Median Income
$81,328
8% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
4.7%
86% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,358
17% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.2%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
11.0%
206% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Ross Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population161
Median Age33.9 yrs
Density555/mi²
Male / Female65% / 35%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$81,328
Per Capita$32,871
Unemployment11.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$2,277M
Housing
A+
Rent$1,358
Ownership4.6%
Zillow$237,879
Housing Units92
Rent Burden22.4%
Health
Obesity37.2%
Uninsured36.6%
Smoking15.4%
Depression19.5%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp39°F (4°C)
Rain19.3 in/yr
Elevation2,299 ft (701 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+4.7%
High School+89.4%
Graduate+1.7%
School Score4.05
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Broadband89.2%
Libraries3
Is Ross a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ross receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, a high uninsured rate. Ross offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ross is $81,328, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. At 11.0%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $1,358 per month.
Education
4.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Ross has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F. Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 19.3 inches, including 47.4 inches of snow.
Ross has a population of 161 with a density of 555 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 33.9 years, 13% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 35.4% female and 64.6% male. The city is predominantly White (98.8%), with 26.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.8% of residents. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 4.3% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 63.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
161
Total Population
2023 Census
33.9yrs
Median Age
13% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.8%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.1%
92% below US avg
The median household income in Ross is $81,328, which is 8% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,871 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,493. The unemployment rate is 11.0% (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 529 business establishments, including 36 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $81,328 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,871 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,493 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $111,396 |
| Gini Index | 0.447 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 11.0% |
| 206% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 529 |
| County GDP | $2,277M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 36 |
| Healthcare | 18 |
| Retail | 43 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,344 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 75.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $237,879. Monthly rent averages $1,358 (17% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 4.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 92 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,344. 22.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,358 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 4.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 4.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 95.4% |
| Housing Units | 92 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,344 |
| 4% below US avg |
In Ross, 37.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 28.2% have high blood pressure. 15.4% are current smokers. 23.0% report binge drinking. 23.8% are physically inactive. 19.5% report depression. 14.8% experience frequent mental distress. 36.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,915. The dentist ratio is 1:1,548. 74.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ross vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.2% |
| Asthma | 9.5% |
| COPD | 5.3% |
| Cancer | 6.3% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.8% |
| Depression | 19.5% |
| Mental Distress | 14.8% |
| Physical Distress | 10.9% |
| Short Sleep | 33.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 63.4% |
| Uninsured | 36.6% |
| 326% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,915 |
| Dentists | 1:1,548 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,564 |
| Checkup Rate | 67.5% |
| Dental Visits | 58.4% |
| Premature Death | 18,736/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
Ross has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 19.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 47.4 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 2,299 feet.
Temperature
8°F Jan (-13°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 38.7°F |
| 28% below US avg |
| January Average | 8°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,299 ft (701 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 555/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.3128°N, 102.5435°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Mountrail County County |
| Nearest Airport | Williston Basin International (XWA)
56 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
19.3"
49% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.86"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 21.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 40.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 19.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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 |
113 km |
| Sep 28, 2012 |
22 km ESE of Williston, North Dakota |
M3.3 |
67 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
185 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 3 fatalities, 49 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 5, 1955 |
EF4 |
21 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 2010 |
EF3 |
62 km |
1 |
| Jul 6, 1977 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1974 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 2018 |
EF2 |
81 km |
1 |
| Jun 1, 2018 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2014 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2004 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1997 |
EF2 |
66 km |
1 |
| Jun 27, 1982 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1976 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1974 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1969 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1962 |
EF2 |
4 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1960 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1958 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1954 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1953 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1952 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 2024 |
EF1 |
17 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 |
55 km |
| 2021 |
LITTLE SWALLOW |
9,886 |
84 km |
| 1988 |
MURPHY |
8,918 |
75 km |
| 1999 |
ROUGH CRK |
7,887 |
87 km |
| 2015 |
LOSTWOOD WILDERNESS 2015 |
6,837 |
39 km |
| 2012 |
LITTLE SWALLOW |
6,304 |
84 km |
| 2005 |
H RX 05 WILD |
5,644 |
39 km |
| 1986 |
WILDERNESS |
5,615 |
39 km |
| 1997 |
WILDERNESS |
5,556 |
39 km |
| 2005 |
CLEAR LAKE |
5,040 |
24 km |
| 2021 |
HORSE PASTURE |
4,431 |
95 km |
| 2015 |
RIDGE ROAD |
3,390 |
48 km |
| 2024 |
CHARLSON |
3,055 |
41 km |
| 2005 |
LOSTWOOD NON-NFP |
2,769 |
32 km |
| 2021 |
13 MILE FIRE |
2,585 |
84 km |
| 1988 |
DANKS |
2,425 |
66 km |
| 2007 |
MUSKRAT LAKE |
2,344 |
48 km |
| 2006 |
HB 35 |
2,164 |
73 km |
| 2023 |
NDLWR-HFR-FY23-RX-ASPEN |
2,074 |
36 km |
| 2017 |
NDLWR FY17 RX CENTRAL CORE |
1,899 |
35 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
8°F (-13°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
39°F (4°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| May |
51°F (11°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| June |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
67°F (19°C) |
3.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| October |
41°F (5°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| November |
26°F (-4°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Ross has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 8°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Ross. 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 | $936 |
| Toddler | $854 |
| Preschool | $792 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $688 |
| Toddler | $649 |
| Preschool | $654 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ross
What is the population of Ross?
Ross has a population of 161 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 555 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 35.4% female and 64.6% male.
Is Ross expensive to live in?
Ross 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 $81,328, 8% above the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $1,358 per month, above the national average of $1,163.
What is the weather like in Ross?
Ross has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 8°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 19.3 inches, with 47.4 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Ross?
The job market in Ross faces challenges, with unemployment at 11.0% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,493. There are 529 business establishments in the area, including 36 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Ross?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,358. Fair market rent is $795 for a 1-bedroom and $965 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 4.6%. The average annual property tax is $3,344.
How are the schools in Ross?
Schools in Ross have an average test score of 4.1 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 4.7% of adults in Ross hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.4% have completed high school. 1.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ross?
The obesity rate in Ross is 37.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.4% of adults are smokers. 23.8% are physically inactive. 19.5% of residents report depression. 36.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 74.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,915.
What are the demographics of Ross?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ross is 98.8% White, 26.1% Hispanic or Latino. 98.8% of residents speak only English at home. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 4.3% of residents have a disability. 63.4% have health insurance coverage.