Median Income
$76,875
2% higher than US avg
Home Value
$135,700
52% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
60/100K
84% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
27.6%
18% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.0%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.0%
11% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.3%
90% lower than US avg
How Golden Valley Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population241
Median Age48.0 yrs
Density321/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans11.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$76,875
Per Capita$39,841
Unemployment4.0%
Poverty1.3%
County GDP$1,931M
Commute33 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$135,700
Ownership76.1%
Zillow$236,095
Housing Units142
Rent Burden17.2%
Crime
F
Violent60/100K
Property209/100K
Health
Obesity40.0%
Uninsured8.9%
Smoking16.7%
Depression20.1%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain16.9 in/yr
Sunny Days273/yr
Elevation1,941 ft (592 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+27.6%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.49
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 15%
Commute33 min
Broadband93.8%
Libraries1
Is Golden Valley a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Golden Valley receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Golden Valley offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Golden Valley is $76,875, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.0%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 1.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Golden Valley is $135,700, 52% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Golden Valley is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 60 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 209 per 100,000, 89% below the national average.
Education
27.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Golden Valley has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 273 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 16.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Golden Valley has a population of 241 with a density of 321 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 48.0 years, 23% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.7% female and 47.3% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 87.7% of residents, while 12.3% speak Spanish. 11.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.3% of residents have a disability. 91.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.0yrs
Median Age
23% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Golden Valley vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
87.7%
12% above US avg
Spanish
12.3%
8% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Golden Valley vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Golden Valley is $76,875, which is 2% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,841. The average weekly wage is $1,650, 15% higher than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 1.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 221 business establishments, including 15 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 9.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Golden Valley vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $76,875 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,841 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,650 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $155,750 |
| Gini Index | 0.447 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.0% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.3% |
| 90% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 221 |
| County GDP | $1,931M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 15 |
| Healthcare | 6 |
| Retail | 16 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,225 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.38% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 33.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.1% |
The median home value in Golden Valley is $135,700, 52% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $236,095, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $826 for a one-bedroom to $1,027 for a two-bedroom apartment. 76.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 142 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $3,225. 17.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $135,700 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $236,095 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $820 |
| 1 Bedroom | $826 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,027 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,428 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,723 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.9% |
| Housing Units | 142 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,225 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.38% |
In Golden Valley, 40.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 32.0% have high blood pressure. 16.7% are current smokers. 23.5% report binge drinking. 23.7% are physically inactive. 20.1% report depression. 15.1% experience frequent mental distress. 8.9% of residents lack health insurance. 35.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Golden Valley vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.0% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.0% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.7% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.7% |
| Depression | 20.1% |
| Mental Distress | 15.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 34.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.5% |
| Uninsured | 8.9% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 70.7% |
| Dental Visits | 60.1% |
| Premature Death | 10,631/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 35.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 6 |
Golden Valley has a violent crime rate of 60 per 100,000 residents, 84% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 209 per 100,000, 89% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Golden Valley receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Golden Valley vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 59.7/100K |
| 84% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 208.8/100K |
| 89% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Golden Valley has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 71°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 16.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,941 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-11°C)
71°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 43.2°F |
| 20% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 273 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,941 ft (592 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 321/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.2903°N, 102.0653°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Dunn County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dickinson/Theodore Roosevelt Regional (DIK)
49 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
16.9"
56% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.35"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0471 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 3.8 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 1.02 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.0 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 10.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 41.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 19.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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 Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M3.3 on Sep 28, 2012.
| Sep 28, 2012 |
22 km ESE of Williston, North Dakota |
M3.3 |
128 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
203 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 5 fatalities, 54 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 4, 1978 |
EF4 |
100 km |
5 |
| Jul 8, 2009 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jul 30, 1981 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1956 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1956 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 2022 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2018 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2004 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1990 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1978 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1976 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1975 |
EF2 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1971 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1958 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1955 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1954 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1952 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 2020 |
EF1 |
81 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
13 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LITTLE SWALLOW (9,886 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
LITTLE SWALLOW |
9,886 |
49 km |
| 1988 |
MURPHY |
8,918 |
58 km |
| 1999 |
ROUGH CRK |
7,887 |
92 km |
| 2012 |
LITTLE SWALLOW |
6,304 |
53 km |
| 2024 |
CHARLSON |
3,055 |
99 km |
| 1988 |
DANKS |
2,425 |
60 km |
| 2007 |
MUSKRAT LAKE |
2,344 |
73 km |
| 2000 |
TALKINGTON 1 |
2,204 |
97 km |
| 2006 |
RIVERDALE WOODS/DOWNSTREAM |
1,705 |
52 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,678 |
39 km |
| 2007 |
ROBINSON SUNFLOWER |
1,115 |
61 km |
| 2009 |
SQUAW CREEK |
1,104 |
51 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
1,062 |
29 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| April |
42°F (6°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (21°C) |
2.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
15°F (-9°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Golden Valley has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 13°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.4") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Golden Valley. 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 | $997 |
| Toddler | $909 |
| Preschool | $844 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $733 |
| Toddler | $691 |
| Preschool | $696 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Golden Valley
What is the population of Golden Valley?
Golden Valley has a population of 241 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 321 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.7% female and 47.3% male.
Is Golden Valley expensive to live in?
Golden Valley 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 $76,875, 2% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $135,700 (52% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Golden Valley safe?
Golden Valley is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 60 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 209 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Golden Valley receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Golden Valley?
Golden Valley has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 273 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 16.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Golden Valley?
Golden Valley has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,650. There are 221 business establishments in the area, including 15 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 33 minutes, and 9.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Golden Valley?
The median home value in Golden Valley is $135,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $236,095. The homeownership rate is 76.1%. The average annual property tax is $3,225.
How are the schools in Golden Valley?
Schools in Golden Valley score 6.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 27.6% of adults in Golden Valley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Golden Valley?
The obesity rate in Golden Valley is 40.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.7% of adults are smokers. 23.7% are physically inactive. 20.1% of residents report depression. 8.9% lack health insurance. 35.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Golden Valley?
The average commute in Golden Valley is 33 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 88.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Golden Valley?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Golden Valley is 100% White. 87.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 12.3% speak Spanish. 11.5% of the population are military veterans. 14.3% of residents have a disability. 91.5% have health insurance coverage.
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