Median Income
$83,387
11% higher than US avg
Home Value
$259,400
8% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
75/100K
80% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.3%
46% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,222
5% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.9%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.5%
58% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.2%
58% lower than US avg
How Lincoln Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,309
Median Age30.5 yrs
Density2,780/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 84%
Veterans6.4%
Economy
A+
Median Income$83,387
Per Capita$34,483
Unemployment1.5%
Poverty5.2%
County GDP$7,809M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$259,400
Rent$1,222
Ownership92.2%
Zillow$304,388
Housing Units1,414
Rent Burden15.6%
Crime
F
Violent75/100K
Property226/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault25/100K
Burglary25/100K
Health
Obesity35.9%
Uninsured6.7%
Smoking13.2%
Depression20.6%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain19.2 in/yr
Sunny Days273/yr
Elevation1,690 ft (515 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.3%
High School+97.8%
Graduate+9.4%
School Score5.96
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 27%
Commute21 min
Broadband87.1%
EV Stations13
Libraries2
Is Lincoln a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lincoln receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine. Lincoln offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lincoln is $83,387, 11% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.5%. Only 5.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lincoln is $259,400, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,222 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Lincoln is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 75 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 226 per 100,000, 88% below the national average.
Education
18.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Lincoln has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 273 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 19.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Lincoln has a population of 4,309 with a density of 2,780 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 30.5 years, 22% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49% female and 51% male. The city is predominantly White (83.9%), with 10.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.2% of residents. 6.4% of the population are veterans. 7.5% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 96.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
30.5yrs
Median Age
22% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.2%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.8%
94% below US avg
The median household income in Lincoln is $83,387, which is 11% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,483 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,220, 15% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 4,390 business establishments, including 249 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $83,387 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,483 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,220 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $97,875 |
| Gini Index | 0.430 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.5% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.2% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 4,390 |
| County GDP | $7,809M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 249 |
| Healthcare | 350 |
| Retail | 389 |
| Manufacturing | 67 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,948 |
| 70% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.29% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.4% |
| Work from Home | 4.0% |
The median home value in Lincoln is $259,400, 8% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $304,388, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 94.9% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,222 (5% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 92.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,414 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2003. The average annual property tax is $5,948 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 15.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $259,400 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $304,388 |
| Median List Price | $375,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $375,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $164 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 94.9% |
| Price Drops | 13.3% |
| Inventory | 15 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,222 |
| 5% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 15.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 92.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 92.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 7.8% |
| Housing Units | 1,414 |
| Median Year Built | 2003 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,948 |
| 70% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.29% |
In Lincoln, 35.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 27.9% have high blood pressure. 13.2% are current smokers. 22.4% report binge drinking. 18.4% are physically inactive, below the national average. 20.6% report depression. 14.6% experience frequent mental distress. 6.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:891. The dentist ratio is 1:1,091. 83.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lincoln vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.9% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.9% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.2% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.4% |
| Depression | 20.6% |
| Mental Distress | 14.6% |
| Physical Distress | 10.6% |
| Short Sleep | 32.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.0% |
| Uninsured | 6.7% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:891 |
| Dentists | 1:1,091 |
| Mental Health | 1:299 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.9% |
| Dental Visits | 65.4% |
| Premature Death | 6,798/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 83.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 350 |
Lincoln has a violent crime rate of 75 per 100,000 residents, 80% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 25.1 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 50.2. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 226 per 100,000, 88% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 176, burglary at 25, vehicle theft at 25 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Lincoln receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lincoln vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 75.3/100K |
| 80% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 50.2/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 25.1/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 225.8/100K |
| 88% below US avg |
| Burglary | 25.1/100K |
| Theft | 175.6/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 25.1/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lincoln has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 71°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 19.2 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 1,690 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-11°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 42.8°F |
| 21% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 273 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,690 ft (515 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,780/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.7689°N, 100.6977°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Burleigh County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bismarck Municipal (BIS)
2 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
19.2"
49% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.72"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0464 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 8.1 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.45 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.18 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 85.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 13.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 97.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very High |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
254 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 8 fatalities, 102 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 29, 1953 |
EF5 |
36 km |
2 |
| Jul 4, 1978 |
EF4 |
99 km |
5 |
| Jul 1, 1952 |
EF4 |
35 km |
1 |
| Jun 21, 1983 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 30, 1981 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1978 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1956 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1955 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2011 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 2001 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1999 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1990 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1983 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1982 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1975 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 1974 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 1974 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: TENBROOK (30,588 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
TENBROOK |
30,588 |
80 km |
| 2006 |
LUND |
9,425 |
74 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
7,593 |
60 km |
| 2003 |
MCCLEAN BOTTOMS |
6,421 |
19 km |
| 2022 |
HWY31 AND 101ST WEST |
4,879 |
97 km |
| 2015 |
CANNON BALL |
3,068 |
48 km |
| 2004 |
FISCHER |
2,578 |
52 km |
| 2012 |
CORNSTALK |
2,561 |
92 km |
| 2000 |
NEUGERFIRE |
2,150 |
53 km |
| 2000 |
FTMANUEL |
2,124 |
100 km |
| 2024 |
STATELINE |
2,123 |
93 km |
| 2003 |
24 |
2,119 |
82 km |
| 2006 |
RIVERDALE WOODS/DOWNSTREAM |
1,705 |
95 km |
| 2002 |
BISRURAL2 |
1,649 |
17 km |
| 2015 |
BIG LAKE FIRE |
1,587 |
49 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
1,492 |
15 km |
| 2024 |
CEDAR CREEK |
1,388 |
89 km |
| 1985 |
CHASE LAKE |
1,215 |
98 km |
| 2002 |
BALE II |
1,179 |
45 km |
| 1999 |
SOLEN |
1,155 |
47 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
2.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
15°F (-9°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Lincoln has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 13°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 16.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.7") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Lincoln. 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 | $955 |
| Toddler | $871 |
| Preschool | $808 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $703 |
| Toddler | $662 |
| Preschool | $667 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lincoln
What is the population of Lincoln?
Lincoln has a population of 4,309 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 2,780 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 30.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49% female and 51% male.
Is Lincoln expensive to live in?
Lincoln 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 $83,387, 11% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $259,400 (8% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,222 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lincoln safe?
Lincoln is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 75 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 226 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Lincoln receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lincoln?
Lincoln has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 273 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 19.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Lincoln?
The job market in Lincoln is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,220. There are 4,390 business establishments in the area, including 249 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 4.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lincoln?
The median home value in Lincoln is $259,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $304,388. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,222. Fair market rent is $795 for a 1-bedroom and $965 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 92.2%. The average annual property tax is $5,948.
How are the schools in Lincoln?
Schools in Lincoln score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.3% of adults in Lincoln hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.8% have completed high school. 9.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lincoln?
The obesity rate in Lincoln is 35.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.2% of adults are smokers. 18.4% are physically inactive. 20.6% of residents report depression. 6.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 83.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:891.
What is transportation like in Lincoln?
The average commute in Lincoln is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 86.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lincoln?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lincoln is 83.9% White, 10.3% Hispanic or Latino. 99.2% of residents speak only English at home. 6.4% of the population are military veterans. 7.5% of residents have a disability. 96.0% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
