Median Income
$88,523
18% higher than US avg
Home Value
$133,700
53% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
80/100K
79% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.5%
42% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$675
42% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.1%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.8%
50% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.1%
27% lower than US avg
How Pembina Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population583
Median Age39.1 yrs
Density720/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 86%
Veterans18.1%
Economy
A+
Median Income$88,523
Per Capita$38,906
Unemployment1.8%
Poverty9.1%
County GDP$813M
Commute9 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$133,700
Rent$675
Ownership74.7%
Zillow$135,419
Housing Units240
Rent Burden19.8%
Crime
F
Violent80/100K
Property2,077/100K
Health
Obesity41.1%
Uninsured7.5%
Smoking14.7%
Depression22.1%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp38°F (4°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain22.1 in/yr
Sunny Days269/yr
Elevation791 ft (241 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.5%
High School+95.8%
Graduate+1.3%
School Score6.09
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 23%
Commute9 min
Broadband88.9%
Libraries3
Is Pembina a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Pembina receives an overall livability score of 3.3 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. Pembina offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Pembina is $88,523, 18% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.8%. 9.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 9 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Pembina is $133,700, 53% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $675 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Pembina is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 80 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,077 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
19.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Pembina has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F. Winters average 4°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. With 269 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 22.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Pembina has a population of 583 with a density of 720 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 39.1 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.1% female and 54.9% male. The city is predominantly White (85.6%), with 6.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.6% of residents. 18.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.5% of residents have a disability. 97.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.1yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.6%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.4%
82% below US avg
The median household income in Pembina is $88,523, which is 18% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $38,906. The average weekly wage is $1,124, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 411 business establishments, including 16 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 9 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $88,523 |
| 18% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $38,906 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,124 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $93,726 |
| Gini Index | 0.456 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.8% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.1% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 411 |
| County GDP | $813M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 16 |
| Healthcare | 19 |
| Retail | 40 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,000 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.24% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 9.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.1% |
The median home value in Pembina is $133,700, 53% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $135,419. Monthly rent averages $675 (42% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $873 for a two-bedroom apartment. 74.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 240 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1968. The average annual property tax is $3,000. 19.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $133,700 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $135,419 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $675 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $760 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $873 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,214 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,464 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 74.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.3% |
| Housing Units | 240 |
| Median Year Built | 1968 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,000 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.24% |
In Pembina, 41.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 29.4% have high blood pressure. 14.7% are current smokers. 24.8% report binge drinking. 22.8% are physically inactive. 22.1% report depression. 15.7% experience frequent mental distress. 7.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,384. The dentist ratio is 1:1,691. 48.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Pembina vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.1% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.4% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.7% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.8% |
| Depression | 22.1% |
| Mental Distress | 15.7% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 34.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.8% |
| Uninsured | 7.5% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,384 |
| Dentists | 1:1,691 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,331 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.4% |
| Dental Visits | 64.6% |
| Premature Death | 9,577/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 48.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 19 |
Pembina has a violent crime rate of 80 per 100,000 residents, 79% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,077 per 100,000, 6% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Pembina receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Pembina vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 79.9/100K |
| 79% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,076.7/100K |
| 6% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 14 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Pembina has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F (4°C). Winters average 4°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 64°F. The area gets 269 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 22.1 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 791 feet.
Temperature
4°F Jan (-16°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 38.4°F |
| 29% below US avg |
| January Average | 4°F (-16°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 269 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 791 ft (241 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 720/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.9671°N, 97.2469°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Pembina County County |
| Nearest Airport | Grand Forks International (GFK)
71 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
22.1"
42% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.50"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 20.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 58.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 31.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
201 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 1 fatality, 19 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 6, 1999 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 19, 2004 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2017 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Sep 19, 2014 |
EF2 |
20 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 2005 |
EF2 |
14 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 2005 |
EF2 |
19 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 2005 |
EF2 |
16 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 2005 |
EF2 |
16 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2005 |
EF2 |
24 km |
0 |
| May 19, 2004 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 1999 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1999 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1997 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1985 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1978 |
EF2 |
15 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1977 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1959 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1955 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2022 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2022 |
EF1 |
95 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: JUNEBERRY 3 (29,455 ac, 2011).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2011 |
JUNEBERRY 3 |
29,455 |
69 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
22,647 |
79 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
22,262 |
73 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
21,954 |
74 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
17,778 |
53 km |
| 2003 |
CARIBOU |
16,184 |
51 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
14,432 |
79 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
11,927 |
49 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
11,544 |
48 km |
| 2018 |
NORTH COUNTY ROAD 7 |
9,471 |
59 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
9,194 |
50 km |
| 2003 |
CANADA |
7,065 |
79 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
6,964 |
65 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
6,057 |
54 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
5,891 |
47 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
5,274 |
84 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
5,013 |
81 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
4,724 |
53 km |
| 2012 |
COUNTY 27 FIRE |
4,653 |
70 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
3,624 |
59 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
4°F (-16°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
9°F (-13°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
22°F (-5°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
40°F (5°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
2.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| October |
43°F (6°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| November |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
8°F (-13°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Pembina has a seasonal temperature swing of 64°F / from 4°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.5") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Pembina. 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 | $883 |
| Toddler | $806 |
| Preschool | $747 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $649 |
| Toddler | $613 |
| Preschool | $617 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pembina
What is the population of Pembina?
Pembina has a population of 583 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 720 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.1 years. The population is 45.1% female and 54.9% male.
Is Pembina expensive to live in?
Pembina 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 $88,523, 18% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $133,700 (53% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $675 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Pembina safe?
Pembina is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 80 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,077 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Pembina receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Pembina?
Pembina has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 4°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 269 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 22.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Pembina?
The job market in Pembina is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,124. There are 411 business establishments in the area, including 16 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 9 minutes, and 4.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Pembina?
The median home value in Pembina is $133,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $135,419. For renters, the median monthly rent is $675. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $873 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.7%. The average annual property tax is $3,000.
How are the schools in Pembina?
Schools in Pembina score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.5% of adults in Pembina hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.8% have completed high school. 1.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Pembina?
The obesity rate in Pembina is 41.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.7% of adults are smokers. 22.8% are physically inactive. 22.1% of residents report depression. 7.5% lack health insurance. 48.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,384.
What is transportation like in Pembina?
The average commute in Pembina is 9 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 86.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Pembina?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Pembina is 85.6% White, 6.5% Hispanic or Latino. 97.6% of residents speak only English at home. 18.1% of the population are military veterans. 14.5% of residents have a disability. 97.8% have health insurance coverage.
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