Median Income
$145,801
94% higher than US avg
Home Value
$444,600
58% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
181/100K
52% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
43.5%
29% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$963
17% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.7%
2% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.5%
86% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.2%
74% lower than US avg
How Horace Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,964
Median Age34.0 yrs
Density312/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans5.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$145,801
Per Capita$64,322
Unemployment0.5%
Poverty3.2%
County GDP$2,919M
Commute31 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$444,600
Rent$963
Ownership96.9%
Zillow$395,803
Housing Units1,294
Rent Burden19.5%
Crime
F
Violent181/100K
Property1,753/100K
Health
Obesity32.7%
Uninsured5.3%
Smoking10.4%
Depression23.7%
Heart Disease4.7%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain24.4 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation922 ft (281 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+43.5%
High School+95.9%
Graduate+12.2%
School Score5.74
Community
2024 VoteR 49% / D 49%
Commute31 min
Broadband97.0%
EV Stations8
Libraries3
Is Horace a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Horace receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. Horace offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Horace is $145,801, which is significantly higher than the national average / 94% above $75,149. This places Horace among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.5%. Only 3.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Horace is $444,600, making it a premium housing market at 58% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $963 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Horace is below the national average at 181 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,753 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 43.5% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 95.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Horace 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. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 24.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Horace has a population of 3,964 with a density of 312 people per square mile, spread across 12.7 square miles. The median age is 34.0 years, 13% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.2% female and 50.8% male. The city is predominantly White (89%), with 2.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.6% of residents. 5.0% of the population are veterans. 8.5% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 95.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.0yrs
Median Age
13% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.6%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.4%
75% below US avg
The median household income in Horace is $145,801, which is 94% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $64,322 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,033, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.2% 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 31 minutes. 10.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $145,801 |
| 94% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $64,322 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,033 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,991 |
| Gini Index | 0.443 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.5% |
| 86% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.2% |
| 74% 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 | 1.10% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.9% |
The median home value in Horace is $444,600, 58% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $395,803, lower than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $963 (17% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 96.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,294 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2002. The average annual property tax is $4,896 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 19.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $444,600 |
| 58% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $395,803 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $963 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 96.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 96.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 3.1% |
| Housing Units | 1,294 |
| Median Year Built | 2002 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,896 |
| 40% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.10% |
In Horace, 32.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.2% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.7% of residents, below the national average. 26.7% have high blood pressure. 10.4% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 23.0% report binge drinking. 15.5% are physically inactive, below the national average. 23.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 13.0% experience frequent mental distress. 5.3% 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: Horace vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.7% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.2% |
| Heart Disease | 4.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.7% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 4.0% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 10.4% |
| 26% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 15.5% |
| Depression | 23.7% |
| Mental Distress | 13.0% |
| Physical Distress | 9.1% |
| Short Sleep | 30.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.4% |
| Uninsured | 5.3% |
| 38% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,044 |
| Dentists | 1:2,060 |
| Mental Health | 1:300 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.8% |
| Dental Visits | 71.9% |
| Premature Death | 7,319/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 87.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 178 |
Horace has a violent crime rate of 181 per 100,000 residents, 52% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,753 per 100,000, 11% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Horace receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Horace vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 180.8/100K |
| 52% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,753.3/100K |
| 11% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 36 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Horace 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. The area gets 276 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 24.4 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 922 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) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 922 ft (281 m) |
| Area | 12.7 sq mi (32.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 312/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.7570°N, 96.9113°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Clay County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hector International (FAR)
12 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
24.4"
36% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.35"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
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 |
130 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
108 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
136 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
466 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 18 fatalities, 231 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 20, 1957 |
EF5 |
37 km |
10 |
| Aug 7, 2010 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF4 |
19 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF4 |
29 km |
2 |
| Aug 27, 2016 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1982 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1973 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1973 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Sep 6, 1958 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1956 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1952 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1950 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2022 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
88 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 |
55 km |
| 2003 |
ROTHSAY |
3,015 |
49 km |
| 2024 |
DORAN WMA |
2,455 |
85 km |
| 2003 |
DANIELSON |
1,682 |
98 km |
| 2009 |
DOWNING |
1,506 |
84 km |
| 2012 |
SPRING CREEK |
1,413 |
85 km |
| 2003 |
OLERUD |
1,275 |
45 km |
| 2007 |
FLICKERTAIL |
1,239 |
54 km |
| 2011 |
NEAL WMA |
1,213 |
66 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,153 |
36 km |
| 1985 |
ALICE 02 |
1,142 |
45 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,128 |
72 km |
| 2006 |
FULLERS LAKE 06 |
1,109 |
79 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,060 |
72 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
1,026 |
84 km |
| 2021 |
HARTLEBEN WPA |
1,002 |
75 km |
| 1999 |
HELLIKSEN |
993 |
74 km |
| 1992 |
MEADOWS |
922 |
45 km |
| 2005 |
HILLICKSON 05 |
818 |
75 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
807 |
85 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
8°F (-14°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (21°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
13°F (-10°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Horace has a seasonal temperature swing of 63°F / from 8°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 20.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.4") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Horace. 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 Horace
What is the population of Horace?
Horace has a population of 3,964 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 312 people per square mile, spread across 12.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.2% female and 50.8% male.
Is Horace expensive to live in?
Horace 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 $145,801, 94% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $444,600 (58% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $963 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Horace safe?
Horace is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 181 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,753 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Horace receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Horace?
Horace 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. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 24.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Horace?
The job market in Horace is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. 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 31 minutes, and 10.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Horace?
The median home value in Horace is $444,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $395,803. For renters, the median monthly rent is $963. Fair market rent is $795 for a 1-bedroom and $965 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 96.9%. The average annual property tax is $4,896.
How are the schools in Horace?
Schools in Horace score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 43.5% of adults in Horace hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 95.9% have completed high school. 12.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Horace?
The obesity rate in Horace is 32.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 10.4% of adults are smokers. 15.5% are physically inactive. 23.7% of residents report depression. 5.3% 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 Horace?
The average commute in Horace is 31 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Horace?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Horace is 89% White, 2.2% Black or African American, 1% Hispanic or Latino. 96.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.4% speak Spanish. 5.0% of the population are military veterans. 8.5% of residents have a disability. 95.4% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
