Median Income
$72,279
4% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
31.2%
7% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,621
39% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.3%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.7%
3% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.6%
71% lower than US avg
How Grand Forks AFB Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,072
Median Age21.5 yrs
Density276/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 73%
Veterans20.2%
Economy
A
Median Income$72,279
Per Capita$22,100
Unemployment3.7%
Poverty3.6%
County GDP$5,920M
Commute10 min
Housing
A
Rent$1,621
Ownership1.0%
Zillow$218,505
Housing Units538
Rent Burden26.8%
Health
Obesity37.3%
Uninsured2.0%
Smoking11.4%
Depression20.5%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F (4°C)
Rain21.7 in/yr
Elevation900 ft (274 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+31.2%
High School+97.0%
Graduate+12.3%
School Score6.09
Community
2024 VoteR 58% / D 40%
Commute10 min
Broadband97.9%
EV Stations10
Libraries3
Is Grand Forks AFB a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Grand Forks AFB receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage, strong internet connectivity. Grand Forks AFB offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Grand Forks AFB is $72,279, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.7%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 3.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 10 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $1,621 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163.
Education
31.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Grand Forks AFB has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 6°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 21.7 inches, including 48.4 inches of snow.
Grand Forks AFB has a population of 2,072 with a density of 276 people per square mile, spread across 7.5 square miles. The median age is 21.5 years, 45% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.8% female and 53.2% male. The city is predominantly White (73.3%), with 19.3% Hispanic, 4.4% Black, 2.8% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 88.5% of residents, while 12.3% speak Spanish. 20.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 4.3% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 98.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
2,072
Total Population
2023 Census
21.5yrs
Median Age
45% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Grand Forks AFB vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
88.5%
13% above US avg
Spanish
12.3%
8% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Grand Forks AFB vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Grand Forks AFB is $72,279, which is 4% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,100 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,145, 20% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 3.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,774 business establishments, including 198 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 10 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Grand Forks AFB vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $72,279 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,100 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,145 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $82,164 |
| Gini Index | 0.459 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.7% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.6% |
| 71% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,774 |
| County GDP | $5,920M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 198 |
| Healthcare | 185 |
| Retail | 274 |
| Manufacturing | 55 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,219 |
| 106% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 10.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.4% |
| Public Transit | 2.1% |
| Work from Home | 4.8% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $218,505. Monthly rent averages $1,621 (39% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 1.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 538 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2001. The average annual property tax is $7,219 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,621 |
| 39% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 1.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 1.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 99.0% |
| Housing Units | 538 |
| Median Year Built | 2001 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,219 |
| 106% above US avg |
In Grand Forks AFB, 37.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 30.1% have high blood pressure. 11.4% are current smokers. 23.3% report binge drinking. 22.5% are physically inactive. 20.5% report depression. 14.2% experience frequent mental distress. 2.0% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:817. The dentist ratio is 1:1,168. 89.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Grand Forks AFB vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.3% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.1% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 4.6% |
| Cancer | 6.2% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.4% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.5% |
| Depression | 20.5% |
| Mental Distress | 14.2% |
| Physical Distress | 11.3% |
| Short Sleep | 36.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.0% |
| Uninsured | 2.0% |
| 77% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:817 |
| Dentists | 1:1,168 |
| Mental Health | 1:261 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.9% |
| Dental Visits | 62.3% |
| Premature Death | 6,701/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 89.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 185 |
Grand Forks AFB has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winters average 6°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 63°F. Annual precipitation totals 21.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 48.4 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 900 feet.
Temperature
6°F Jan (-14°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 39.8°F |
| 26% below US avg |
| January Average | 6°F (-14°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 900 ft (274 m) |
| Area | 7.5 sq mi (19.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 276/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.9557°N, 97.3913°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Grand Forks County County |
| Nearest Airport | Grand Forks International (GFK)
10 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
21.7"
43% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.77"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 57.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 14.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 78.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
475 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 4 fatalities, 48 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
47 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2007 |
EF4 |
31 km |
1 |
| Jun 6, 1999 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 2016 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
97 km |
1 |
| Aug 26, 2007 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2001 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1987 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1973 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1971 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 1958 |
EF3 |
16 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1957 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2018 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2017 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2017 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 2016 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 2015 |
EF2 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 2014 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 2010 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: OXCART (12,538 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
OXCART |
12,538 |
88 km |
| 2012 |
COUNTY 27 FIRE |
4,653 |
92 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,420 |
85 km |
| 2007 |
JUPITER FIRE |
2,389 |
100 km |
| 2024 |
4 SQUARE MILE RX |
2,320 |
90 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,092 |
90 km |
| 2003 |
DEVILS PLAYGROUND |
1,879 |
98 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
1,764 |
91 km |
| 2012 |
VIKING FIRE |
1,698 |
85 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,695 |
91 km |
| 2020 |
GRAVEL PIT |
1,468 |
85 km |
| 2007 |
LINCOLN |
1,369 |
87 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
1,270 |
86 km |
| 2003 |
CLIPPED WING |
1,270 |
92 km |
| 1996 |
P CHICKEN |
1,121 |
20 km |
| 2006 |
FULLERS LAKE 06 |
1,109 |
76 km |
| 2010 |
ONSTAD 12 |
828 |
86 km |
| 2012 |
HAM |
789 |
77 km |
| 2007 |
HALMA FIRE |
775 |
99 km |
| 2007 |
TNC GR-GOD-3910 |
749 |
90 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
6°F (-14°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
3.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| October |
43°F (6°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| November |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Grand Forks AFB has a seasonal temperature swing of 63°F / from 6°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 21.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.8") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Grand Forks AFB. 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 | $918 |
| Toddler | $838 |
| Preschool | $778 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $676 |
| Toddler | $637 |
| Preschool | $642 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Grand Forks AFB
What is the population of Grand Forks AFB?
Grand Forks AFB has a population of 2,072 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 276 people per square mile, spread across 7.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 21.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.8% female and 53.2% male.
Is Grand Forks AFB expensive to live in?
Grand Forks AFB 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 $72,279, 4% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $1,621 per month, above the national average of $1,163.
What is the weather like in Grand Forks AFB?
Grand Forks AFB has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 6°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 21.7 inches, with 48.4 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Grand Forks AFB?
Grand Forks AFB has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.7%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,145. There are 2,774 business establishments in the area, including 198 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 10 minutes, and 4.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Grand Forks AFB?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,621. Fair market rent is $795 for a 1-bedroom and $965 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 1.0%. The average annual property tax is $7,219.
How are the schools in Grand Forks AFB?
Schools in Grand Forks AFB score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 31.2% of adults in Grand Forks AFB hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.0% have completed high school. 12.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Grand Forks AFB?
The obesity rate in Grand Forks AFB is 37.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 11.4% of adults are smokers. 22.5% are physically inactive. 20.5% of residents report depression. 2.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 89.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:817.
What is transportation like in Grand Forks AFB?
The average commute in Grand Forks AFB is 10 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 72.4% of workers drive alone to work, 2.1% use public transit, and 4.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Grand Forks AFB?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Grand Forks AFB is 73.3% White, 4.4% Black or African American, 19.3% Hispanic or Latino, 2.8% Asian. 88.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 12.3% speak Spanish. 20.2% of the population are military veterans. 4.3% of residents have a disability. 98.0% have health insurance coverage.