Median Income
$81,875
9% higher than US avg
Home Value
$202,500
28% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.3%
49% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,063
9% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.7%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.6%
39% lower than US avg
How Plaza Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population314
Median Age36.7 yrs
Density291/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans1.8%
Economy
A+
Median Income$81,875
Per Capita$37,942
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty7.6%
County GDP$5,094M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$202,500
Rent$1,063
Ownership77.2%
Zillow$311,561
Housing Units110
Rent Burden40.6%
Health
Obesity38.7%
Uninsured2.5%
Smoking16.5%
Depression20.7%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Rain16.8 in/yr
Elevation2,098 ft (639 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.3%
High School+96.6%
Graduate+15.4%
School Score5.82
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 25%
Commute24 min
Broadband83.8%
Libraries4
Is Plaza a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Plaza receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Plaza stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Plaza is $81,875, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 7.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Plaza is $202,500, 28% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,063 per month. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
17.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Plaza has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 16.8 inches, including 49.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
Plaza has a population of 314 with a density of 291 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 36.7 years, 6% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.8% female and 46.2% male. The city is predominantly White (96.2%), with 20.1% Hispanic, 3.8% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 83.3% of residents, while 10.1% speak Spanish. 1.8% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 15.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
314
Total Population
2023 Census
36.7yrs
Median Age
6% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
83.3%
6% above US avg
Spanish
10.1%
25% below US avg
The median household income in Plaza is $81,875, which is 9% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,942. The average weekly wage is $1,163, 19% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,723 business establishments, including 176 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 5.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $81,875 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,942 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,163 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $79,981 |
| Gini Index | 0.433 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.6% |
| 39% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,723 |
| County GDP | $5,094M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 176 |
| Healthcare | 196 |
| Retail | 284 |
| Manufacturing | 42 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,178 |
| 77% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.05% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 59.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.0% |
The median home value in Plaza is $202,500, 28% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $311,561, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,063 (9% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 77.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 110 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $6,178 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 40.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $202,500 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $311,561 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,063 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 40.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.8% |
| Housing Units | 110 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,178 |
| 77% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.05% |
In Plaza, 38.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 30.4% have high blood pressure. 16.5% are current smokers. 23.2% report binge drinking. 25.1% are physically inactive. 20.7% report depression. 15.8% experience frequent mental distress. 2.5% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,279. The dentist ratio is 1:1,187. 79.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Plaza vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.7% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.4% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.5% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.1% |
| Depression | 20.7% |
| Mental Distress | 15.8% |
| Physical Distress | 11.9% |
| Short Sleep | 35.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.5% |
| Uninsured | 2.5% |
| 71% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,279 |
| Dentists | 1:1,187 |
| Mental Health | 1:330 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.1% |
| Dental Visits | 62.1% |
| Premature Death | 7,781/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 196 |
Plaza has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 16.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 49.7 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37. 81% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 2,098 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 43.4°F |
| 20% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,098 ft (639 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (3.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 291/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.0263°N, 101.9587°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Ward County County |
| Nearest Airport | Minot International (MOT)
35 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
16.8"
56% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.44"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 37.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 81.4% |
| Unhealthy Days | 9 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0476 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 2.9 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 1.29 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.2 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 64.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 76.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M3.3 on Sep 28, 2012.
| Sep 28, 2012 |
22 km ESE of Williston, North Dakota |
M3.3 |
104 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
206 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 2 fatalities, 18 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 5, 1955 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 2010 |
EF3 |
89 km |
1 |
| Jul 6, 1977 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1974 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1956 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1956 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 2022 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2018 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2004 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1997 |
EF2 |
56 km |
1 |
| Jun 6, 1982 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1976 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1975 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1974 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1962 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1960 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1958 |
EF2 |
11 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1954 |
EF2 |
25 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 2024 |
EF1 |
38 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LITTLE SWALLOW (9,886 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
LITTLE SWALLOW |
9,886 |
70 km |
| 1988 |
MURPHY |
8,918 |
66 km |
| 1999 |
ROUGH CRK |
7,887 |
99 km |
| 2015 |
LOSTWOOD WILDERNESS 2015 |
6,837 |
79 km |
| 2012 |
LITTLE SWALLOW |
6,304 |
73 km |
| 2005 |
H RX 05 WILD |
5,644 |
79 km |
| 1986 |
WILDERNESS |
5,615 |
79 km |
| 1997 |
WILDERNESS |
5,556 |
79 km |
| 2005 |
CLEAR LAKE |
5,040 |
52 km |
| 2015 |
RIDGE ROAD |
3,390 |
84 km |
| 2024 |
CHARLSON |
3,055 |
66 km |
| 2005 |
LOSTWOOD NON-NFP |
2,769 |
74 km |
| 1988 |
DANKS |
2,425 |
55 km |
| 2007 |
MUSKRAT LAKE |
2,344 |
43 km |
| 2006 |
HB 35 |
2,164 |
96 km |
| 2023 |
NDLWR-HFR-FY23-RX-ASPEN |
2,074 |
75 km |
| 2017 |
NDLWR FY17 RX CENTRAL CORE |
1,899 |
75 km |
| 2016 |
LWR WUI RX FESCUE 2016 |
1,802 |
72 km |
| 1993 |
KRUSES |
1,802 |
72 km |
| 2006 |
RIVERDALE WOODS/DOWNSTREAM |
1,705 |
74 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| April |
44°F (6°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Plaza has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 14°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 16.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.4") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Plaza. 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 | $953 |
| Toddler | $869 |
| Preschool | $807 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $701 |
| Toddler | $660 |
| Preschool | $666 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Plaza
What is the population of Plaza?
Plaza has a population of 314 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 291 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.8% female and 46.2% male.
Is Plaza expensive to live in?
Plaza 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 $81,875, 9% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $202,500 (28% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,063 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Plaza?
Plaza has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 16.8 inches, with 49.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in Plaza?
The job market in Plaza is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,163. There are 2,723 business establishments in the area, including 176 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 5.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Plaza?
The median home value in Plaza is $202,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $311,561. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,063. Fair market rent is $795 for a 1-bedroom and $965 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.2%. The average annual property tax is $6,178.
How are the schools in Plaza?
Schools in Plaza score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.3% of adults in Plaza hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.6% have completed high school. 15.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Plaza?
The obesity rate in Plaza is 38.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.5% of adults are smokers. 25.1% are physically inactive. 20.7% of residents report depression. 2.5% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 79.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,279.
What is transportation like in Plaza?
The average commute in Plaza is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 59.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Plaza?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Plaza is 96.2% White, 20.1% Hispanic or Latino, 3.8% Asian. 83.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 10.1% speak Spanish. 1.8% of the population are military veterans. 15.9% of residents have a disability. 97.5% have health insurance coverage.