Median Income
$56,471
25% lower than US avg
Home Value
$152,800
46% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
30.0%
11% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$782
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.9%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.0%
11% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.8%
21% lower than US avg
How Valley City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population6,554
Median Age38.0 yrs
Density1,524/mi²
Male / Female51% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans9.6%
Economy
B+
Median Income$56,471
Per Capita$35,525
Unemployment4.0%
Poverty9.8%
County GDP$853M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$152,800
Rent$782
Ownership61.0%
Zillow$200,821
Housing Units3,284
Rent Burden25.4%
Health
Obesity39.9%
Uninsured4.2%
Smoking15.5%
Depression22.2%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
Rain21.5 in/yr
Elevation1,222 ft (372 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+30.0%
High School+94.6%
Graduate+7.5%
School Score6.47
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 31%
Commute15 min
Broadband79.6%
EV Stations3
Libraries2
Is Valley City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Valley City receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Valley 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 Valley City is $56,471, 25% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.0%, indicating a healthy job market. 9.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Valley City is $152,800, 46% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $782 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
30.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Valley 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 47.2 inches of snow.
Valley City has a population of 6,554 with a density of 1,524 people per square mile, spread across 3.5 square miles. The median age is 38.0 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.5% female and 50.5% male. The city is predominantly White (90%), with 2.8% Hispanic, 2.1% Black, 2.2% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.3% of residents. 9.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.5% of residents have a disability. 95.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
6,554
Total Population
2023 Census
38.0yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Valley City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.3%
23% above US avg
Spanish
4.6%
66% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Valley City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Valley City is $56,471, which is 25% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,525. The average weekly wage is $993, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 9.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 458 business establishments, including 30 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Valley City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $56,471 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,525 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $993 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $78,727 |
| Gini Index | 0.457 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.0% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.8% |
| 21% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 458 |
| County GDP | $853M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 30 |
| Healthcare | 38 |
| Retail | 44 |
| Manufacturing | 16 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,300 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.81% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.4% |
The median home value in Valley City is $152,800, 46% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $200,821, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $782 (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. 61.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 3,284 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $4,300 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $152,800 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $200,821 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $782 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $763 |
| Rent Burden | 25.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 61.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 61.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 39.0% |
| Housing Units | 3,284 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,300 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.81% |
In Valley City, 39.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 31.1% have high blood pressure. 15.5% are current smokers. 23.2% report binge drinking. 23.6% are physically inactive. 22.2% report depression. 15.8% experience frequent mental distress. 4.2% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,081. The dentist ratio is 1:1,537. 64.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Valley City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.9% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.1% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.5% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.6% |
| Depression | 22.2% |
| Mental Distress | 15.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 34.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.8% |
| Uninsured | 4.2% |
| 51% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,081 |
| Dentists | 1:1,537 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,192 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.3% |
| Dental Visits | 60.2% |
| Premature Death | 7,642/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 64.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 38 |
Valley 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 47.2 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,222 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 | 1,222 ft (372 m) |
| Area | 3.5 sq mi (9.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,524/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.9226°N, 98.0041°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Barnes County County |
| Nearest Airport | Jamestown Regional (JMS)
32 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
21.5"
43% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.59"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 45.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 60.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 76.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
458 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 13 fatalities, 171 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 20, 1957 |
EF5 |
50 km |
10 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2007 |
EF4 |
94 km |
1 |
| Jul 18, 2004 |
EF4 |
33 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 2002 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF4 |
90 km |
2 |
| Aug 27, 2016 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 2011 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2007 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2001 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1987 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1973 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1973 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1971 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Aug 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Sep 6, 1958 |
EF3 |
3 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1957 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1956 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIESTERFELD (3,481 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
BIESTERFELD |
3,481 |
75 km |
| 2003 |
OLERUD |
1,275 |
75 km |
| 2018 |
EAST JIM LAKE |
1,214 |
69 km |
| 2017 |
NDAWR FY17 RX G10 11 12 D5 |
1,148 |
73 km |
| 1985 |
ALICE 02 |
1,142 |
42 km |
| 2006 |
FULLERS LAKE 06 |
1,109 |
50 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 (20°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 |
|
Valley 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 Valley 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 | $903 |
| Toddler | $824 |
| Preschool | $764 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $664 |
| Toddler | $626 |
| Preschool | $631 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Valley City
What is the population of Valley City?
Valley City has a population of 6,554 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 1,524 people per square mile, spread across 3.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.0 years. The population is 49.5% female and 50.5% male.
Is Valley City expensive to live in?
Valley 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 $56,471, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $152,800 (46% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $782 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Valley City?
Valley 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 47.2 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Valley City?
Valley City has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $993. There are 458 business establishments in the area, including 30 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 2.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Valley City?
The median home value in Valley City is $152,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $200,821. For renters, the median monthly rent is $782. Fair market rent is $795 for a 1-bedroom and $965 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 61.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,300.
How are the schools in Valley City?
Schools in Valley City score 6.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 30.0% of adults in Valley City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.6% have completed high school. 7.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Valley City?
The obesity rate in Valley City is 39.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.5% of adults are smokers. 23.6% are physically inactive. 22.2% of residents report depression. 4.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 64.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,081.
What is transportation like in Valley City?
The average commute in Valley City is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Valley City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Valley City is 90% White, 2.1% Black or African American, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 2.2% Asian. 96.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.6% speak Spanish. 9.6% of the population are military veterans. 15.5% of residents have a disability. 95.8% have health insurance coverage.