Median Income
$98,125
31% higher than US avg
Home Value
$91,100
68% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.3%
28% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$817
30% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.4%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.4%
81% lower than US avg
How Lignite Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population166
Median Age39.8 yrs
Density1,038/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans7.4%
Economy
A+
Median Income$98,125
Per Capita$45,797
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty2.4%
County GDP$293M
Commute11 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$91,100
Rent$817
Ownership92.1%
Zillow$233,818
Housing Units92
Rent Burden27.5%
Health
Obesity37.4%
Uninsured1.8%
Smoking13.6%
Depression21.8%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp38°F (3°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain15.7 in/yr
Elevation1,981 ft (604 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.3%
High School+95.7%
Graduate+4.0%
School Score5.42
Community
2024 VoteR 86% / D 12%
Commute11 min
Broadband92.1%
Libraries1
Is Lignite a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lignite receives an overall livability score of 4.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Lignite stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lignite is $98,125, which is significantly higher than the national average / 31% above $75,149. This places Lignite among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 2.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 11 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lignite is $91,100, 68% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $817 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 0.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
24.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Lignite has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F. Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 15.7 inches, including 37.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Lignite has a population of 166 with a density of 1,038 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 39.8 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53% female and 47% male. The city is predominantly White (97%), with 3% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.9% of residents. 7.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
166
Total Population
2023 Census
39.8yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.9%
23% above US avg
Spanish
1.0%
93% below US avg
The median household income in Lignite is $98,125, which is 31% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $45,797 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,329. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 126 business establishments, including 8 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 11 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 11.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $98,125 |
| 31% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $45,797 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,329 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $93,079 |
| Gini Index | 0.433 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.4% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 126 |
| County GDP | $293M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 8 |
| Healthcare | 4 |
| Retail | 9 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 10.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 58.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 11.4% |
The median home value in Lignite is $91,100, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $233,818, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $817 (30% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 92.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 92 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1962. 27.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $91,100 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $233,818 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $817 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 92.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 92.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 7.9% |
| Housing Units | 92 |
| Median Year Built | 1962 |
Property Tax
In Lignite, 37.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.0% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 29.5% have high blood pressure. 13.6% are current smokers. 22.8% report binge drinking. 20.8% are physically inactive, below the national average. 21.8% report depression. 15.2% experience frequent mental distress. 1.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). 12.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lignite vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.0% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.5% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 5.1% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.6% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.8% |
| Depression | 21.8% |
| Mental Distress | 15.2% |
| Physical Distress | 11.0% |
| Short Sleep | 33.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.2% |
| Uninsured | 1.8% |
| 79% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 72.2% |
| Dental Visits | 64.3% |
| Premature Death | 5,189/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 12.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 4 |
Lignite has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F (3°C). Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 15.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 37.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. 83% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 1,981 feet.
Temperature
8°F Jan (-13°C)
65°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 37.9°F |
| 30% below US avg |
| January Average | 8°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 65°F (19°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,981 ft (604 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,038/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.8772°N, 102.5644°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Burke County County |
| Nearest Airport | Williston Basin International (XWA)
69 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
15.7"
59% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.70"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 83.3% |
| Unhealthy Days | 10 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0483 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 3.4 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 1.51 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 1.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 58.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| 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
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M3.3 on Sep 28, 2012.
| Nov 11, 1998 |
10 km SW of Grenora, North Dakota |
M3.5 |
114 km |
| Sep 28, 2012 |
22 km ESE of Williston, North Dakota |
M3.3 |
109 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
122 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 2 fatalities, 4 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 5, 1955 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 2010 |
EF3 |
29 km |
1 |
| Jul 6, 1977 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1974 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1950 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1997 |
EF2 |
76 km |
1 |
| Jun 5, 1976 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1969 |
EF2 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1962 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1953 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 2024 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2009 |
EF1 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2009 |
EF1 |
15 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2007 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2003 |
EF1 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2001 |
EF1 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1999 |
EF1 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1999 |
EF1 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1990 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1990 |
EF1 |
75 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WILLIAMS CO WILDLAND FIRE (67,150 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
WILLIAMS CO WILDLAND FIRE |
67,150 |
74 km |
| 2015 |
LOSTWOOD WILDERNESS 2015 |
6,837 |
26 km |
| 2005 |
H RX 05 WILD |
5,644 |
26 km |
| 1986 |
WILDERNESS |
5,615 |
26 km |
| 1997 |
WILDERNESS |
5,556 |
26 km |
| 2005 |
CLEAR LAKE |
5,040 |
53 km |
| 2015 |
RIDGE ROAD |
3,390 |
97 km |
| 2024 |
CHARLSON |
3,055 |
99 km |
| 2005 |
LOSTWOOD NON-NFP |
2,769 |
32 km |
| 2006 |
HB 35 |
2,164 |
36 km |
| 2023 |
NDLWR-HFR-FY23-RX-ASPEN |
2,074 |
30 km |
| 2017 |
NDLWR FY17 RX CENTRAL CORE |
1,899 |
30 km |
| 2016 |
LWR WUI RX FESCUE 2016 |
1,802 |
33 km |
| 1993 |
KRUSES |
1,802 |
34 km |
| 1990 |
KRUSES |
1,619 |
34 km |
| 1986 |
KRUSES |
1,615 |
34 km |
| 1996 |
KRUSES |
1,516 |
34 km |
| 2003 |
KRUSE |
1,507 |
34 km |
| 1987 |
TEAL |
1,470 |
27 km |
| 2001 |
HB 35 |
1,441 |
36 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
8°F (-13°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| April |
39°F (4°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| May |
52°F (11°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| June |
61°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
65°F (19°C) |
2.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
64°F (18°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| September |
55°F (13°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| October |
40°F (5°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| November |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Lignite has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 8°F in January to 65°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 15.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.7") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Lignite. 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 | $937 |
| Toddler | $855 |
| Preschool | $793 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $689 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $654 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lignite
What is the population of Lignite?
Lignite has a population of 166 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 1,038 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.8 years. The population is 53% female and 47% male.
Is Lignite expensive to live in?
Lignite 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 $98,125, 31% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $91,100 (68% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $817 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Lignite?
Lignite has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F (3°C). Winter temperatures average 8°F in January, while summers reach an average of 65°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 15.7 inches, with 37.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Lignite?
The job market in Lignite is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,329. There are 126 business establishments in the area, including 8 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 11 minutes, and 11.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lignite?
The median home value in Lignite is $91,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $233,818. For renters, the median monthly rent is $817. Fair market rent is $795 for a 1-bedroom and $965 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 92.1%.
How are the schools in Lignite?
Schools in Lignite score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.3% of adults in Lignite hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.7% have completed high school. 4.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lignite?
The obesity rate in Lignite is 37.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.6% of adults are smokers. 20.8% are physically inactive. 21.8% of residents report depression. 1.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 12.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Lignite?
The average commute in Lignite is 11 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 58.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lignite?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lignite is 97% White, 3% Asian. 96.9% of residents speak only English at home. 7.4% of the population are military veterans. 21.8% of residents have a disability. 98.2% have health insurance coverage.