Median Income
$71,429
5% lower than US avg
Home Value
$45,000
84% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
46/100K
88% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
4.7%
86% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.4%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.8%
27% higher than US avg
How Nome Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population47
Median Age64.6 yrs
Density115/mi²
Male / Female62% / 38%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans43.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$71,429
Per Capita$43,653
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty15.8%
County GDP$387M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$45,000
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$168,960
Housing Units31
Rent Burden21.8%
Crime
F
Violent46/100K
Property1,469/100K
Health
Obesity37.4%
Smoking13.8%
Depression21.8%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain23.6 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,326 ft (404 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+4.7%
High School+90.7%
Graduate+4.4%
School Score5.95
Community
2024 VoteR 63% / D 35%
Commute22 min
Broadband24.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries2
Is Nome a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Nome receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Nome has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Nome is $71,429, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 15.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Nome is $45,000, 84% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 0.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Nome 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
4.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Nome has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 23.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Nome has a population of 47 with a density of 115 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 64.6 years, 66% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 38.3% female and 61.7% male. The city is predominantly White (95.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.8% of residents. 43.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
64.6yrs
Median Age
66% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.8%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.2%
84% below US avg
The median household income in Nome is $71,429, which is 5% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $43,653 (above 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). 15.8% 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. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $71,429 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $43,653 |
| 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 | 15.8% |
| 27% 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) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 8.44% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Nome is $45,000, 84% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $168,960, 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 31 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,800. 21.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $45,000 |
| 84% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $168,960 |
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 | 31 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,800 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 8.44% |
In Nome, 37.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.2% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 28.9% have high blood pressure. 13.8% are current smokers. 24.8% report binge drinking. 20.7% are physically inactive, below the national average. 21.8% report depression. 15.0% 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: Nome vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.9% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.8% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.7% |
| Depression | 21.8% |
| Mental Distress | 15.0% |
| Physical Distress | 10.8% |
| Short Sleep | 32.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:2,838 |
| Dentists | 1:1,410 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,802 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.7% |
| Dental Visits | 64.6% |
| Premature Death | 7,447/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 63.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 31 |
Nome 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, Nome receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Nome 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 | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Nome has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. 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 23.6 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 1,326 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-11°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 45.1°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,326 ft (404 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 115/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.6758°N, 97.8163°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Ransom County County |
| Nearest Airport | Jamestown Regional (JMS)
44 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
23.6"
38% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.31"
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
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M3.7 on Oct 20, 1995.
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
123 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
433 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 12 fatalities, 154 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 20, 1957 |
EF5 |
43 km |
10 |
| Jul 18, 2004 |
EF4 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF4 |
65 km |
2 |
| Jul 17, 2011 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1973 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1973 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1971 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1965 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Sep 6, 1958 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1957 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1956 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1952 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1950 |
EF3 |
16 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIESTERFELD (3,481 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
BIESTERFELD |
3,481 |
45 km |
| 2003 |
OLERUD |
1,275 |
47 km |
| 2016 |
SLR 2016 RX MICHELL |
1,242 |
92 km |
| 2018 |
EAST JIM LAKE |
1,214 |
96 km |
| 1985 |
ALICE 02 |
1,142 |
25 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,128 |
91 km |
| 2006 |
FULLERS LAKE 06 |
1,109 |
70 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,060 |
91 km |
| 2021 |
HARTLEBEN WPA |
1,002 |
93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| September |
58°F (15°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| November |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Nome has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 13°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.3") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Nome. 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 Nome
What is the population of Nome?
Nome has a population of 47 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 115 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 64.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 38.3% female and 61.7% male.
Is Nome expensive to live in?
Nome 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 $71,429, 5% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $45,000 (84% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 0.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Nome safe?
Nome 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, Nome receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Nome?
Nome has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 23.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Nome?
The job market in Nome 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. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Nome?
The median home value in Nome is $45,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $168,960. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,800.
How are the schools in Nome?
Schools in Nome score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 4.7% of adults in Nome hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.7% have completed high school. 4.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Nome?
The obesity rate in Nome is 37.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.8% of adults are smokers. 20.7% are physically inactive. 21.8% of residents report depression. 63.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,838.
What is transportation like in Nome?
The average commute in Nome is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 100% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Nome?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Nome is 95.7% White. 97.8% of residents speak only English at home. 43.0% of the population are military veterans. 21.6% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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