Units | 57 |
| Median Year Built | 1981 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,800 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.79% |
In Fort Ransom, 36.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.1% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.7% of residents, below the national average. 28.1% have high blood pressure. 12.9% are current smokers. 23.9% report binge drinking. 20.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 20.3% report depression. 14.2% experience frequent mental distress. 5.4% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,838. The dentist ratio is 1:1,410. 63.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fort Ransom vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.5% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.1% |
| Heart Disease | 4.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.1% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 5.0% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.6% |
| Depression | 20.3% |
| Mental Distress | 14.2% |
| Physical Distress | 10.7% |
| Short Sleep | 32.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.6% |
| Uninsured | 5.4% |
| 37% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,838 |
| Dentists | 1:1,410 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,802 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.0% |
| Dental Visits | 62.0% |
| Premature Death | 7,447/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 63.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 31 |
Fort Ransom has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 61°F. Annual precipitation totals 22.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 46.7 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,136 feet.
Temperature
9°F Jan (-13°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 41.4°F |
| 23% below US avg |
| January Average | 9°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,136 ft (346 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 361/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.5245°N, 97.9311°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Ransom County County |
| Nearest Airport | Jamestown Regional (JMS)
45 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
22.3"
41% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.40"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 13.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 22.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.2 / 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 |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M3.7 on Oct 20, 1995.
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
116 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
407 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 12 fatalities, 153 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 20, 1957 |
EF5 |
61 km |
10 |
| Jul 18, 2004 |
EF4 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF4 |
71 km |
2 |
| Jul 17, 2011 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1973 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Aug 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1965 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Sep 6, 1958 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1957 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1956 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1952 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1950 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2011 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2011 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2011 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIESTERFELD (3,481 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
BIESTERFELD |
3,481 |
44 km |
| 2003 |
DANIELSON |
1,682 |
93 km |
| 2003 |
OLERUD |
1,275 |
49 km |
| 2016 |
SLR 2016 RX MICHELL |
1,242 |
73 km |
| 1985 |
ALICE 02 |
1,142 |
42 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,128 |
88 km |
| 2006 |
FULLERS LAKE 06 |
1,109 |
88 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,060 |
88 km |
| 2021 |
HARTLEBEN WPA |
1,002 |
89 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
9°F (-13°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
2.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| October |
44°F (7°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Fort Ransom has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F / from 9°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 22.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.4") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Fort Ransom. 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 | $960 |
| Toddler | $877 |
| Preschool | $813 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $705 |
| Toddler | $667 |
| Preschool | $671 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Ransom
What is the population of Fort Ransom?
Fort Ransom has a population of 112 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 361 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.0 years. The population is 35.7% female and 64.3% male.
Is Fort Ransom expensive to live in?
Fort Ransom 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 $78,750, 5% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $212,500 (25% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Fort Ransom?
Fort Ransom has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 9°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 22.3 inches, with 46.7 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Fort Ransom?
Fort Ransom has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $956. There are 259 business establishments in the area, including 19 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 2.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fort Ransom?
The median home value in Fort Ransom is $212,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $175,907. The homeownership rate is 80.4%. The average annual property tax is $3,800.
How are the schools in Fort Ransom?
Schools in Fort Ransom score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.8% of adults in Fort Ransom hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.5% have completed high school. 6.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fort Ransom?
The obesity rate in Fort Ransom is 36.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.9% of adults are smokers. 20.6% are physically inactive. 20.3% of residents report depression. 5.4% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 63.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,838.
What is transportation like in Fort Ransom?
The average commute in Fort Ransom is 30 minutes. 83.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fort Ransom?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fort Ransom is 98.2% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino. 98.1% of residents speak only English at home. 2.2% of the population are military veterans. 13.4% of residents have a disability. 94.6% have health insurance coverage.