Median Income
$63,000
16% lower than US avg
Home Value
$160,300
43% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
564/100K
48% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
30.2%
10% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$786
32% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.7%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.2%
66% lower than US avg
How Steele Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population742
Median Age52.7 yrs
Density1,325/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans12.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$63,000
Per Capita$37,281
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty4.2%
County GDP$189M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$160,300
Rent$786
Ownership70.7%
Zillow$226,370
Housing Units438
Rent Burden24.7%
Crime
F
Violent564/100K
Property423/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault564/100K
Burglary141/100K
Health
Obesity39.7%
Uninsured7.7%
Smoking15.3%
Depression22.4%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (5°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain21.4 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,862 ft (568 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+30.2%
High School+96.7%
Graduate+6.1%
School Score6.61
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 17%
Commute17 min
Broadband74.9%
Libraries1
Is Steele a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Steele receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, high obesity rates. Steele offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Steele is $63,000, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 4.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Steele is $160,300, 43% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $786 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 564 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 423 per 100,000, 78% below the national average.
Education
30.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.6/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Steele has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 21.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Steele has a population of 742 with a density of 1,325 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 52.7 years, 35% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.6% female and 55.4% male. The city is predominantly White (97%), with 1.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.5% of residents. 12.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 9.9% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 93.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
52.7yrs
Median Age
35% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.5%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.5%
74% below US avg
The median household income in Steele is $63,000, which is 16% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,281. The average weekly wage is $946, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 130 business establishments, including 6 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 13.9% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $63,000 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,281 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $946 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,640 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.2% |
| 66% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 130 |
| County GDP | $189M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Healthcare | 6 |
| Retail | 12 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 13.9% |
The median home value in Steele is $160,300, 43% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $226,370, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $786 (32% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $702 for a one-bedroom to $873 for a two-bedroom apartment. 70.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 438 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. 24.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $160,300 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $226,370 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $786 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $697 |
| 1 Bedroom | $702 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $873 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,214 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,464 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 70.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.3% |
| Housing Units | 438 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
In Steele, 39.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 29.9% have high blood pressure. 15.3% are current smokers. 22.8% report binge drinking. 23.7% are physically inactive. 22.4% report depression. 15.9% experience frequent mental distress. 7.7% of residents lack health insurance. 17.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Steele vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.9% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.3% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.7% |
| Depression | 22.4% |
| Mental Distress | 15.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 34.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.6% |
| Uninsured | 7.7% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 72.2% |
| Dental Visits | 59.0% |
| Premature Death | 8,404/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 17.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 6 |
Steele has a violent crime rate of 564 per 100,000 residents, 48% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 564.2 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 423 per 100,000, 78% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 282, burglary at 141, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Steele receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Steele vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 564.2/100K |
| 48% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 564.2/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 423.1/100K |
| 78% below US avg |
| Burglary | 141.0/100K |
| Theft | 282.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 25 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Steele has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 276 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 21.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,862 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-12°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 41.6°F |
| 23% below US avg |
| January Average | 11°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,862 ft (568 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,325/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.8568°N, 99.9181°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Kidder County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bismarck Municipal (BIS)
40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
21.4"
44% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.19"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 3.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 20.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively 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)
Tornado History
249 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 3 fatalities, 66 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 29, 1953 |
EF5 |
73 km |
2 |
| Aug 11, 2002 |
EF4 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1952 |
EF4 |
49 km |
1 |
| Jul 30, 1981 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1978 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 1974 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1955 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1952 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2011 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 2001 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1999 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 |
EF2 |
3 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1982 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1976 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 1974 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 1974 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 1974 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 1974 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1974 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
19 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (7,593 ac, 1988).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
7,593 |
100 km |
| 2003 |
MCCLEAN BOTTOMS |
6,421 |
59 km |
| 1994 |
CHICAGOLAKE |
4,606 |
44 km |
| 2015 |
CANNON BALL |
3,068 |
78 km |
| 2004 |
FISCHER |
2,578 |
80 km |
| 2000 |
NEUGERFIRE |
2,150 |
89 km |
| 2008 |
GRADER |
1,745 |
72 km |
| 2002 |
BISRURAL2 |
1,649 |
59 km |
| 2015 |
BIG LAKE FIRE |
1,587 |
76 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
1,492 |
58 km |
| 1985 |
CHASE LAKE |
1,215 |
38 km |
| 2018 |
EAST JIM LAKE |
1,214 |
91 km |
| 2002 |
BALE II |
1,179 |
78 km |
| 1999 |
SOLEN |
1,155 |
89 km |
| 2006 |
RICE LAKE 1 |
1,150 |
32 km |
| 2017 |
NDAWR FY17 RX G10 11 12 D5 |
1,148 |
91 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,049 |
60 km |
| 2005 |
KIMBALL BOTTOMS FIRE |
1,028 |
61 km |
| 2000 |
MAC2 |
1,018 |
73 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
2.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Steele has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 11°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 16.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.2") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Steele. 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 | $858 |
| Toddler | $784 |
| Preschool | $727 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $631 |
| Toddler | $596 |
| Preschool | $600 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Steele
What is the population of Steele?
Steele has a population of 742 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 1,325 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 52.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.6% female and 55.4% male.
Is Steele expensive to live in?
Steele 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 $63,000, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $160,300 (43% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $786 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Steele safe?
The violent crime rate in Steele is 564 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 423 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Steele receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Steele?
Steele has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 11°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 21.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Steele?
The job market in Steele is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $946. There are 130 business establishments in the area, including 6 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 13.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Steele?
The median home value in Steele is $160,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $226,370. For renters, the median monthly rent is $786. Fair market rent is $702 for a 1-bedroom and $873 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 70.7%.
How are the schools in Steele?
Schools in Steele score 6.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 30.2% of adults in Steele hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.7% have completed high school. 6.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Steele?
The obesity rate in Steele is 39.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.3% of adults are smokers. 23.7% are physically inactive. 22.4% of residents report depression. 7.7% lack health insurance. 17.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Steele?
The average commute in Steele is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 13.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Steele?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Steele is 97% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino. 96.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.5% speak Spanish. 12.5% of the population are military veterans. 9.9% of residents have a disability. 93.6% have health insurance coverage.
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