Median Income
$50,682
33% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
7.4%
78% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$806
31% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.7%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.6%
0% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.5%
23% lower than US avg
How Tappen Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population264
Median Age47.7 yrs
Density251/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans11.5%
Economy
B+
Median Income$50,682
Per Capita$25,593
Unemployment3.6%
Poverty9.5%
County GDP$189M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Rent$806
Ownership66.0%
Zillow$226,370
Housing Units117
Rent Burden16.3%
Health
Obesity39.7%
Uninsured2.7%
Smoking14.7%
Depression21.7%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F (5°C)
Rain20.9 in/yr
Elevation1,770 ft (539 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+7.4%
High School+85.8%
Graduate+1.1%
School Score5.62
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 17%
Commute28 min
Broadband67.0%
Libraries1
Is Tappen a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Tappen receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Tappen offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Tappen is $50,682, 33% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.6%, indicating a healthy job market. 9.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $806 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Education
7.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Tappen has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 20.9 inches, including 48.9 inches of snow.
Tappen has a population of 264 with a density of 251 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 47.7 years, 23% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.3% female and 52.7% male. The city is predominantly White (89.8%), with 2.7% Hispanic, 1.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.9% of residents. 11.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
264
Total Population
2023 Census
47.7yrs
Median Age
23% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.9%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.5%
66% below US avg
The median household income in Tappen is $50,682, which is 33% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,593 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $946, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.5% 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 28 minutes. 13.3% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,682 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,593 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $946 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,640 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.5% |
| 23% 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 | 27.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 66.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 13.3% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $226,370. Monthly rent averages $806 (31% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 66.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 117 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1948. 16.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $806 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 16.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.0% |
| Housing Units | 117 |
| Median Year Built | 1948 |
Property Tax
In Tappen, 39.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 29.8% have high blood pressure. 14.7% are current smokers. 22.8% report binge drinking. 24.1% are physically inactive. 21.7% report depression. 15.4% experience frequent mental distress. 2.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). 17.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Tappen vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.8% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.7% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.1% |
| Depression | 21.7% |
| Mental Distress | 15.4% |
| Physical Distress | 11.9% |
| Short Sleep | 34.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.3% |
| Uninsured | 2.7% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 72.1% |
| Dental Visits | 57.4% |
| Premature Death | 8,404/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 17.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 6 |
Tappen has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (5°C). Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 20.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 48.9 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,770 feet.
Temperature
9°F Jan (-13°C)
69°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 40.3°F |
| 25% below US avg |
| January Average | 9°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (20°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,770 ft (539 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 251/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.8716°N, 99.6271°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Kidder County County |
| Nearest Airport | Jamestown Regional (JMS)
45 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
20.9"
45% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.70"
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
259 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 5 fatalities, 74 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 29, 1953 |
EF5 |
92 km |
2 |
| Jul 18, 2004 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 2002 |
EF4 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1952 |
EF4 |
69 km |
1 |
| Jul 17, 2011 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1978 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 1974 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1966 |
EF3 |
98 km |
2 |
| Jul 1, 1955 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1952 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2011 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 2001 |
EF2 |
29 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1999 |
EF2 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 |
EF2 |
21 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1982 |
EF2 |
27 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1976 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 1974 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
16 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: MCCLEAN BOTTOMS (6,421 ac, 2003).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2003 |
MCCLEAN BOTTOMS |
6,421 |
80 km |
| 1994 |
CHICAGOLAKE |
4,606 |
25 km |
| 2015 |
CANNON BALL |
3,068 |
95 km |
| 2004 |
FISCHER |
2,578 |
97 km |
| 2008 |
GRADER |
1,745 |
56 km |
| 2002 |
BISRURAL2 |
1,649 |
81 km |
| 2015 |
BIG LAKE FIRE |
1,587 |
93 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
1,492 |
79 km |
| 1985 |
CHASE LAKE |
1,215 |
19 km |
| 2018 |
EAST JIM LAKE |
1,214 |
70 km |
| 2002 |
BALE II |
1,179 |
96 km |
| 2006 |
RICE LAKE 1 |
1,150 |
53 km |
| 2017 |
NDAWR FY17 RX G10 11 12 D5 |
1,148 |
71 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,049 |
82 km |
| 2005 |
KIMBALL BOTTOMS FIRE |
1,028 |
83 km |
| 2000 |
MAC2 |
1,018 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
9°F (-13°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
40°F (4°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| May |
53°F (12°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (20°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| October |
43°F (6°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
15°F (-9°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Tappen has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 9°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 20.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.7") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Tappen. 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 Tappen
What is the population of Tappen?
Tappen has a population of 264 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 251 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.3% female and 52.7% male.
Is Tappen expensive to live in?
Tappen 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 $50,682, 33% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $806 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
What is the weather like in Tappen?
Tappen has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 9°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 20.9 inches, with 48.9 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Tappen?
Tappen has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.6%, near the national average 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 28 minutes, and 13.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Tappen?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $806. Fair market rent is $795 for a 1-bedroom and $965 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.0%.
How are the schools in Tappen?
Schools in Tappen score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 7.4% of adults in Tappen hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.8% have completed high school. 1.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Tappen?
The obesity rate in Tappen is 39.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.7% of adults are smokers. 24.1% are physically inactive. 21.7% of residents report depression. 2.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 17.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Tappen?
The average commute in Tappen is 28 minutes. 66.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 13.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Tappen?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Tappen is 89.8% White, 1.9% Black or African American, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino. 95.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.5% speak Spanish. 11.5% of the population are military veterans. 19.3% of residents have a disability. 97.3% have health insurance coverage.