Violent Crime
46/100K
88% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.0%
70% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.7%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
51.5%
315% higher than US avg
How McLeod Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population121
Median Age7.0 yrs
Density157/mi²
Male / Female38% / 62%
Largest GroupWhite 50%
Veterans60.0%
Economy
Per Capita$22,455
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty51.5%
County GDP$387M
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$183,744
Housing Units26
Rent Burden21.8%
Crime
F
Violent46/100K
Property1,469/100K
Health
Obesity40.7%
Smoking14.0%
Depression21.7%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (6°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain24.0 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,078 ft (329 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.95
Community
2024 VoteR 63% / D 35%
Broadband43.0%
EV Stations8
Libraries2
Is McLeod a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, McLeod receives an overall livability score of 1.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, high obesity rates. McLeod faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 51.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Safety & Crime
McLeod is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 46 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,469 per 100,000, 25% below the national average.
Education
10.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
McLeod 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 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 24.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
McLeod has a population of 121 with a density of 157 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 7.0 years, 82% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 62% female and 38% male. The city is predominantly White (49.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 60.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.3% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
7.0yrs
Median Age
82% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $22,455 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $956, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 51.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 259 business establishments, including 19 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
| |
| Per Capita Income | $22,455 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $956 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,955 |
| Gini Index | 0.407 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 51.5% |
| 315% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 259 |
| County GDP | $387M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 19 |
| Healthcare | 31 |
| Retail | 24 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,800 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 56.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $183,744. 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 26 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $3,800. 21.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
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 | 26 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,800 |
| 9% above US avg |
In McLeod, 40.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 29.0% have high blood pressure. 14.0% are current smokers. 23.6% report binge drinking. 22.0% are physically inactive. 21.7% report depression. 15.2% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,838. The dentist ratio is 1:1,410. 63.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: McLeod vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.7% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.0% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 5.4% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.0% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.0% |
| Depression | 21.7% |
| Mental Distress | 15.2% |
| Physical Distress | 11.4% |
| Short Sleep | 34.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:2,838 |
| Dentists | 1:1,410 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,802 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.3% |
| Dental Visits | 66.7% |
| Premature Death | 7,447/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 63.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 31 |
McLeod has a violent crime rate of 46 per 100,000 residents, 88% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,469 per 100,000, 25% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, McLeod receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: McLeod vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 45.9/100K |
| 88% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,468.6/100K |
| 25% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
McLeod has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°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 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 24.0 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 1,078 feet.
Temperature
9°F Jan (-13°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 42.3°F |
| 22% below US avg |
| January Average | 9°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,078 ft (329 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 157/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.3887°N, 97.2987°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Ransom County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hector International (FAR)
43 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
24.0"
37% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.19"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 13.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 22.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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)
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 |
111 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
75 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
143 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
434 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 12 fatalities, 172 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 20, 1957 |
EF5 |
57 km |
10 |
| Aug 7, 2010 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2004 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF4 |
26 km |
2 |
| May 10, 1982 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1973 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Sep 6, 1958 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1956 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1952 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1950 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Sep 4, 2014 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2011 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
17 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIESTERFELD (3,481 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
BIESTERFELD |
3,481 |
7 km |
| 2003 |
ROTHSAY |
3,015 |
73 km |
| 2024 |
DORAN WMA |
2,455 |
86 km |
| 2003 |
DANIELSON |
1,682 |
57 km |
| 2003 |
OLERUD |
1,275 |
7 km |
| 2016 |
SLR 2016 RX MICHELL |
1,242 |
89 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,153 |
82 km |
| 1985 |
ALICE 02 |
1,142 |
44 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,128 |
40 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,060 |
40 km |
| 2021 |
HARTLEBEN WPA |
1,002 |
42 km |
| 1992 |
MEADOWS |
922 |
61 km |
| 2006 |
MOSQUITO RANCH |
656 |
96 km |
| 2007 |
HAUGVEDT WPA |
630 |
85 km |
| 2006 |
MEADOWS (SOUTH) |
569 |
61 km |
| 2024 |
AGASSIZ BEACHLINE RX |
564 |
82 km |
| 1997 |
ROBIN HOOD |
542 |
97 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
9°F (-13°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
28°F (-3°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
44°F (6°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.5 in |
|
McLeod has a seasonal temperature swing of 62°F / from 9°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.2") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in McLeod. 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 | $960 |
| Toddler | $877 |
| Preschool | $813 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $705 |
| Toddler | $667 |
| Preschool | $671 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About McLeod
What is the population of McLeod?
McLeod has a population of 121 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 157 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 7.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 62% female and 38% male.
Is McLeod expensive to live in?
McLeod is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89 / below the baseline of 100.
Is McLeod safe?
McLeod is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 46 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,469 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, McLeod receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in McLeod?
McLeod has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 9°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 24.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in McLeod?
The job market in McLeod is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $956. There are 259 business establishments in the area, including 19 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in McLeod?
Schools in McLeod score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.0% of adults in McLeod 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 McLeod?
The obesity rate in McLeod is 40.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.0% of adults are smokers. 22.0% are physically inactive. 21.7% of residents report depression. 63.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,838.
What are the demographics of McLeod?
The racial and ethnic makeup of McLeod is 49.6% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 60.0% of the population are military veterans. 14.3% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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