Median Income
$114,688
53% higher than US avg
Home Value
$112,500
60% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
54/100K
86% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.6%
48% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.1%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Ludden Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population19
Median Age67.4 yrs
Density24/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans18.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$114,688
Per Capita$60,126
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$519M
Housing
A+
Home Value$112,500
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$165,201
Housing Units12
Rent Burden25.8%
Crime
C
Violent54/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity39.1%
Smoking15.1%
Depression21.2%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (5°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Sunny Days253/yr
Elevation1,297 ft (395 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.6%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.64
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 23%
Broadband9.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Ludden a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ludden receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Ludden offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ludden is $114,688, which is significantly higher than the national average / 53% above $75,149. This places Ludden among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ludden is $112,500, 60% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Ludden is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 54 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
17.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.6/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Ludden has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 253 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Ludden has a population of 19 with a density of 24 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 67.4 years, 73% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.6% female and 47.4% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 18.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 3.7% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
67.4yrs
Median Age
73% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Ludden is $114,688, which is 53% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $60,126 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,043, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 274 business establishments, including 17 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $114,688 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $60,126 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,043 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,385 |
| Gini Index | 0.472 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 274 |
| County GDP | $519M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 17 |
| Healthcare | 24 |
| Retail | 40 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,500 |
| 29% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.00% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 33.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Ludden is $112,500, 60% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $165,201, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 12 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1988. The average annual property tax is $4,500 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $112,500 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $165,201 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 12 |
| Median Year Built | 1988 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,500 |
| 29% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.00% |
In Ludden, 39.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 30.2% have high blood pressure. 15.1% are current smokers. 22.0% report binge drinking. 24.1% are physically inactive. 21.2% report depression. 15.5% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,224. The dentist ratio is 1:1,641. 45.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ludden vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.2% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.1% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.1% |
| Depression | 21.2% |
| Mental Distress | 15.5% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 32.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,224 |
| Dentists | 1:1,641 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,450 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.3% |
| Dental Visits | 65.5% |
| Premature Death | 6,934/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 24 |
Ludden has a violent crime rate of 54 per 100,000 residents, 86% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Ludden receives a safety grade of C.
Crime Rates: Ludden vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 54.3/100K |
| 86% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C |
| Safety Score | 2.0 / 5.0 |
Ludden has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 62°F. The area gets 253 sunny days per year, above the national average. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,297 feet.
Temperature
9°F Jan (-13°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 41.6°F |
| 23% below US avg |
| January Average | 9°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 253 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,297 ft (395 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 24/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.0080°N, 98.1248°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Dickey County County |
| Nearest Airport | Aberdeen Regional (ABR) 41 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.46"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 15.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 40.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 52.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M3.7 on Oct 20, 1995.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
147 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
101 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
382 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 3 fatalities, 49 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 18, 2004 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2002 |
EF4 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 2011 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2002 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1996 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 1974 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
89 km |
1 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1965 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1961 |
EF3 |
60 km |
1 |
| Sep 6, 1958 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1952 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1950 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2011 |
EF2 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2010 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
11 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIESTERFELD (3,481 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
BIESTERFELD |
3,481 |
71 km |
| 2003 |
DANIELSON |
1,682 |
76 km |
| 2004 |
TACOMA PARK PLACE |
1,336 |
54 km |
| 2003 |
OLERUD |
1,275 |
80 km |
| 2016 |
SLR 2016 RX MICHELL |
1,242 |
14 km |
| 2000 |
PHEASANT OPENER |
1,206 |
78 km |
| 1985 |
ALICE 02 |
1,142 |
96 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,128 |
91 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,060 |
91 km |
| 2021 |
HARTLEBEN WPA |
1,002 |
90 km |
| 1992 |
SPRING LK |
1,001 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
9°F (-13°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| April |
44°F (6°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
Ludden has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F / from 9°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.5") and December the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Ludden. 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 | $879 |
| Toddler | $803 |
| Preschool | $744 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $646 |
| Toddler | $610 |
| Preschool | $614 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ludden
What is the population of Ludden?
Ludden has a population of 19 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 24 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 67.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.6% female and 47.4% male.
Is Ludden expensive to live in?
Ludden 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 $114,688, 53% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $112,500 (60% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ludden safe?
Ludden is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 54 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). Overall, Ludden receives a safety grade of C based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ludden?
Ludden has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 9°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 253 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Ludden?
The job market in Ludden is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,043. There are 274 business establishments in the area, including 17 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Ludden?
The median home value in Ludden is $112,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $165,201. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,500.
How are the schools in Ludden?
Schools in Ludden score 6.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.6% of adults in Ludden hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ludden?
The obesity rate in Ludden is 39.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.1% of adults are smokers. 24.1% are physically inactive. 21.2% of residents report depression. 45.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,224.
What are the demographics of Ludden?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ludden is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 18.0% of the population are military veterans. 3.7% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.