Median Income
$57,250
24% lower than US avg
Home Value
$123,900
56% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.6%
42% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$779
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.2%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.5%
1% higher than US avg
How Turtle Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population502
Median Age43.5 yrs
Density984/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans6.4%
Economy
B+
Median Income$57,250
Per Capita$35,526
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty12.5%
County GDP$68M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$123,900
Rent$779
Ownership75.9%
Zillow$139,800
Housing Units329
Rent Burden20.0%
Health
Obesity40.2%
Uninsured10.2%
Smoking14.6%
Depression22.6%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
Rain18.2 in/yr
Elevation1,878 ft (572 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.6%
High School+93.4%
Graduate+5.0%
School Score5.10
Community
2024 VoteR 86% / D 13%
Commute22 min
Broadband79.5%
EV Stations1
Is Turtle Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Turtle Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Turtle Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Turtle Lake is $57,250, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 12.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Turtle Lake is $123,900, 56% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $779 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
19.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Turtle Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 18.2 inches, including 44.1 inches of snow.
Turtle Lake has a population of 502 with a density of 984 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 43.5 years, 12% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.8% female and 52.2% male. The city is predominantly White (91.8%), with 1.8% Hispanic, 1.8% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 89.7% of residents, while 8.1% speak Spanish. 6.4% of the population are veterans. 11.7% of residents have a disability. 89.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
502
Total Population
2023 Census
43.5yrs
Median Age
12% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Turtle Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
89.7%
14% above US avg
Spanish
8.1%
40% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Turtle Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Turtle Lake is $57,250, which is 24% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,526. The average weekly wage is $701, 51% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 52 business establishments, including 5 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). 12.6% of workers work from home.
Income: Turtle Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,250 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,526 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $701 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,463 |
| Gini Index | 0.409 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.5% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 52 |
| County GDP | $68M |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 68.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.6% |
The median home value in Turtle Lake is $123,900, 56% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $139,800, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $779 (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. 75.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 329 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. 20.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $123,900 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $139,800 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $779 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 75.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.1% |
| Housing Units | 329 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
In Turtle Lake, 40.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 29.8% have high blood pressure. 14.6% are current smokers. 23.0% report binge drinking. 23.2% are physically inactive. 22.6% report depression. 15.6% experience frequent mental distress. 10.2% of residents lack health insurance. 37.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Turtle Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.2% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.8% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.6% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.2% |
| Depression | 22.6% |
| Mental Distress | 15.6% |
| Physical Distress | 11.4% |
| Short Sleep | 31.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.8% |
| Uninsured | 10.2% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 73.2% |
| Dental Visits | 66.8% |
| Premature Death | 15,039/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 37.6% |
Turtle Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 18.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 44.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,878 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-12°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 41.1°F |
| 24% below US avg |
| January Average | 11°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,878 ft (572 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 984/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.5215°N, 100.8908°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Sheridan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bismarck Municipal (BIS)
52 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
18.2"
52% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.47"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 5.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 31.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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: EF4. Total: 1 fatality, 43 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 1, 1952 |
EF4 |
60 km |
1 |
| Jul 30, 1981 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1978 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1958 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1956 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1956 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 2022 |
EF2 |
27 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2004 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1990 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1982 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1975 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1974 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1965 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1960 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1957 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1956 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1955 |
EF2 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1954 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RIVERDALE WOODS/DOWNSTREAM (1,705 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
RIVERDALE WOODS/DOWNSTREAM |
1,705 |
40 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,678 |
93 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
1,492 |
100 km |
| 2006 |
RICE LAKE 1 |
1,150 |
74 km |
| 2007 |
ROBINSON SUNFLOWER |
1,115 |
32 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
1,062 |
71 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,049 |
97 km |
| 2005 |
KIMBALL BOTTOMS FIRE |
1,028 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| October |
44°F (6°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Turtle Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 11°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 18.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.5") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Turtle Lake. 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 | $869 |
| Toddler | $794 |
| Preschool | $735 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $638 |
| Toddler | $603 |
| Preschool | $607 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Turtle Lake
What is the population of Turtle Lake?
Turtle Lake has a population of 502 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 984 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.8% female and 52.2% male.
Is Turtle Lake expensive to live in?
Turtle Lake 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 $57,250, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $123,900 (56% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $779 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Turtle Lake?
Turtle Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 11°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 18.2 inches, with 44.1 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Turtle Lake?
The job market in Turtle Lake is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $701. There are 52 business establishments in the area, including 5 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 12.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Turtle Lake?
The median home value in Turtle Lake is $123,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $139,800. For renters, the median monthly rent is $779. Fair market rent is $795 for a 1-bedroom and $965 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 75.9%.
How are the schools in Turtle Lake?
Schools in Turtle Lake score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.6% of adults in Turtle Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.4% have completed high school. 5.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Turtle Lake?
The obesity rate in Turtle Lake is 40.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.6% of adults are smokers. 23.2% are physically inactive. 22.6% of residents report depression. 10.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 37.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Turtle Lake?
The average commute in Turtle Lake is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 68.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Turtle Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Turtle Lake is 91.8% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.8% Asian. 89.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 8.1% speak Spanish. 6.4% of the population are military veterans. 11.7% of residents have a disability. 89.8% have health insurance coverage.