Median Income
$77,750
3% higher than US avg
Home Value
$165,000
41% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
29.9%
11% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,074
8% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.2%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
15.6%
333% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.3%
73% lower than US avg
How Powers Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population292
Median Age39.5 yrs
Density210/mi²
Male / Female57% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans1.4%
Economy
B
Median Income$77,750
Per Capita$51,716
Unemployment15.6%
Poverty3.3%
County GDP$293M
Commute32 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$165,000
Rent$1,074
Ownership68.5%
Zillow$255,872
Housing Units157
Rent Burden18.7%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity37.2%
Uninsured7.5%
Smoking13.5%
Depression21.4%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp38°F (3°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Sunny Days200/yr
Elevation2,226 ft (678 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+29.9%
High School+94.8%
Graduate+1.1%
School Score5.42
Community
2024 VoteR 86% / D 12%
Commute32 min
Broadband83.9%
Libraries1
Is Powers Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Powers Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Powers Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Powers Lake is $77,750, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. At 15.6%, unemployment is notably high. Only 3.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Powers Lake is $165,000, 41% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,074 per month. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Powers Lake is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
29.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Powers Lake 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.
Powers Lake has a population of 292 with a density of 210 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 39.5 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.5% female and 56.5% male. The city is predominantly White (94.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.8% of residents. 1.4% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 14.3% of residents have a disability. 97.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.5yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Powers Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.8%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.2%
84% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Powers Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Powers Lake is $77,750, which is 3% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $51,716 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,329. The unemployment rate is 15.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 3.3% 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 32 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 1.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Powers Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $77,750 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $51,716 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,329 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $93,079 |
| Gini Index | 0.433 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 15.6% |
| 333% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.3% |
| 73% 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 | 32.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.6% |
The median home value in Powers Lake is $165,000, 41% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $255,872, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,074 (8% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 68.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 157 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. 18.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $165,000 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $255,872 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,074 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 68.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.5% |
| Housing Units | 157 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
In Powers Lake, 37.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.0% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 29.4% have high blood pressure. 13.5% are current smokers. 22.8% report binge drinking. 20.7% are physically inactive, below the national average. 21.4% report depression. 14.8% experience frequent mental distress. 7.5% 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: Powers Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.0% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.4% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.5% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.7% |
| Depression | 21.4% |
| Mental Distress | 14.8% |
| Physical Distress | 10.9% |
| Short Sleep | 32.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.6% |
| Uninsured | 7.5% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 72.3% |
| Dental Visits | 66.5% |
| Premature Death | 5,189/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 12.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 4 |
Powers Lake has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 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 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 0, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents.
Crime Rates: Powers Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Powers Lake 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 2,226 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 | 2,226 ft (678 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 210/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.5640°N, 102.6456°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Burke County County |
| Nearest Airport | Williston Basin International (XWA) 55 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.91"
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 |
102 km |
| Sep 28, 2012 |
22 km ESE of Williston, North Dakota |
M3.3 |
78 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
158 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 3 fatalities, 34 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 5, 1955 |
EF4 |
28 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 2010 |
EF3 |
44 km |
1 |
| Jul 6, 1977 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1974 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1950 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 2018 |
EF2 |
100 km |
1 |
| Jul 23, 1997 |
EF2 |
70 km |
1 |
| Jun 5, 1976 |
EF2 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1974 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1969 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1962 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1958 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1953 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 2024 |
EF1 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2009 |
EF1 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2009 |
EF1 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2007 |
EF1 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2003 |
EF1 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2001 |
EF1 |
25 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1999 |
EF1 |
42 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 |
50 km |
| 2015 |
LOSTWOOD WILDERNESS 2015 |
6,837 |
18 km |
| 2005 |
H RX 05 WILD |
5,644 |
17 km |
| 1986 |
WILDERNESS |
5,615 |
17 km |
| 1997 |
WILDERNESS |
5,556 |
17 km |
| 2005 |
CLEAR LAKE |
5,040 |
31 km |
| 2015 |
RIDGE ROAD |
3,390 |
63 km |
| 2024 |
CHARLSON |
3,055 |
64 km |
| 2005 |
LOSTWOOD NON-NFP |
2,769 |
14 km |
| 2021 |
13 MILE FIRE |
2,585 |
81 km |
| 1988 |
DANKS |
2,425 |
94 km |
| 2007 |
MUSKRAT LAKE |
2,344 |
77 km |
| 2006 |
HB 35 |
2,164 |
56 km |
| 2023 |
NDLWR-HFR-FY23-RX-ASPEN |
2,074 |
18 km |
| 2017 |
NDLWR FY17 RX CENTRAL CORE |
1,899 |
15 km |
| 2016 |
LWR WUI RX FESCUE 2016 |
1,802 |
16 km |
| 1993 |
KRUSES |
1,802 |
14 km |
| 1990 |
KRUSES |
1,619 |
14 km |
| 1986 |
KRUSES |
1,615 |
14 km |
| 1996 |
KRUSES |
1,516 |
14 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
7°F (-14°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| April |
40°F (4°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| May |
53°F (12°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| June |
62°F (17°C) |
2.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
67°F (20°C) |
2.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| September |
55°F (13°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| October |
42°F (5°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| November |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| December |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Powers Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 7°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 16.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.9") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Powers Lake. 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 Powers Lake
What is the population of Powers Lake?
Powers Lake has a population of 292 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 210 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.5 years. The population is 43.5% female and 56.5% male.
Is Powers Lake expensive to live in?
Powers Lake 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 $77,750, 3% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $165,000 (41% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,074 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Powers Lake safe?
Powers Lake is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Powers Lake?
Powers Lake 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 Powers Lake?
The job market in Powers Lake faces challenges, with unemployment at 15.6% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. 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 32 minutes, and 1.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Powers Lake?
The median home value in Powers Lake is $165,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $255,872. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,074. Fair market rent is $795 for a 1-bedroom and $965 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 68.5%.
How are the schools in Powers Lake?
Schools in Powers Lake score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 29.9% of adults in Powers Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.8% have completed high school. 1.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Powers Lake?
The obesity rate in Powers Lake is 37.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.5% of adults are smokers. 20.7% are physically inactive. 21.4% of residents report depression. 7.5% lack health insurance. 12.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Powers Lake?
The average commute in Powers Lake is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Powers Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Powers Lake is 94.5% White. 97.8% of residents speak only English at home. 1.4% of the population are military veterans. 14.3% of residents have a disability. 97.6% have health insurance coverage.