Median Income
$120,833
61% higher than US avg
Home Value
$245,000
13% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
28.0%
17% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.9%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.1%
42% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.7%
54% lower than US avg
How North Star Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population188
Median Age35.1 yrs
Density369/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 86%
Veterans8.3%
Economy
A+
Median Income$120,833
Per Capita$38,468
Unemployment5.1%
Poverty5.7%
County GDP$3,389M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$245,000
Ownership90.9%
Zillow$250,758
Housing Units68
Rent Burden23.3%
Health
Obesity34.9%
Uninsured0.5%
Smoking16.7%
Depression27.7%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
Rain39.6 in/yr
Elevation1,001 ft (305 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+28.0%
High School+93.2%
Graduate+10.2%
School Score6.15
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 17%
Commute26 min
Broadband83.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is North Star a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, North Star receives an overall livability score of 4.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. North Star stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in North Star is $120,833, which is significantly higher than the national average / 61% above $75,149. This places North Star among higher-income communities. The unemployment rate of 5.1% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 5.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in North Star is $245,000, 13% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
28.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
North Star experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 39.6 inches, including 26.0 inches of snow.
North Star has a population of 188 with a density of 369 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 35.1 years, 10% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.2% female and 54.8% male. The city is predominantly White (86.2%), with 3.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.4% of residents. 8.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 8.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 99.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
188
Total Population
2023 Census
35.1yrs
Median Age
10% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
North Star vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.4%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.7%
80% below US avg
Social Characteristics
North Star vs U.S. Average
The median household income in North Star is $120,833, which is 61% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $38,468. The average weekly wage is $970, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 5.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,354 business establishments, including 83 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 3.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: North Star vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $120,833 |
| 61% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $38,468 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $970 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,246 |
| Gini Index | 0.442 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.1% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.7% |
| 54% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,354 |
| County GDP | $3,389M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 83 |
| Healthcare | 85 |
| Retail | 170 |
| Manufacturing | 64 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,704 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.51% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 92.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.2% |
The median home value in North Star is $245,000, 13% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $250,758. Fair market rent ranges from $873 for a one-bedroom to $1,092 for a two-bedroom apartment. 90.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 68 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. The average annual property tax is $3,704. 23.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $245,000 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $250,758 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $873 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,092 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,388 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 90.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 90.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 9.1% |
| Housing Units | 68 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,704 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.51% |
In North Star, 34.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 32.0% have high blood pressure. 16.7% are current smokers. 19.6% report binge drinking. 25.4% are physically inactive. 27.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.4% experience frequent mental distress. 0.5% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,150. The dentist ratio is 1:2,342. 57.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: North Star vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.9% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.0% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.7% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.4% |
| Depression | 27.7% |
| Mental Distress | 19.4% |
| Physical Distress | 13.0% |
| Short Sleep | 34.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.5% |
| Uninsured | 0.5% |
| 94% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,150 |
| Dentists | 1:2,342 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,028 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.6% |
| Dental Visits | 62.1% |
| Premature Death | 9,154/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 57.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 85 |
North Star experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 39.6 inches. The area receives 26.0 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,001 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 51.9°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,001 ft (305 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 369/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.3243°N, 84.5689°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Darke County County |
| Nearest Airport | James M Cox Dayton International (DAY)
35 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.6"
4% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.34"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 52.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 21.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 80.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.6 on Jun 12, 2015.
| Sep 12, 2004 |
4 km NW of Manilla, Indiana |
M3.8 |
123 km |
| Apr 17, 1990 |
8 km NW of Fort Recovery, Ohio |
M3.0 |
28 km |
| Apr 4, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Minster, Ohio |
M2.9 |
17 km |
| May 12, 2006 |
2 km E of Lima, Ohio |
M2.8 |
62 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
72 km |
| Jan 30, 2004 |
2 km S of Rockford, Ohio |
M2.5 |
39 km |
| Jun 4, 1990 |
4 km SSE of Van Buren, Ohio |
M2.5 |
116 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
517 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 70 fatalities, 2,097 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
89 km |
36 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF4 |
53 km |
4 |
| Sep 20, 2000 |
EF4 |
90 km |
1 |
| Feb 18, 1992 |
EF4 |
45 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
67 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
61 km |
13 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
73 km |
4 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
16 km |
3 |
| Mar 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
89 km |
1 |
| Mar 14, 2024 |
EF3 |
40 km |
3 |
| Mar 14, 2024 |
EF3 |
50 km |
1 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
27 km |
1 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 14, 2014 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
42°F (6°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
32°F (0°C) |
2.7 in |
|
North Star has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 27°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (2.2").
Average costs for common services in North Star. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$232 ($139-$371) |
| Specialist Visit |
$325 ($186-$510) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$186 ($93-$325) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,042 ($742-$4,640) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70-$186) |
| Dental Filling |
$232 ($139-$371) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23-$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($46-$111) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$278 ($139-$464) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19-$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$557 ($371-$928) |
| Battery Replacement |
$186 ($93-$325) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56-$139) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($46-$130) |
| HVAC Repair |
$371 ($139-$742) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,496 ($3,712-$11,136) |
| Roof Repair |
$928 ($371-$1,856) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,352 ($5,104-$13,920) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,392 ($464-$3,248) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,920 ($4,640-$27,840) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,640 ($1,856-$9,280) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,392 ($742-$2,784) |
| Will Preparation |
$464 ($186-$928) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,320 ($928-$4,640) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28-$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$139 ($70-$232) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23-$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46-$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.80 ($2.78-$5.10) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.25 ($2.32-$4.64) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.53 ($2.32-$5.10) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.18 ($2.78-$6.03) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.10 ($3.71-$6.96) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56-$1.67) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$130 ($74-$232) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28-$139) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37-$111) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37-$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28-$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($46-$139) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$186 ($70-$464) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,856 ($1,114-$3,248) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28-$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.42-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28-$232) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14-$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,114 ($557-$2,320) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$928 ($464-$1,856) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$371 ($186-$650) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23-$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$928 ($371-$2,320) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,600 ($4,640-$27,840) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28-$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($46-$186) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28-$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19-$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$278 ($139-$464) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$186 ($93-$371) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $751 |
| Toddler | $693 |
| Preschool | $615 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $660 |
| Preschool | $610 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About North Star
What is the population of North Star?
North Star has a population of 188 residents and is located in Ohio. The population density is 369 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.2% female and 54.8% male.
Is North Star expensive to live in?
North Star is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $120,833, 61% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $245,000 (13% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in North Star?
North Star has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 39.6 inches, with 26.0 inches of snow.
How is the job market in North Star?
The unemployment rate in North Star is 5.1%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $970. There are 1,354 business establishments in the area, including 83 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 3.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in North Star?
The median home value in North Star is $245,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $250,758. The homeownership rate is 90.9%. The average annual property tax is $3,704.
How are the schools in North Star?
Schools in North Star score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 28.0% of adults in North Star hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.2% have completed high school. 10.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is North Star?
The obesity rate in North Star is 34.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.7% of adults are smokers. 25.4% are physically inactive. 27.7% of residents report depression. 0.5% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 57.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,150.
What is transportation like in North Star?
The average commute in North Star is 26 minutes. 92.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of North Star?
The racial and ethnic makeup of North Star is 86.2% White, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino. 97.4% of residents speak only English at home. 8.3% of the population are military veterans. 8.0% of residents have a disability. 99.5% have health insurance coverage.