Median Income
$112,031
49% higher than US avg
Home Value
$78,200
72% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
300/100K
21% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
43.4%
29% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$678
42% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.3%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.7%
58% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Portal Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population136
Median Age42.7 yrs
Density203/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 73%
Veterans2.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$112,031
Per Capita$59,964
Unemployment5.7%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$293M
Commute31 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$78,200
Rent$678
Ownership59.0%
Zillow$233,818
Housing Units93
Rent Burden9.0%
Crime
F
Violent300/100K
Property2,402/100K
Health
Obesity38.3%
Uninsured7.0%
Smoking13.9%
Depression21.1%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp38°F (3°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Sunny Days200/yr
Elevation1,955 ft (596 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+43.4%
High School+93.8%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.42
Community
2024 VoteR 86% / D 12%
Commute31 min
Broadband78.0%
Libraries1
Is Portal a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Portal receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low crime rates, a highly educated population, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Portal offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Portal is $112,031, which is significantly higher than the national average / 49% above $75,149. This places Portal among higher-income communities. The unemployment rate of 5.7% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Portal is $78,200, 72% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $678 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 0.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Portal is below the national average at 300 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,402 per 100,000, 23% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 43.4% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 93.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Portal has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F. Winters average 7°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. With 200 sunny days, the area sees less sunshine than many U.S. cities. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Portal has a population of 136 with a density of 203 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 42.7 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.2% female and 47.8% male. The city is predominantly White (72.8%), with 11.8% Hispanic, 11.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 2.6% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 6.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 98.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.7yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Portal is $112,031, which is 49% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $59,964 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,329. The unemployment rate is 5.7% (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 126 business establishments, including 8 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes. 8.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $112,031 |
| 49% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $59,964 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,329 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $93,079 |
| Gini Index | 0.433 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.7% |
| 58% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 126 |
| County GDP | $293M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 8 |
| Healthcare | 4 |
| Retail | 9 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 31.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 67.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.5% |
The median home value in Portal is $78,200, 72% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $233,818, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $678 (42% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 59.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 93 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. 9.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $78,200 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $233,818 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $678 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 9.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 59.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 59.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 41.0% |
| Housing Units | 93 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
In Portal, 38.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 31.0% have high blood pressure. 13.9% are current smokers. 22.7% report binge drinking. 20.9% are physically inactive, below the national average. 21.1% report depression. 15.2% experience frequent mental distress. 7.0% of residents lack health insurance. 12.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Portal vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.3% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.0% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.9% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.9% |
| Depression | 21.1% |
| Mental Distress | 15.2% |
| Physical Distress | 11.1% |
| Short Sleep | 33.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.5% |
| Uninsured | 7.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 72.6% |
| Dental Visits | 65.4% |
| Premature Death | 5,189/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 12.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 4 |
Portal has a violent crime rate of 300 per 100,000 residents, 21% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,402 per 100,000, 23% above the U.S. average. Overall, Portal receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Portal vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 300.3/100K |
| 21% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,402.4/100K |
| 23% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Portal has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F (3°C). Winters average 7°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 200 sunny days per year. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,955 feet.
Temperature
7°F Jan (-14°C)
67°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 38.2°F |
| 29% below US avg |
| January Average | 7°F (-14°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 200 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,955 ft (596 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 203/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.9944°N, 102.5484°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Burke County County |
| Nearest Airport | Williston Basin International (XWA)
75 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.83"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0483 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 3.4 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 1.51 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 1.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 58.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M3.3 on Sep 28, 2012.
| Nov 11, 1998 |
10 km SW of Grenora, North Dakota |
M3.5 |
120 km |
| Sep 28, 2012 |
22 km ESE of Williston, North Dakota |
M3.3 |
121 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
110 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 2 fatalities, 4 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 5, 1955 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 2010 |
EF3 |
33 km |
1 |
| Jul 6, 1977 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1974 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1950 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1997 |
EF2 |
83 km |
1 |
| Jun 5, 1976 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1969 |
EF2 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1962 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 2024 |
EF1 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2009 |
EF1 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2009 |
EF1 |
8 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2007 |
EF1 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2003 |
EF1 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2001 |
EF1 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1999 |
EF1 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1999 |
EF1 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1990 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1990 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 1985 |
EF1 |
75 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WILLIAMS CO WILDLAND FIRE (67,150 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
WILLIAMS CO WILDLAND FIRE |
67,150 |
85 km |
| 2015 |
LOSTWOOD WILDERNESS 2015 |
6,837 |
38 km |
| 2005 |
H RX 05 WILD |
5,644 |
38 km |
| 1986 |
WILDERNESS |
5,615 |
38 km |
| 1997 |
WILDERNESS |
5,556 |
38 km |
| 2005 |
CLEAR LAKE |
5,040 |
65 km |
| 2005 |
LOSTWOOD NON-NFP |
2,769 |
44 km |
| 2006 |
HB 35 |
2,164 |
37 km |
| 2023 |
NDLWR-HFR-FY23-RX-ASPEN |
2,074 |
42 km |
| 2017 |
NDLWR FY17 RX CENTRAL CORE |
1,899 |
43 km |
| 2016 |
LWR WUI RX FESCUE 2016 |
1,802 |
45 km |
| 1993 |
KRUSES |
1,802 |
46 km |
| 1990 |
KRUSES |
1,619 |
47 km |
| 1986 |
KRUSES |
1,615 |
47 km |
| 1996 |
KRUSES |
1,516 |
47 km |
| 2003 |
KRUSE |
1,507 |
47 km |
| 1987 |
TEAL |
1,470 |
39 km |
| 2001 |
HB 35 |
1,441 |
38 km |
| 2010 |
ASPEN HFR |
1,333 |
43 km |
| 1992 |
ASPEN |
1,328 |
43 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
7°F (-14°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| April |
40°F (5°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
2.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
67°F (20°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| September |
55°F (13°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| October |
43°F (6°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| November |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Portal has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 7°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 16.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.8") and February the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Portal. 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 | $937 |
| Toddler | $855 |
| Preschool | $793 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $689 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $654 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Portal
What is the population of Portal?
Portal has a population of 136 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 203 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.2% female and 47.8% male.
Is Portal expensive to live in?
Portal 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 $112,031, 49% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $78,200 (72% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $678 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Portal safe?
Portal is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 300 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,402 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Portal receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Portal?
Portal has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F (3°C). Winter temperatures average 7°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. The area receives 200 sunny days per year. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Portal?
The unemployment rate in Portal is 5.7%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,329. There are 126 business establishments in the area, including 8 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 31 minutes, and 8.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Portal?
The median home value in Portal is $78,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $233,818. For renters, the median monthly rent is $678. Fair market rent is $795 for a 1-bedroom and $965 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 59.0%.
How are the schools in Portal?
Schools in Portal score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 43.4% of adults in Portal hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 93.8% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Portal?
The obesity rate in Portal is 38.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.9% of adults are smokers. 20.9% are physically inactive. 21.1% of residents report depression. 7.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 12.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Portal?
The average commute in Portal is 31 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 67.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Portal?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Portal is 72.8% White, 11.8% Black or African American, 11.8% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 2.6% of the population are military veterans. 6.2% of residents have a disability. 98.5% have health insurance coverage.
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