Median Income
$69,792
7% lower than US avg
Home Value
$211,500
25% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.2%
58% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$971
17% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.4%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.2%
94% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.9%
60% lower than US avg
How Ray Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population762
Median Age31.8 yrs
Density577/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans7.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$69,792
Per Capita$44,703
Unemployment0.2%
Poverty4.9%
County GDP$7,473M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$211,500
Rent$971
Ownership59.0%
Zillow$199,282
Housing Units373
Rent Burden30.8%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property231/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary231/100K
Health
Obesity39.4%
Uninsured8.3%
Smoking15.9%
Depression22.2%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (6°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain15.4 in/yr
Sunny Days274/yr
Elevation2,263 ft (690 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.2%
High School+89.8%
Graduate+9.2%
School Score5.14
Community
2024 VoteR 83% / D 15%
Commute29 min
Broadband84.9%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Ray a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ray receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Ray offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ray is $69,792, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.2%. Only 4.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ray is $211,500, 25% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $971 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Ray 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 231 per 100,000, 88% below the national average.
Education
14.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Ray has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 274 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 15.4 inches, including 43.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Ray has a population of 762 with a density of 577 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 31.8 years, 18% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.9% female and 47.1% male. The city is predominantly White (86.5%), with 12.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.8% of residents. 7.1% of the population are veterans. 12.0% of residents have a disability. 89.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
31.8yrs
Median Age
18% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.8%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.2%
91% below US avg
The median household income in Ray is $69,792, which is 7% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $44,703 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,759, 23% higher than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,228 business establishments, including 133 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 4.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $69,792 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $44,703 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,759 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $108,171 |
| Gini Index | 0.443 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.2% |
| 94% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.9% |
| 60% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,228 |
| County GDP | $7,473M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 133 |
| Healthcare | 101 |
| Retail | 139 |
| Manufacturing | 30 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,989 |
| 14% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.89% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.1% |
The median home value in Ray is $211,500, 25% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $199,282. Monthly rent averages $971 (17% 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 373 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1984. The average annual property tax is $3,989. 30.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $211,500 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $199,282 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $971 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.8% |
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 | 373 |
| Median Year Built | 1984 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,989 |
| 14% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.89% |
In Ray, 39.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 30.6% have high blood pressure. 15.9% are current smokers. 24.4% report binge drinking. 23.8% are physically inactive. 22.2% report depression. 16.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,264. The dentist ratio is 1:1,588. 81.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ray vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.4% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.6% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.9% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.8% |
| Depression | 22.2% |
| Mental Distress | 16.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.6% |
| Short Sleep | 36.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.9% |
| Uninsured | 8.3% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,264 |
| Dentists | 1:1,588 |
| Mental Health | 1:711 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.8% |
| Dental Visits | 63.4% |
| Premature Death | 8,180/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 81.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 101 |
Ray 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 231 per 100,000, 88% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 0, burglary at 231, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Ray receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Ray 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 | 231.0/100K |
| 88% below US avg |
| Burglary | 231.0/100K |
| Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Traffic Accidents | 8 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Ray has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 274 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 15.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 43.7 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 2,263 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-12°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 42.0°F |
| 22% below US avg |
| January Average | 11°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 274 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,263 ft (690 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 577/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.3354°N, 103.1733°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Williams County County |
| Nearest Airport | Williston Basin International (XWA)
27 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
15.4"
59% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.48"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 53.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 52.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.6 on May 6, 2014.
| Feb 25, 2014 |
23 km N of Brockton, Montana |
M3.8 |
126 km |
| Jul 29, 1998 |
16 km WNW of Froid, Montana |
M3.8 |
113 km |
| Nov 11, 1998 |
10 km SW of Grenora, North Dakota |
M3.5 |
68 km |
| Sep 28, 2012 |
22 km ESE of Williston, North Dakota |
M3.3 |
35 km |
| May 6, 2014 |
12 km NNW of Knife River, Montana |
M2.6 |
129 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
127 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 2 fatalities, 41 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 5, 1955 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 2010 |
EF3 |
90 km |
1 |
| Jul 11, 1974 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1950 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 2018 |
EF2 |
62 km |
1 |
| Jun 1, 2018 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2014 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1982 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1976 |
EF2 |
17 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1975 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1971 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1969 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1962 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1958 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1953 |
EF2 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1952 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 2024 |
EF1 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2009 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2007 |
EF1 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2003 |
EF1 |
67 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 |
10 km |
| 1999 |
GAP/ROUGH CREEK |
53,708 |
94 km |
| 1988 |
BAINVILLE |
12,790 |
73 km |
| 2021 |
LITTLE SWALLOW |
9,886 |
97 km |
| 1988 |
MURPHY |
8,918 |
87 km |
| 1999 |
ROUGH CRK |
7,887 |
76 km |
| 2015 |
LOSTWOOD WILDERNESS 2015 |
6,837 |
64 km |
| 2012 |
LITTLE SWALLOW |
6,304 |
95 km |
| 2005 |
H RX 05 WILD |
5,644 |
63 km |
| 1986 |
WILDERNESS |
5,615 |
63 km |
| 1997 |
WILDERNESS |
5,556 |
63 km |
| 1999 |
ANTELOPE |
5,118 |
99 km |
| 2005 |
CLEAR LAKE |
5,040 |
67 km |
| 2021 |
HORSE PASTURE |
4,431 |
79 km |
| 2015 |
RIDGE ROAD |
3,390 |
29 km |
| 1988 |
MONTANA LINE |
3,307 |
94 km |
| 2024 |
CHARLSON |
3,055 |
44 km |
| 2005 |
LOSTWOOD NON-NFP |
2,769 |
60 km |
| 2021 |
13 MILE FIRE |
2,585 |
37 km |
| 1988 |
DANKS |
2,425 |
83 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
15°F (-9°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
2.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
2.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| October |
43°F (6°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| November |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Ray has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 11°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 14.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.5") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Ray. 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 | $997 |
| Toddler | $910 |
| Preschool | $844 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $734 |
| Toddler | $692 |
| Preschool | $697 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ray
What is the population of Ray?
Ray has a population of 762 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 577 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.9% female and 47.1% male.
Is Ray expensive to live in?
Ray 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 $69,792, 7% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $211,500 (25% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $971 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ray safe?
Ray 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 231 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Ray receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ray?
Ray has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 11°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 274 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 15.4 inches, with 43.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Ray?
The job market in Ray is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,759. There are 2,228 business establishments in the area, including 133 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 4.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ray?
The median home value in Ray is $211,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $199,282. For renters, the median monthly rent is $971. Fair market rent is $795 for a 1-bedroom and $965 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 59.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,989.
How are the schools in Ray?
Schools in Ray score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.2% of adults in Ray hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.8% have completed high school. 9.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ray?
The obesity rate in Ray is 39.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.9% of adults are smokers. 23.8% are physically inactive. 22.2% of residents report depression. 8.3% lack health insurance. 81.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,264.
What is transportation like in Ray?
The average commute in Ray is 29 minutes. 82.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ray?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ray is 86.5% White, 12.3% Hispanic or Latino. 98.8% of residents speak only English at home. 7.1% of the population are military veterans. 12.0% of residents have a disability. 89.9% have health insurance coverage.
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