Median Income
$107,708
43% higher than US avg
Home Value
$189,700
33% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
36.3%
8% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$561
52% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.3%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.7%
46% lower than US avg
How Tower City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population345
Median Age39.6 yrs
Density168/mi²
Male / Female48% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans7.8%
Economy
A+
Median Income$107,708
Per Capita$43,169
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty6.7%
County GDP$19,105M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$189,700
Rent$561
Ownership83.9%
Zillow$242,862
Housing Units144
Rent Burden18.0%
Health
Obesity34.3%
Uninsured3.8%
Smoking12.1%
Depression24.7%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain21.5 in/yr
Elevation1,172 ft (357 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+36.3%
High School+97.6%
Graduate+6.8%
School Score6.24
Community
2024 VoteR 53% / D 45%
Commute22 min
Broadband89.1%
EV Stations3
Libraries8
Is Tower City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Tower City receives an overall livability score of 4.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Tower City stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Tower City is $107,708, which is significantly higher than the national average / 43% above $75,149. This places Tower City among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 6.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Tower City is $189,700, 33% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $561 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 36.3% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 97.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Tower City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 21.5 inches, including 36.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Tower City has a population of 345 with a density of 168 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age is 39.6 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.5% female and 47.5% male. The city is predominantly White (99.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.4% of residents. 7.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
345
Total Population
2023 Census
39.6yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Tower City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.4%
23% above US avg
Spanish
2.5%
81% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Tower City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Tower City is $107,708, which is 43% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $43,169 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,285. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 9,494 business establishments, including 480 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Tower City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $107,708 |
| 43% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $43,169 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,285 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $99,188 |
| Gini Index | 0.465 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.7% |
| 46% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 9,494 |
| County GDP | $19,105M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 480 |
| Healthcare | 610 |
| Retail | 678 |
| Manufacturing | 197 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,730 |
| 149% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.60% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.2% |
The median home value in Tower City is $189,700, 33% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $242,862, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $561 (52% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 83.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 144 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $8,730 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 18.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $189,700 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $242,862 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $561 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 83.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.1% |
| Housing Units | 144 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,730 |
| 149% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.60% |
In Tower City, 34.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 28.1% have high blood pressure. 12.1% are current smokers. 22.8% report binge drinking. 17.1% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 14.0% experience frequent mental distress. 3.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,014. The dentist ratio is 1:1,235. 89.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Tower City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.3% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.1% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 4.7% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.1% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 17.1% |
| Depression | 24.7% |
| Mental Distress | 14.0% |
| Physical Distress | 10.0% |
| Short Sleep | 29.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.2% |
| Uninsured | 3.8% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,014 |
| Dentists | 1:1,235 |
| Mental Health | 1:294 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.4% |
| Dental Visits | 71.0% |
| Premature Death | 6,730/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 89.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 610 |
Tower City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 61°F. Annual precipitation totals 21.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 36.7 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. 79% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 1,172 feet.
Temperature
8°F Jan (-13°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 40.5°F |
| 25% below US avg |
| January Average | 8°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,172 ft (357 m) |
| Area | 2.1 sq mi (5.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 168/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.9263°N, 97.6760°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Cass County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hector International (FAR)
41 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
21.5"
43% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.59"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 78.7% |
| Unhealthy Days | 2 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0386 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 8.4 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 1.55 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 10.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 82.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 93.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Very High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very High |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M3.7 on Oct 20, 1995.
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
141 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
476 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 15 fatalities, 172 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 20, 1957 |
EF5 |
25 km |
10 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2007 |
EF4 |
88 km |
1 |
| Jul 18, 2004 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF4 |
70 km |
2 |
| Aug 27, 2016 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 2011 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2007 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1987 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1973 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1973 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1971 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Aug 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Sep 6, 1958 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1957 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
7 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIESTERFELD (3,481 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
BIESTERFELD |
3,481 |
63 km |
| 2003 |
OLERUD |
1,275 |
60 km |
| 2018 |
EAST JIM LAKE |
1,214 |
92 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,153 |
93 km |
| 2017 |
NDAWR FY17 RX G10 11 12 D5 |
1,148 |
96 km |
| 1985 |
ALICE 02 |
1,142 |
23 km |
| 2006 |
FULLERS LAKE 06 |
1,109 |
40 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
8°F (-13°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
40°F (5°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
3.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| October |
44°F (7°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Tower City has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F / from 8°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 21.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.6") and February the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Tower City. 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 | $926 |
| Toddler | $844 |
| Preschool | $784 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $681 |
| Toddler | $642 |
| Preschool | $647 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Tower City
What is the population of Tower City?
Tower City has a population of 345 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 168 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.6 years. The population is 52.5% female and 47.5% male.
Is Tower City expensive to live in?
Tower City 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 $107,708, 43% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $189,700 (33% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $561 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Tower City?
Tower City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 8°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 21.5 inches, with 36.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Tower City?
The job market in Tower City is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,285. There are 9,494 business establishments in the area, including 480 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 4.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Tower City?
The median home value in Tower City is $189,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $242,862. For renters, the median monthly rent is $561. Fair market rent is $795 for a 1-bedroom and $965 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 83.9%. The average annual property tax is $8,730.
How are the schools in Tower City?
Schools in Tower City score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 36.3% of adults in Tower City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 97.6% have completed high school. 6.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Tower City?
The obesity rate in Tower City is 34.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.1% of adults are smokers. 17.1% are physically inactive. 24.7% of residents report depression. 3.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 89.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,014.
What is transportation like in Tower City?
The average commute in Tower City is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 87% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Tower City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Tower City is 99.1% White. 96.4% of residents speak only English at home. 7.8% of the population are military veterans. 16.2% of residents have a disability. 96.2% have health insurance coverage.