Median Income
$76,875
2% higher than US avg
Home Value
$200,500
29% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
111/100K
71% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
33.8%
0% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$750
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.1%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.3%
49% lower than US avg
How Northwood Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population941
Median Age37.7 yrs
Density778/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans8.6%
Economy
A+
Median Income$76,875
Per Capita$39,621
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty6.3%
County GDP$5,920M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$200,500
Rent$750
Ownership71.5%
Zillow$237,850
Housing Units466
Rent Burden24.2%
Crime
F
Violent111/100K
Property774/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault111/100K
Burglary221/100K
Health
Obesity36.1%
Uninsured6.5%
Smoking12.1%
Depression23.1%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F (4°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Sunny Days253/yr
Elevation1,115 ft (340 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+33.8%
High School+93.6%
Graduate+7.9%
School Score6.09
Community
2024 VoteR 58% / D 40%
Commute14 min
Broadband81.8%
EV Stations10
Libraries3
Is Northwood a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Northwood receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Northwood offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Northwood is $76,875, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 6.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Northwood is $200,500, 29% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $750 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Northwood is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 111 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 774 per 100,000, 60% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 33.8% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 93.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Northwood has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 6°F in January while summers reach 69°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.
Northwood has a population of 941 with a density of 778 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 37.7 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.7% female and 50.3% male. The city is predominantly White (95.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.6% of residents. 8.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.7% of residents have a disability. 98.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.7yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Northwood vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.6%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.4%
90% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Northwood vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Northwood is $76,875, which is 2% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,621. The average weekly wage is $1,145, 20% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,774 business establishments, including 198 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Northwood vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $76,875 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,621 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,145 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $82,164 |
| Gini Index | 0.459 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.3% |
| 49% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,774 |
| County GDP | $5,920M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 198 |
| Healthcare | 185 |
| Retail | 274 |
| Manufacturing | 55 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,219 |
| 106% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.60% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 70.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.5% |
The median home value in Northwood is $200,500, 29% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $237,850, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $750 (36% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 71.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 466 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. The average annual property tax is $7,219 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $200,500 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $237,850 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $750 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 71.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.5% |
| Housing Units | 466 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,219 |
| 106% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.60% |
In Northwood, 36.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 28.3% have high blood pressure. 12.1% are current smokers. 25.1% report binge drinking. 20.8% are physically inactive, below the national average. 23.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 14.7% experience frequent mental distress. 6.5% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:817. The dentist ratio is 1:1,168. 89.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Northwood vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.1% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.3% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 5.1% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.1% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 25.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.8% |
| Depression | 23.1% |
| Mental Distress | 14.7% |
| Physical Distress | 11.0% |
| Short Sleep | 32.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.2% |
| Uninsured | 6.5% |
| 24% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:817 |
| Dentists | 1:1,168 |
| Mental Health | 1:261 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.2% |
| Dental Visits | 68.0% |
| Premature Death | 6,701/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 89.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 185 |
Northwood has a violent crime rate of 111 per 100,000 residents, 71% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 110.6 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 774 per 100,000, 60% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 332, burglary at 221, vehicle theft at 221 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Northwood receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Northwood vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 110.6/100K |
| 71% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 110.6/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 774.3/100K |
| 60% below US avg |
| Burglary | 221.2/100K |
| Theft | 331.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 221.2/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Northwood has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winters average 6°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 63°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 1,115 feet.
Temperature
6°F Jan (-14°C)
69°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 39.7°F |
| 26% below US avg |
| January Average | 6°F (-14°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 253 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,115 ft (340 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 778/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.7314°N, 97.5652°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Grand Forks County County |
| Nearest Airport | Grand Forks International (GFK)
23 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.19"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 57.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 14.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 78.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
500 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 13 fatalities, 145 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 20, 1957 |
EF5 |
94 km |
10 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
29 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2007 |
EF4 |
4 km |
1 |
| Jun 6, 1999 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 2016 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2007 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2001 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1987 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1973 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1973 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1971 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Aug 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Sep 6, 1958 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 1958 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1957 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
EF2 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2018 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2017 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2017 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2017 |
EF2 |
22 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
18 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: OXCART (12,538 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
OXCART |
12,538 |
97 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,420 |
94 km |
| 2024 |
4 SQUARE MILE RX |
2,320 |
99 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,092 |
98 km |
| 2020 |
GRAVEL PIT |
1,468 |
94 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
1,270 |
94 km |
| 1996 |
P CHICKEN |
1,121 |
48 km |
| 2006 |
FULLERS LAKE 06 |
1,109 |
50 km |
| 2010 |
ONSTAD 12 |
828 |
93 km |
| 2012 |
HAM |
789 |
86 km |
| 2007 |
TNC GR-GOD-3910 |
749 |
98 km |
| 2009 |
TILDEN 27 |
709 |
88 km |
| 2008 |
TRAIN 1 |
656 |
97 km |
| 2024 |
GLACIAL RIDGE CATTAILS RX |
579 |
94 km |
| 2008 |
ONSTAD 1 |
541 |
93 km |
| 2009 |
GODFREY 3 |
530 |
98 km |
| 2008 |
TILDEN BURN |
522 |
89 km |
| 2008 |
MELVIN SLOUGH |
500 |
87 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
6°F (-14°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
3.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (20°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| October |
44°F (7°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| November |
26°F (-4°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Northwood has a seasonal temperature swing of 63°F / from 6°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.2") and February the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Northwood. 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 | $918 |
| Toddler | $838 |
| Preschool | $778 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $676 |
| Toddler | $637 |
| Preschool | $642 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Northwood
What is the population of Northwood?
Northwood has a population of 941 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 778 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.7 years. The population is 49.7% female and 50.3% male.
Is Northwood expensive to live in?
Northwood 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 $76,875, 2% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $200,500 (29% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $750 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Northwood safe?
Northwood is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 111 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 774 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Northwood receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Northwood?
Northwood has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 6°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°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 Northwood?
The job market in Northwood is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,145. There are 2,774 business establishments in the area, including 198 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 0.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Northwood?
The median home value in Northwood is $200,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $237,850. For renters, the median monthly rent is $750. Fair market rent is $795 for a 1-bedroom and $965 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.5%. The average annual property tax is $7,219.
How are the schools in Northwood?
Schools in Northwood score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 33.8% of adults in Northwood hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.6% have completed high school. 7.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Northwood?
The obesity rate in Northwood is 36.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.1% of adults are smokers. 20.8% are physically inactive. 23.1% of residents report depression. 6.5% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 89.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:817.
What is transportation like in Northwood?
The average commute in Northwood is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 70.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Northwood?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Northwood is 95.5% White. 98.6% of residents speak only English at home. 8.6% of the population are military veterans. 11.7% of residents have a disability. 98.2% have health insurance coverage.
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