Median Income
$91,250
21% higher than US avg
Home Value
$109,700
61% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.1%
40% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$775
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.1%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.3%
36% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.6%
10% higher than US avg
How Scranton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population408
Median Age34.2 yrs
Density591/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans9.8%
Economy
A
Median Income$91,250
Per Capita$30,030
Unemployment2.3%
Poverty13.6%
County GDP$251M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$109,700
Rent$775
Ownership84.8%
Zillow$184,513
Housing Units194
Rent Burden22.5%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity37.1%
Uninsured7.6%
Smoking15.2%
Depression21.3%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (6°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain17.1 in/yr
Sunny Days273/yr
Elevation2,779 ft (847 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.1%
High School+90.4%
Graduate+5.2%
School Score6.23
Community
2024 VoteR 86% / D 13%
Commute19 min
Broadband92.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Scranton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Scranton receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Scranton stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Scranton is $91,250, 21% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.3%. 13.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Scranton is $109,700, 61% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $775 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Scranton 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
20.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.4% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Scranton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 273 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 17.1 inches, including 48.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Scranton has a population of 408 with a density of 591 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 34.2 years, 12% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.7% female and 47.3% male. The city is predominantly White (88.7%), with 10.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 9.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 7.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 76.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.2yrs
Median Age
12% below 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 Scranton is $91,250, which is 21% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,030 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,060, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 13.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 195 business establishments, including 13 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $91,250 |
| 21% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,030 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,060 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,734 |
| Gini Index | 0.361 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.3% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.6% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 195 |
| County GDP | $251M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 13 |
| Healthcare | 16 |
| Retail | 23 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,000 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.73% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 62.9% |
| Public Transit | 1.8% |
| Work from Home | 5.9% |
The median home value in Scranton is $109,700, 61% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $184,513, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $775 (33% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 84.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 194 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1961. The average annual property tax is $3,000. 22.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $109,700 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $184,513 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $775 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 84.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.2% |
| Housing Units | 194 |
| Median Year Built | 1961 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,000 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.73% |
In Scranton, 37.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 29.3% have high blood pressure. 15.2% are current smokers. 23.1% report binge drinking. 22.2% are physically inactive. 21.3% report depression. 15.5% experience frequent mental distress. 7.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,903. The dentist ratio is 1:482. 72.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Scranton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.1% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.3% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.2% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.2% |
| Depression | 21.3% |
| Mental Distress | 15.5% |
| Physical Distress | 11.6% |
| Short Sleep | 35.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 76.4% |
| Uninsured | 7.6% |
| 12% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,903 |
| Dentists | 1:482 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.5% |
| Dental Visits | 60.7% |
| Premature Death | 5,433/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 72.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 16 |
Scranton 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. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes.
Crime Rates: Scranton 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
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Scranton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 273 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 17.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 48.2 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 2,779 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 42.3°F |
| 22% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 273 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,779 ft (847 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 591/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.1495°N, 103.1430°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Bowman County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dickinson/Theodore Roosevelt Regional (DIK)
48 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
17.1"
55% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.31"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 2.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 12.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 53.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively 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
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.6. Most recent: M2.6 on Jul 29, 2013.
| Jul 29, 2013 |
18 km SE of Ekalaka, Montana |
M2.6 |
104 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
149 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 1 fatality, 15 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 29, 1975 |
EF4 |
44 km |
1 |
| Jun 11, 2016 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2009 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1952 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 2018 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 2018 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2011 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 25, 2001 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 25, 2001 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1999 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1986 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1977 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1976 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1972 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 1969 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 1964 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1957 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1952 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: KRAFT SPRINGS (66,292 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
KRAFT SPRINGS |
66,292 |
94 km |
| 1988 |
BREWER |
48,282 |
98 km |
| 2021 |
WINDY |
16,866 |
77 km |
| 2013 |
PAUTRE |
11,733 |
63 km |
| 2021 |
DIVIDE CA |
10,635 |
80 km |
| 2024 |
TRAVIN |
7,917 |
67 km |
| 2018 |
18 DONUT HOLE |
7,838 |
92 km |
| 2000 |
CAMP CROOK COMPLEX |
6,927 |
89 km |
| 1999 |
MILL IRON |
6,494 |
81 km |
| 2004 |
DEEP CREEK |
4,180 |
54 km |
| 2012 |
DEEP CREEK 2 |
3,500 |
62 km |
| 2015 |
MOONSHINE |
2,768 |
67 km |
| 2007 |
HAY CREEK |
2,655 |
71 km |
| 2003 |
MEAT HOOK |
2,522 |
79 km |
| 2008 |
BROWN |
2,519 |
70 km |
| 2014 |
14 BEEF CORRAL WASH |
2,471 |
95 km |
| 2002 |
TRAVERS |
2,403 |
65 km |
| 2007 |
HARRIS |
2,369 |
62 km |
| 2021 |
744 |
2,268 |
91 km |
| 2000 |
TALKINGTON 1 |
2,204 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
1.5 in |
Warmest |
| September |
58°F (15°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-1°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Scranton has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 16°F in January to 70°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 15.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.3") and February the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Scranton. 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 | $951 |
| Toddler | $869 |
| Preschool | $805 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $699 |
| Toddler | $661 |
| Preschool | $665 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Scranton
What is the population of Scranton?
Scranton has a population of 408 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 591 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.7% female and 47.3% male.
Is Scranton expensive to live in?
Scranton 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 $91,250, 21% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $109,700 (61% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $775 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Scranton safe?
Scranton 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 Scranton?
Scranton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 273 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 17.1 inches, with 48.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Scranton?
The job market in Scranton is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,060. There are 195 business establishments in the area, including 13 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 5.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Scranton?
The median home value in Scranton is $109,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $184,513. For renters, the median monthly rent is $775. Fair market rent is $795 for a 1-bedroom and $965 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 84.8%. The average annual property tax is $3,000.
How are the schools in Scranton?
Schools in Scranton score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.1% of adults in Scranton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.4% have completed high school. 5.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Scranton?
The obesity rate in Scranton is 37.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.2% of adults are smokers. 22.2% are physically inactive. 21.3% of residents report depression. 7.6% lack health insurance. 72.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,903.
What is transportation like in Scranton?
The average commute in Scranton is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 62.9% of workers drive alone to work, 1.8% use public transit, and 5.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Scranton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Scranton is 88.7% White, 10.3% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 9.8% of the population are military veterans. 7.0% of residents have a disability. 76.4% have health insurance coverage.
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