Median Income
$80,417
7% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
257/100K
32% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$771
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
48.0%
50% higher than US avg
Unemployment
16.0%
344% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Porcupine Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population136
Median Age16.7 yrs
Density680/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 0%
Veterans61.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$80,417
Per Capita$13,865
Unemployment16.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$151M
Commute47 min
Housing
A+
Rent$771
Ownership36.1%
Zillow$336,537
Housing Units44
Rent Burden12.1%
Crime
F
Violent257/100K
Property3,007/100K
Health
Obesity48.0%
Uninsured13.7%
Smoking31.0%
Depression21.7%
Heart Disease9.5%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain18.5 in/yr
Sunny Days273/yr
Elevation1,800 ft (549 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+79.6%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score1.82
Community
2024 VoteR 30% / D 69%
Commute47 min
Broadband36.0%
EV Stations1
Is Porcupine a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Porcupine receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, a high uninsured rate, long commute times. Porcupine offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Porcupine is $80,417, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. At 16.0%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 47 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $771 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Porcupine is below the national average at 257 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,007 per 100,000, 53% above the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.6% have completed high school. School test scores average 1.8/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Porcupine has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 273 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 18.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Porcupine has a population of 136 with a density of 680 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 16.7 years, 57% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.8% female and 52.2% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (97.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.1% of residents, while 9.9% speak Spanish. 61.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 0.9% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 58.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
16.7yrs
Median Age
57% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Porcupine vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.1%
15% above US avg
Spanish
9.9%
26% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Porcupine vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Porcupine is $80,417, which is 7% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $13,865 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,075, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 16.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 78 business establishments, including 5 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 47 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Porcupine vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $80,417 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $13,865 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,075 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $38,089 |
| Gini Index | 0.515 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 16.0% |
| 344% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 78 |
| County GDP | $151M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 5 |
| Healthcare | 4 |
| Retail | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 46.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 56.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $336,537. Monthly rent averages $771 (34% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 36.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 44 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1985. 12.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $771 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 12.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 36.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 36.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 63.9% |
| Housing Units | 44 |
| Median Year Built | 1985 |
Property Tax
In Porcupine, 48.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 19.1% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 9.5% of residents, above the national average. 40.3% have high blood pressure. 31.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.1% report binge drinking. 36.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.7% report depression. 20.6% experience frequent mental distress. 13.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The dentist ratio is 1:1,855. 19.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 4.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Porcupine vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 48.0% |
| 50% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 19.1% |
| Heart Disease | 9.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 40.3% |
| Asthma | 13.7% |
| COPD | 10.0% |
| Cancer | 5.9% |
| Stroke | 5.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 31.0% |
| 121% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 36.8% |
| Depression | 21.7% |
| Mental Distress | 20.6% |
| Physical Distress | 19.7% |
| Short Sleep | 44.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 58.6% |
| Uninsured | 13.7% |
| 59% above US avg |
| Dentists | 1:1,855 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,821 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.1% |
| Dental Visits | 41.3% |
| Premature Death | 35,129/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 19.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 4 |
Porcupine has a violent crime rate of 257 per 100,000 residents, 32% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,007 per 100,000, 53% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Porcupine receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Porcupine vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 256.8/100K |
| 32% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,007.0/100K |
| 53% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Porcupine has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 273 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 18.5 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 1,800 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-10°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 42.8°F |
| 21% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 273 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,800 ft (549 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 680/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.2218°N, 101.1001°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Sioux County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bismarck Municipal (BIS)
42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
18.5"
51% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.91"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 62.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 97.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 2.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
226 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 7 fatalities, 69 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 29, 1953 |
EF5 |
42 km |
2 |
| Jul 4, 1978 |
EF4 |
63 km |
5 |
| Jun 21, 1983 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 30, 1981 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1978 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1955 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2011 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1983 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 1974 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1974 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1971 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 1969 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1969 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1965 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 1959 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: TENBROOK (30,588 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
TENBROOK |
30,588 |
12 km |
| 2021 |
WINDY |
16,866 |
95 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
14,487 |
83 km |
| 2006 |
STONE MAN CHURCH |
10,389 |
59 km |
| 2000 |
TRIBLE |
9,718 |
58 km |
| 2006 |
LUND |
9,425 |
25 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
7,593 |
19 km |
| 2003 |
MCCLEAN BOTTOMS |
6,421 |
58 km |
| 1999 |
BULLHEAD |
5,606 |
55 km |
| 2022 |
HWY31 AND 101ST WEST |
4,879 |
29 km |
| 2006 |
B WARD 1 |
3,325 |
68 km |
| 2015 |
CANNON BALL |
3,068 |
40 km |
| 2006 |
1804 |
2,778 |
96 km |
| 2000 |
PASTURE 9 BURN |
2,768 |
95 km |
| 2011 |
MOUND CITY |
2,755 |
87 km |
| 2012 |
MCINTOSH |
2,653 |
38 km |
| 2004 |
FISCHER |
2,578 |
39 km |
| 2012 |
CORNSTALK |
2,561 |
36 km |
| 2000 |
NEUGERFIRE |
2,150 |
28 km |
| 2000 |
FTMANUEL |
2,124 |
61 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-10°C) |
0.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
2.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
1.8 in |
Warmest |
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Porcupine has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 13°F in January to 71°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 16.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.9") and January the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Porcupine. 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 | $851 |
| Toddler | $777 |
| Preschool | $720 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $625 |
| Toddler | $591 |
| Preschool | $594 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Porcupine
What is the population of Porcupine?
Porcupine has a population of 136 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 680 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 16.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.8% female and 52.2% male.
Is Porcupine expensive to live in?
Porcupine 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 $80,417, 7% above the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $771 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Porcupine safe?
Porcupine is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 257 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,007 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Porcupine receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Porcupine?
Porcupine has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 273 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 18.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Porcupine?
The job market in Porcupine faces challenges, with unemployment at 16.0% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,075. There are 78 business establishments in the area, including 5 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 47 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Porcupine?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $771. Fair market rent is $795 for a 1-bedroom and $965 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 36.1%.
How are the schools in Porcupine?
Schools in Porcupine have an average test score of 1.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 0.0% of adults in Porcupine hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.6% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Porcupine?
The obesity rate in Porcupine is 48.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 31.0% of adults are smokers. 36.8% are physically inactive. 21.7% of residents report depression. 13.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 19.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Porcupine?
The average commute in Porcupine is 47 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 56.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Porcupine?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Porcupine is 97.1% Hispanic or Latino. 90.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 9.9% speak Spanish. 61.0% of the population are military veterans. 0.9% of residents have a disability. 58.6% have health insurance coverage.
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