Median Income
$75,833
1% higher than US avg
Home Value
$65,000
77% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
31.4%
7% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
50.1%
56% higher than US avg
Unemployment
15.8%
339% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.8%
52% higher than US avg
How Fort Yates Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population142
Median Age42.0 yrs
Density2,367/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 7%
Veterans5.6%
Economy
C+
Median Income$75,833
Per Capita$27,854
Unemployment15.8%
Poverty18.8%
County GDP$178M
Commute13 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$65,000
Ownership76.9%
Zillow$142,693
Housing Units54
Rent Burden10.0%
Health
Obesity50.1%
Uninsured27.5%
Smoking36.4%
Depression22.9%
Heart Disease9.4%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
Rain19.1 in/yr
Elevation1,632 ft (497 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+31.4%
High School+97.7%
Graduate+10.7%
School Score5.91
Community
2024 VoteR 88% / D 11%
Commute13 min
Broadband76.9%
EV Stations3
Libraries1
Is Fort Yates a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fort Yates receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Fort Yates offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fort Yates is $75,833, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. At 15.8%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 18.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fort Yates is $65,000, 77% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 0.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
31.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Fort Yates has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 19.1 inches, including 34.9 inches of snow.
Fort Yates has a population of 142 with a density of 2,367 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 42.0 years, 8% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.1% female and 54.9% male. The city is predominantly White (7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 83.3% of residents. 5.6% of the population are veterans. 11.3% of residents have a disability. 72.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
142
Total Population
2023 Census
42.0yrs
Median Age
8% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Fort Yates vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
83.3%
6% above US avg
Spanish
1.4%
90% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Fort Yates vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Fort Yates is $75,833, which is 1% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,854 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $984, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 15.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 18.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 166 business establishments, including 12 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). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Fort Yates vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $75,833 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,854 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $984 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,513 |
| Gini Index | 0.448 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 15.8% |
| 339% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.8% |
| 52% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 166 |
| County GDP | $178M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 12 |
| Healthcare | 11 |
| Retail | 21 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 13.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Fort Yates is $65,000, 77% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $142,693, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 76.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 54 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. 10.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $65,000 |
| 77% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $142,693 |
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 | 76.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.1% |
| Housing Units | 54 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
In Fort Yates, 50.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 20.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 9.4% of residents, above the national average. 40.7% have high blood pressure. 36.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.5% report binge drinking. 39.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 22.9% report depression. 22.0% experience frequent mental distress. 27.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The dentist ratio is 1:3,250. 39.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fort Yates vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 50.1% |
| 56% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 20.6% |
| Heart Disease | 9.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 40.7% |
| Asthma | 14.1% |
| COPD | 12.4% |
| Cancer | 4.9% |
| Stroke | 5.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 36.4% |
| 160% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 39.0% |
| Depression | 22.9% |
| Mental Distress | 22.0% |
| Physical Distress | 21.6% |
| Short Sleep | 45.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 72.5% |
| Uninsured | 27.5% |
| 220% above US avg |
| Dentists | 1:3,250 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.7% |
| Dental Visits | 33.4% |
| Premature Death | 10,037/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 39.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 11 |
Fort Yates has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 19.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 34.9 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,632 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 43.2°F |
| 20% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,632 ft (497 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,367/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.0866°N, 100.6301°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Emmons County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bismarck Municipal (BIS)
48 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
19.1"
50% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.42"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 44.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 62.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 55.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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 |
Relatively 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: M3.0. Most recent: M3.0 on Aug 15, 2017.
| Aug 15, 2017 |
8 km E of Agar, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
148 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
218 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 4 fatalities, 40 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 29, 1953 |
EF5 |
41 km |
2 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1983 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jul 30, 1981 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1978 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1966 |
EF3 |
90 km |
2 |
| Jul 1, 1955 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2011 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1983 |
EF2 |
32 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 1974 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 1974 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1974 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1970 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1969 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1965 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: TENBROOK (30,588 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
TENBROOK |
30,588 |
42 km |
| 2002 |
LAPLANTE |
14,777 |
94 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
14,487 |
62 km |
| 2006 |
STONE MAN CHURCH |
10,389 |
65 km |
| 2000 |
TRIBLE |
9,718 |
25 km |
| 2006 |
LUND |
9,425 |
15 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
7,593 |
24 km |
| 2003 |
MCCLEAN BOTTOMS |
6,421 |
59 km |
| 1999 |
BULLHEAD |
5,606 |
54 km |
| 2022 |
HWY31 AND 101ST WEST |
4,879 |
53 km |
| 2006 |
B WARD 1 |
3,325 |
69 km |
| 2015 |
CANNON BALL |
3,068 |
29 km |
| 2006 |
1804 |
2,778 |
64 km |
| 2011 |
MOUND CITY |
2,755 |
50 km |
| 2012 |
MCINTOSH |
2,653 |
62 km |
| 2004 |
FISCHER |
2,578 |
25 km |
| 2012 |
CORNSTALK |
2,561 |
23 km |
| 2000 |
NEUGERFIRE |
2,150 |
25 km |
| 2000 |
FTMANUEL |
2,124 |
25 km |
| 2024 |
STATELINE |
2,123 |
23 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Fort Yates has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 14°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.4") and February the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Fort Yates. 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 | $864 |
| Toddler | $789 |
| Preschool | $731 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $635 |
| Toddler | $600 |
| Preschool | $603 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Yates
What is the population of Fort Yates?
Fort Yates has a population of 142 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 2,367 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.1% female and 54.9% male.
Is Fort Yates expensive to live in?
Fort Yates 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 $75,833, 1% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $65,000 (77% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 0.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Fort Yates?
Fort Yates has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 19.1 inches, with 34.9 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Fort Yates?
The job market in Fort Yates faces challenges, with unemployment at 15.8% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $984. There are 166 business establishments in the area, including 12 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 13 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fort Yates?
The median home value in Fort Yates is $65,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $142,693. The homeownership rate is 76.9%.
How are the schools in Fort Yates?
Schools in Fort Yates score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 31.4% of adults in Fort Yates hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.7% have completed high school. 10.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fort Yates?
The obesity rate in Fort Yates is 50.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 36.4% of adults are smokers. 39.0% are physically inactive. 22.9% of residents report depression. 27.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 39.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Fort Yates?
The average commute in Fort Yates is 13 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fort Yates?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fort Yates is 7% White. 83.3% of residents speak only English at home. 5.6% of the population are military veterans. 11.3% of residents have a disability. 72.5% have health insurance coverage.