Median Income
$63,672
15% lower than US avg
Home Value
$145,700
48% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
261/100K
31% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
27.2%
19% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$616
47% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.7%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.9%
47% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.4%
40% lower than US avg
How Lakota Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population629
Median Age49.2 yrs
Density629/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans14.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$63,672
Per Capita$29,639
Unemployment1.9%
Poverty7.4%
County GDP$883M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$145,700
Rent$616
Ownership64.2%
Zillow$120,346
Housing Units351
Rent Burden17.1%
Crime
F
Violent261/100K
Property4,817/100K
Health
Obesity39.7%
Uninsured7.3%
Smoking13.9%
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp39°F (4°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain20.2 in/yr
Sunny Days269/yr
Elevation1,521 ft (464 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+27.2%
High School+93.9%
Graduate+3.9%
School Score6.13
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Commute14 min
Broadband77.7%
Libraries1
Is Lakota a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lakota receives an overall livability score of 3.3 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 high obesity rates. Lakota offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lakota is $63,672, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.9%. Only 7.4% 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 Lakota is $145,700, 48% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $616 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Lakota is below the national average at 261 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,817 per 100,000, 146% above the national average.
Education
27.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Lakota has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F. Winters average 5°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. With 269 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 20.2 inches, including 42.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Lakota has a population of 629 with a density of 629 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 49.2 years, 26% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.4% female and 42.6% male. The city is predominantly White (90%), with 3.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 88.7% of residents, while 11.3% speak Spanish. 14.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
49.2yrs
Median Age
26% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
88.7%
13% above US avg
Spanish
11.3%
16% below US avg
The median household income in Lakota is $63,672, which is 15% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,639 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $977, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 525 business establishments, including 46 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). 12.2% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $63,672 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,639 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $977 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $79,780 |
| Gini Index | 0.463 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.9% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.4% |
| 40% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 525 |
| County GDP | $883M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 46 |
| Healthcare | 54 |
| Retail | 74 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,880 |
| 39% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.35% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 65.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.2% |
The median home value in Lakota is $145,700, 48% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $120,346, lower than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $616 (47% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 64.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 351 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1969. The average annual property tax is $4,880 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 17.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $145,700 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $120,346 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $616 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 64.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 64.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 35.8% |
| Housing Units | 351 |
| Median Year Built | 1969 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,880 |
| 39% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.35% |
In Lakota, 39.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 29.9% have high blood pressure. 13.9% are current smokers. 23.2% report binge drinking. 21.2% are physically inactive. 21.9% report depression. 14.8% experience frequent mental distress. 7.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,052. The dentist ratio is 1:1,047. 80.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lakota vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.9% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 5.4% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.9% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.2% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 14.8% |
| Physical Distress | 11.1% |
| Short Sleep | 32.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.7% |
| Uninsured | 7.3% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,052 |
| Dentists | 1:1,047 |
| Mental Health | 1:198 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.2% |
| Dental Visits | 64.2% |
| Premature Death | 10,641/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 80.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 54 |
Lakota has a violent crime rate of 261 per 100,000 residents, 31% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,817 per 100,000, 146% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Lakota receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lakota vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 260.8/100K |
| 31% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,817.5/100K |
| 146% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lakota has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winters average 5°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 63°F. The area gets 269 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 20.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 42.5 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,521 feet.
Temperature
5°F Jan (-15°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 38.6°F |
| 29% below US avg |
| January Average | 5°F (-15°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 269 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,521 ft (464 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 629/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.0429°N, 98.3468°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Ramsey County County |
| Nearest Airport | Devils Lake Regional (DVL)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
20.2"
47% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.15"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 18.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 15.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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: 2 fatalities, 25 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2007 |
EF4 |
66 km |
1 |
| Jun 6, 1999 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2007 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2001 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1987 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1971 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 1958 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1957 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2018 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2017 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2017 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2016 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 2015 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 2010 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2004 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BROWN WF (1,430 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
BROWN WF |
1,430 |
48 km |
| 2021 |
DAHL |
1,312 |
65 km |
| 1985 |
LAKE ALICE |
1,214 |
65 km |
| 2017 |
NDAWR FY17 RX G10 11 12 D5 |
1,148 |
98 km |
| 1996 |
P CHICKEN |
1,121 |
78 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
5°F (-15°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
40°F (4°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
3.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| October |
43°F (6°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
10°F (-12°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Lakota has a seasonal temperature swing of 63°F / from 5°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.2") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Lakota. 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 | $870 |
| Toddler | $795 |
| Preschool | $737 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $640 |
| Toddler | $604 |
| Preschool | $608 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lakota
What is the population of Lakota?
Lakota has a population of 629 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 629 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57.4% female and 42.6% male.
Is Lakota expensive to live in?
Lakota 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 $63,672, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $145,700 (48% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $616 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lakota safe?
Lakota is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 261 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,817 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Lakota receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lakota?
Lakota has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 5°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 269 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 20.2 inches, with 42.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Lakota?
The job market in Lakota is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $977. There are 525 business establishments in the area, including 46 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 12.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lakota?
The median home value in Lakota is $145,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $120,346. For renters, the median monthly rent is $616. Fair market rent is $795 for a 1-bedroom and $965 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 64.2%. The average annual property tax is $4,880.
How are the schools in Lakota?
Schools in Lakota score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 27.2% of adults in Lakota hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.9% have completed high school. 3.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lakota?
The obesity rate in Lakota is 39.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.9% of adults are smokers. 21.2% are physically inactive. 21.9% of residents report depression. 7.3% lack health insurance. 80.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,052.
What is transportation like in Lakota?
The average commute in Lakota is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 65.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lakota?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lakota is 90% White, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino. 88.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 11.3% speak Spanish. 14.4% of the population are military veterans. 19.3% of residents have a disability. 93.7% have health insurance coverage.
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