Median Income
$47,500
37% lower than US avg
Home Value
$127,500
55% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
3.8%
89% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$433
63% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.6%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Golva Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population98
Median Age57.5 yrs
Density306/mi²
Male / Female57% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans90.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$47,500
Per Capita$33,444
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$118M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$127,500
Rent$433
Ownership65.6%
Zillow$184,513
Housing Units66
Rent Burden22.5%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property746/100K
Health
Obesity37.6%
Uninsured7.2%
Smoking16.3%
Depression23.4%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain15.8 in/yr
Sunny Days273/yr
Elevation2,810 ft (856 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+3.8%
High School+97.5%
Graduate+3.7%
School Score6.49
Community
2024 VoteR 86% / D 12%
Commute16 min
Broadband32.0%
Libraries1
Is Golva a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Golva receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Golva offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Golva is $47,500, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Golva is $127,500, 55% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $433 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Golva 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 746 per 100,000, 62% below the national average.
Education
3.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Golva has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 16°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 15.8 inches, including 30.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Golva has a population of 98 with a density of 306 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 57.5 years, 48% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 42.9% female and 57.1% male. The city is predominantly White (98%), with 2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 90.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
57.5yrs
Median Age
48% 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 Golva is $47,500, which is 37% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,444 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $937, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below 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 89 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 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $47,500 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,444 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $937 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,174 |
| Gini Index | 0.378 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 89 |
| County GDP | $118M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Healthcare | 8 |
| Retail | 13 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 90.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Golva is $127,500, 55% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $184,513, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $433 (63% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 65.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 66 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1986. 22.5% 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 | $127,500 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $184,513 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $433 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 65.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.4% |
| Housing Units | 66 |
| Median Year Built | 1986 |
Property Tax
In Golva, 37.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 31.1% have high blood pressure. 16.3% are current smokers. 21.6% report binge drinking. 25.7% are physically inactive. 23.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.8% experience frequent mental distress. 7.2% of residents lack health insurance. The food environment index is 5.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Golva vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.6% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.1% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.3% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.7% |
| Depression | 23.4% |
| Mental Distress | 16.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 31.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.4% |
| Uninsured | 7.2% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Mental Health | 1:349 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.1% |
| Dental Visits | 68.7% |
| Premature Death | 6,249/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.9/10 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 8 |
Golva has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 746 per 100,000, 62% below the U.S. average. Overall, Golva receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Golva vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 746.3/100K |
| 62% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Golva has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 16°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 15.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 30.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 2,810 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 43.1°F |
| 20% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 273 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,810 ft (856 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 306/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.7346°N, 103.9823°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Golden Valley County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dickinson/Theodore Roosevelt Regional (DIK)
56 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
15.8"
58% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.19"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 13.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 56.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 24.9 / 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 Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.6. Most recent: M2.6 on May 6, 2014.
| May 6, 2014 |
12 km NNW of Knife River, Montana |
M2.6 |
97 km |
| Jul 29, 2013 |
18 km SE of Ekalaka, Montana |
M2.6 |
111 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
101 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 2 fatalities, 18 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 29, 1975 |
EF4 |
81 km |
1 |
| Jun 29, 1961 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2016 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2009 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1953 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1952 |
EF3 |
33 km |
1 |
| Jul 19, 1952 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1952 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jul 25, 2001 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jul 25, 2001 |
EF2 |
9 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1999 |
EF2 |
27 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1977 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1976 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1975 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1965 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1962 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1957 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1952 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
EF1 |
94 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: GAP/ROUGH CREEK (53,708 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
GAP/ROUGH CREEK |
53,708 |
99 km |
| 1990 |
KNOWLTON C |
13,226 |
100 km |
| 1998 |
BRADSHAW |
10,591 |
94 km |
| 1999 |
JOHNSTONE |
8,817 |
98 km |
| 1991 |
MEDICINE ROCK |
8,565 |
87 km |
| 2018 |
18 DONUT HOLE |
7,838 |
48 km |
| 2008 |
KNOWLTON COMPLEX (DRGA) |
7,218 |
96 km |
| 1988 |
MIKES CREEK |
5,309 |
63 km |
| 2017 |
MAGPIE FIRE |
5,056 |
77 km |
| 2021 |
ROOSEVELT CREEK |
4,608 |
54 km |
| 2004 |
DEEP CREEK |
4,180 |
39 km |
| 2012 |
DEEP CREEK 2 |
3,500 |
36 km |
| 2003 |
3 MILE |
3,394 |
91 km |
| 1988 |
CINNAMON CREEK |
3,204 |
77 km |
| 1999 |
CEDARCRKN |
2,964 |
47 km |
| 2021 |
ELKHORN |
2,784 |
64 km |
| 2021 |
DOROTHY DRAW |
2,565 |
42 km |
| 2008 |
BROWN |
2,519 |
25 km |
| 2014 |
14 BEEF CORRAL WASH |
2,471 |
48 km |
| 1988 |
FANTAIL |
2,341 |
71 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| May |
56°F (14°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
3.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
1.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| September |
58°F (15°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Golva has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 16°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 15.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.2") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Golva. 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 | $940 |
| Toddler | $858 |
| Preschool | $795 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $691 |
| Toddler | $652 |
| Preschool | $656 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Golva
What is the population of Golva?
Golva has a population of 98 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 306 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 57.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 42.9% female and 57.1% male.
Is Golva expensive to live in?
Golva 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 $47,500, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $127,500 (55% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $433 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Golva safe?
Golva 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 746 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Golva receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Golva?
Golva has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 16°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 15.8 inches, with 30.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Golva?
The job market in Golva is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $937. There are 89 business establishments in the area, including 6 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Golva?
The median home value in Golva is $127,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $184,513. For renters, the median monthly rent is $433. Fair market rent is $795 for a 1-bedroom and $965 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.6%.
How are the schools in Golva?
Schools in Golva score 6.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 3.8% of adults in Golva hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.5% have completed high school. 3.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Golva?
The obesity rate in Golva is 37.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.3% of adults are smokers. 25.7% are physically inactive. 23.4% of residents report depression. 7.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate).
What is transportation like in Golva?
The average commute in Golva is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 90% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Golva?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Golva is 98% White, 2% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 90.0% of the population are military veterans. 20.6% of residents have a disability. 95.4% have health insurance coverage.
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