Median Income
$50,750
32% lower than US avg
Home Value
$112,600
60% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.3%
49% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$498
57% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.6%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.2%
39% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.2%
42% lower than US avg
How Hettinger Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,141
Median Age45.9 yrs
Density1,375/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 82%
Veterans8.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$50,750
Per Capita$36,003
Unemployment2.2%
Poverty7.2%
County GDP$169M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$112,600
Rent$498
Ownership63.7%
Zillow$137,735
Housing Units721
Rent Burden22.2%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity35.6%
Uninsured8.6%
Smoking16.8%
Depression22.3%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain17.3 in/yr
Sunny Days273/yr
Elevation2,746 ft (837 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.3%
High School+91.4%
Graduate+7.5%
School Score5.82
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 18%
Commute14 min
Broadband81.1%
Libraries1
Is Hettinger a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Hettinger receives an overall livability score of 3.8 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. Hettinger offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Hettinger is $50,750, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.2%. Only 7.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Hettinger is $112,600, 60% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $498 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Hettinger 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 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
17.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Hettinger has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 273 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 17.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Hettinger has a population of 1,141 with a density of 1,375 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 45.9 years, 18% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.3% female and 47.7% male. The city is predominantly White (82.3%), with 14.2% Hispanic, 1.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 91.9% of residents, while 8.1% speak Spanish. 8.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.9yrs
Median Age
18% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Hettinger vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
91.9%
17% above US avg
Spanish
8.1%
40% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Hettinger vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Hettinger is $50,750, which is 32% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,003. The average weekly wage is $967, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 118 business establishments, including 7 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Hettinger vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,750 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,003 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $967 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,605 |
| Gini Index | 0.470 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.2% |
| 39% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.2% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 118 |
| County GDP | $169M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 7 |
| Healthcare | 15 |
| Retail | 13 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.9% |
The median home value in Hettinger is $112,600, 60% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $137,735, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $498 (57% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $745 for a one-bedroom to $927 for a two-bedroom apartment. 63.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 721 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1967. 22.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $112,600 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $137,735 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $498 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $740 |
| 1 Bedroom | $745 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $927 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,555 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 63.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 63.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 36.3% |
| Housing Units | 721 |
| Median Year Built | 1967 |
Property Tax
In Hettinger, 35.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 30.5% have high blood pressure. 16.8% are current smokers. 21.1% report binge drinking. 25.7% are physically inactive. 22.3% report depression. 16.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:197. The dentist ratio is 1:1,057. 11.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Hettinger vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.5% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.8% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.7% |
| Depression | 22.3% |
| Mental Distress | 16.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.7% |
| Short Sleep | 33.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.6% |
| Uninsured | 8.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:197 |
| Dentists | 1:1,057 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,082 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.2% |
| Dental Visits | 62.4% |
| Premature Death | 11,263/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 11.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 15 |
Hettinger has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average.
Crime Rates: Hettinger vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 11 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Hettinger has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 70°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 17.3 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 2,746 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-9°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 42.9°F |
| 21% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 273 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,746 ft (837 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,375/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.0035°N, 102.6346°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Adams County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dickinson/Theodore Roosevelt Regional (DIK) 56 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
17.3"
54% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.11"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 4.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 75.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 38.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| 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: M2.6. Most recent: M2.6 on Jul 29, 2013.
| Jul 29, 2013 |
18 km SE of Ekalaka, Montana |
M2.6 |
137 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
140 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 6 fatalities, 44 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 4, 1978 |
EF4 |
73 km |
5 |
| Jun 29, 1975 |
EF4 |
64 km |
1 |
| Jul 8, 2009 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1983 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2011 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2010 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1986 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1977 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1972 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1969 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 1969 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 1964 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1957 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1952 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 2019 |
EF1 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 2016 |
EF1 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
EF1 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2011 |
EF1 |
80 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WINDY (16,866 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
WINDY |
16,866 |
34 km |
| 2013 |
PAUTRE |
11,733 |
23 km |
| 2021 |
DIVIDE CA |
10,635 |
53 km |
| 2006 |
BLACK HORSE CREEK |
8,000 |
65 km |
| 2024 |
TRAVIN |
7,917 |
87 km |
| 2006 |
KELLY |
5,071 |
80 km |
| 2004 |
DEEP CREEK |
4,180 |
93 km |
| 2015 |
MOONSHINE |
2,768 |
66 km |
| 2000 |
PASTURE 9 BURN |
2,768 |
61 km |
| 2007 |
HAY CREEK |
2,655 |
39 km |
| 2012 |
MCINTOSH |
2,653 |
96 km |
| 2003 |
MEAT HOOK |
2,522 |
77 km |
| 2002 |
TRAVERS |
2,403 |
88 km |
| 2007 |
HARRIS |
2,369 |
23 km |
| 2021 |
HIGHWAY 20 - HARDING |
2,050 |
86 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
2,050 |
13 km |
| 2001 |
MCKENZIE |
1,946 |
79 km |
| 2024 |
LOST BOY BUTTE |
1,647 |
38 km |
| 1999 |
DOUG DAHL |
1,464 |
52 km |
| 2012 |
CROW FLATS |
1,351 |
87 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-9°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
2.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| September |
58°F (15°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Hettinger has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 17°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 16.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.1") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Hettinger. 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 | $856 |
| Toddler | $782 |
| Preschool | $725 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $630 |
| Toddler | $594 |
| Preschool | $598 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hettinger
What is the population of Hettinger?
Hettinger has a population of 1,141 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 1,375 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.3% female and 47.7% male.
Is Hettinger expensive to live in?
Hettinger 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 $50,750, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $112,600 (60% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $498 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Hettinger safe?
Hettinger 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 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Hettinger?
Hettinger has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 273 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 17.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Hettinger?
The job market in Hettinger is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $967. There are 118 business establishments in the area, including 7 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 1.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Hettinger?
The median home value in Hettinger is $112,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $137,735. For renters, the median monthly rent is $498. Fair market rent is $745 for a 1-bedroom and $927 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 63.7%.
How are the schools in Hettinger?
Schools in Hettinger score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.3% of adults in Hettinger hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.4% have completed high school. 7.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Hettinger?
The obesity rate in Hettinger is 35.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.8% of adults are smokers. 25.7% are physically inactive. 22.3% of residents report depression. 8.6% lack health insurance. 11.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:197.
What is transportation like in Hettinger?
The average commute in Hettinger is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Hettinger?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Hettinger is 82.3% White, 1.3% Black or African American, 14.2% Hispanic or Latino. 91.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 8.1% speak Spanish. 8.0% of the population are military veterans. 18.0% of residents have a disability. 90.6% have health insurance coverage.