Median Income
$50,580
33% lower than US avg
Home Value
$147,800
48% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
38/100K
90% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
31.2%
7% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$829
29% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.2%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.5%
86% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.9%
44% lower than US avg
How Rugby Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,555
Median Age40.4 yrs
Density1,116/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans8.3%
Economy
B+
Median Income$50,580
Per Capita$37,488
Unemployment0.5%
Poverty6.9%
County GDP$267M
Commute11 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$147,800
Rent$829
Ownership73.3%
Zillow$206,381
Housing Units1,378
Rent Burden35.2%
Crime
F
Violent38/100K
Property1,127/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary188/100K
Health
Obesity41.2%
Uninsured7.5%
Smoking15.1%
Depression22.1%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp39°F (4°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain21.0 in/yr
Sunny Days269/yr
Elevation1,541 ft (470 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+31.2%
High School+93.9%
Graduate+11.4%
School Score6.32
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 22%
Commute11 min
Broadband88.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Rugby a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rugby receives an overall livability score of 3.3 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 below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Rugby offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Rugby is $50,580, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.5%. Only 6.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 11 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Rugby is $147,800, 48% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $829 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Rugby is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 38 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,127 per 100,000, 42% below the national average.
Education
31.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Rugby has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F. Winters average 6°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. With 269 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 21.0 inches, including 43.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Rugby has a population of 2,555 with a density of 1,116 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age is 40.4 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.4% female and 45.6% male. The city is predominantly White (91.9%), with 6.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.3% of residents. 8.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.3% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 93.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.4yrs
Median Age
4% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.3%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.7%
87% below US avg
The median household income in Rugby is $50,580, which is 33% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,488. The average weekly wage is $956, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 198 business establishments, including 14 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 11 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,580 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,488 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $956 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,619 |
| Gini Index | 0.427 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.5% |
| 86% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.9% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 198 |
| County GDP | $267M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 14 |
| Healthcare | 9 |
| Retail | 24 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,267 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.21% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 11.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.2% |
The median home value in Rugby is $147,800, 48% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $206,381, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $829 (29% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 73.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,378 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $3,267. 35.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $147,800 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $206,381 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $829 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 35.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 73.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.7% |
| Housing Units | 1,378 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,267 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.21% |
In Rugby, 41.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 29.4% have high blood pressure. 15.1% are current smokers. 23.2% report binge drinking. 23.6% are physically inactive. 22.1% report depression. 15.5% experience frequent mental distress. 7.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,953. The dentist ratio is 1:788. 67.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Rugby vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.2% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.4% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.1% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.6% |
| Depression | 22.1% |
| Mental Distress | 15.5% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 34.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.9% |
| Uninsured | 7.5% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,953 |
| Dentists | 1:788 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,951 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.1% |
| Dental Visits | 62.2% |
| Premature Death | 7,691/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 67.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 9 |
Rugby has a violent crime rate of 38 per 100,000 residents, 90% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 37.6. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,127 per 100,000, 42% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 789, burglary at 188, vehicle theft at 150 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Rugby receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Rugby vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 37.6/100K |
| 90% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 37.6/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,127.4/100K |
| 42% below US avg |
| Burglary | 187.9/100K |
| Theft | 789.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 150.3/100K |
| Arson | 37.6/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Rugby has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winters average 6°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 62°F. The area gets 269 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 21.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 43.4 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 1,541 feet.
Temperature
6°F Jan (-14°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 38.8°F |
| 28% below US avg |
| January Average | 6°F (-14°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 269 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,541 ft (470 m) |
| Area | 2.3 sq mi (5.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,116/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.3654°N, 99.9902°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Pierce County County |
| Nearest Airport | Devils Lake Regional (DVL)
53 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
21.0"
45% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.91"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 3.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 11.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 59.9 / 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 Moderate |
| 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)
Tornado History
231 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 13 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1986 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1958 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 2022 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2017 |
EF2 |
22 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2016 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2001 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2001 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1982 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1976 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1974 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1974 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1974 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 1973 |
EF2 |
1 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1972 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1971 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1966 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1965 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1965 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1960 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,371 ac, 1989).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
4,371 |
56 km |
| 2000 |
RED CROSS |
3,015 |
25 km |
| 2017 |
NDJCR WUI RX COUNTY RD 17 2016 |
2,772 |
40 km |
| 1992 |
CLARK II |
2,443 |
50 km |
| 2009 |
COUNTY ROAD 17 |
2,291 |
41 km |
| 1994 |
ASPEN |
1,994 |
42 km |
| 2008 |
POOL 326 |
1,805 |
57 km |
| 2006 |
BROWN WF |
1,430 |
89 km |
| 1985 |
LAKE ALICE |
1,214 |
65 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
6°F (-14°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
11°F (-11°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| April |
40°F (4°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
2.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| October |
44°F (6°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Rugby has a seasonal temperature swing of 62°F / from 6°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.9") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Rugby. 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 | $907 |
| Toddler | $828 |
| Preschool | $768 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $667 |
| Toddler | $630 |
| Preschool | $634 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rugby
What is the population of Rugby?
Rugby has a population of 2,555 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 1,116 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.4 years. The population is 54.4% female and 45.6% male.
Is Rugby expensive to live in?
Rugby 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 $50,580, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $147,800 (48% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $829 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Rugby safe?
Rugby is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 38 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,127 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Rugby receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Rugby?
Rugby has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 6°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 269 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 21.0 inches, with 43.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Rugby?
The job market in Rugby is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $956. There are 198 business establishments in the area, including 14 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 11 minutes, and 6.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Rugby?
The median home value in Rugby is $147,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $206,381. For renters, the median monthly rent is $829. Fair market rent is $795 for a 1-bedroom and $965 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 73.3%. The average annual property tax is $3,267.
How are the schools in Rugby?
Schools in Rugby score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 31.2% of adults in Rugby hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.9% have completed high school. 11.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Rugby?
The obesity rate in Rugby is 41.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.1% of adults are smokers. 23.6% are physically inactive. 22.1% of residents report depression. 7.5% lack health insurance. 67.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,953.
What is transportation like in Rugby?
The average commute in Rugby is 11 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 89.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Rugby?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Rugby is 91.9% White, 6.6% Hispanic or Latino. 98.3% of residents speak only English at home. 8.3% of the population are military veterans. 10.3% of residents have a disability. 93.9% have health insurance coverage.
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