Median Income
$127,813
70% higher than US avg
Home Value
$370,800
32% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
32.9%
2% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.6%
2% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.5%
108% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Frontier Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population160
Median Age59.2 yrs
Density842/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans5.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$127,813
Per Capita$65,416
Unemployment7.5%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$2,919M
Commute42 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$370,800
Ownership98.6%
Zillow$312,872
Housing Units73
Rent Burden32.7%
Health
Obesity32.6%
Uninsured0.0%
Smoking10.3%
Depression23.7%
Heart Disease4.5%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
Rain24.4 in/yr
Elevation905 ft (276 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+32.9%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+12.6%
School Score5.74
Community
2024 VoteR 49% / D 49%
Commute42 min
Broadband100.0%
EV Stations27
Libraries3
Is Frontier a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Frontier receives an overall livability score of 4.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, long commute times. Frontier stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Frontier is $127,813, which is significantly higher than the national average / 70% above $75,149. This places Frontier among higher-income communities. The unemployment rate of 7.5% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 42 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Frontier is $370,800, 32% above the national median. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
32.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Frontier has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 24.4 inches, including 51.4 inches of snow.
Frontier has a population of 160 with a density of 842 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 59.2 years, 52% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.4% female and 50.6% male. The city is predominantly White (99.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.9% of residents. 5.6% of the population are veterans. 5.6% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
160
Total Population
2023 Census
59.2yrs
Median Age
52% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.9%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.4%
75% below US avg
The median household income in Frontier is $127,813, which is 70% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $65,416 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,033, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.5% (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 1,520 business establishments, including 100 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 42 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 7.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $127,813 |
| 70% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $65,416 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,033 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,991 |
| Gini Index | 0.443 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.5% |
| 108% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,520 |
| County GDP | $2,919M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 100 |
| Healthcare | 178 |
| Retail | 148 |
| Manufacturing | 39 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,896 |
| 40% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.32% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 41.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.1% |
The median home value in Frontier is $370,800, 32% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $312,872, lower than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 98.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 73 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1983. The average annual property tax is $4,896 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 32.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $370,800 |
| 32% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $312,872 |
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 | 98.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 98.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 1.4% |
| Housing Units | 73 |
| Median Year Built | 1983 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,896 |
| 40% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.32% |
In Frontier, 32.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 6.9% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.5% of residents, below the national average. 26.5% have high blood pressure. 10.3% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 23.4% report binge drinking. 15.3% are physically inactive, below the national average. 23.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 13.0% experience frequent mental distress. 0.0% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,044. The dentist ratio is 1:2,060. 87.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Frontier vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.6% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 6.9% |
| Heart Disease | 4.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.5% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 3.9% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 10.3% |
| 26% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 15.3% |
| Depression | 23.7% |
| Mental Distress | 13.0% |
| Physical Distress | 8.9% |
| Short Sleep | 29.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,044 |
| Dentists | 1:2,060 |
| Mental Health | 1:300 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Dental Visits | 72.9% |
| Premature Death | 7,319/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 87.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 178 |
Frontier has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 63°F. Annual precipitation totals 24.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 51.4 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 905 feet.
Temperature
8°F Jan (-14°C)
71°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 41.4°F |
| 23% below US avg |
| January Average | 8°F (-14°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (21°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 905 ft (276 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 842/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.8003°N, 96.8333°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Clay County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hector International (FAR)
8 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
24.4"
36% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.33"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 73.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 12.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 74.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively 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 |
132 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
113 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
135 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
464 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 18 fatalities, 231 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 20, 1957 |
EF5 |
41 km |
10 |
| Aug 7, 2010 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF4 |
11 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF4 |
36 km |
2 |
| Aug 27, 2016 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1982 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1973 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1973 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Sep 6, 1958 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1956 |
EF3 |
11 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1952 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1950 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2022 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIESTERFELD (3,481 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
BIESTERFELD |
3,481 |
62 km |
| 2003 |
ROTHSAY |
3,015 |
47 km |
| 2024 |
DORAN WMA |
2,455 |
85 km |
| 2010 |
NELSON PRAIRIE MIDDLE WPA |
1,779 |
100 km |
| 2009 |
DOWNING |
1,506 |
76 km |
| 2012 |
SPRING CREEK |
1,413 |
77 km |
| 2000 |
00 14 |
1,377 |
95 km |
| 2003 |
OLERUD |
1,275 |
53 km |
| 2010 |
BEJOU WMA |
1,270 |
96 km |
| 2007 |
FLICKERTAIL |
1,239 |
46 km |
| 2011 |
NEAL WMA |
1,213 |
59 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,153 |
29 km |
| 1985 |
ALICE 02 |
1,142 |
51 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,128 |
77 km |
| 2006 |
FULLERS LAKE 06 |
1,109 |
79 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,060 |
77 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
1,026 |
77 km |
| 2021 |
HARTLEBEN WPA |
1,002 |
80 km |
| 1999 |
HELLIKSEN |
993 |
66 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
931 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
8°F (-14°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| April |
42°F (5°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
15°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Frontier has a seasonal temperature swing of 63°F / from 8°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Frontier. 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 | $914 |
| Toddler | $853 |
| Preschool | $787 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $765 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $664 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Frontier
What is the population of Frontier?
Frontier has a population of 160 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 842 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 59.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.4% female and 50.6% male.
Is Frontier expensive to live in?
Frontier 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 $127,813, 70% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $370,800 (32% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Frontier?
Frontier has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 8°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 24.4 inches, with 51.4 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Frontier?
The unemployment rate in Frontier is 7.5%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,033. There are 1,520 business establishments in the area, including 100 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 42 minutes, and 7.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Frontier?
The median home value in Frontier is $370,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $312,872. The homeownership rate is 98.6%. The average annual property tax is $4,896.
How are the schools in Frontier?
Schools in Frontier score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 32.9% of adults in Frontier hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 12.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Frontier?
The obesity rate in Frontier is 32.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 10.3% of adults are smokers. 15.3% are physically inactive. 23.7% of residents report depression. 0.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 87.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,044.
What is transportation like in Frontier?
The average commute in Frontier is 42 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 87.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Frontier?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Frontier is 99.4% White. 96.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.4% speak Spanish. 5.6% of the population are military veterans. 5.6% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.