Median Income
$81,354
8% higher than US avg
Home Value
$208,700
26% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
253/100K
33% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.1%
40% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$755
35% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.4%
32% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.1%
69% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.2%
50% lower than US avg
How Velva Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population997
Median Age35.1 yrs
Density1,039/mi²
Male / Female42% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans6.7%
Economy
A+
Median Income$81,354
Per Capita$37,832
Unemployment1.1%
Poverty6.2%
County GDP$279M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$208,700
Rent$755
Ownership75.5%
Zillow$211,194
Housing Units454
Rent Burden20.8%
Crime
F
Violent253/100K
Property1,095/100K
Health
Obesity42.4%
Uninsured7.6%
Smoking16.2%
Depression22.5%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp39°F (4°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain19.2 in/yr
Sunny Days274/yr
Elevation1,509 ft (460 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.1%
High School+93.7%
Graduate+6.4%
School Score5.78
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 18%
Commute23 min
Broadband79.5%
EV Stations6
Libraries1
Is Velva a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Velva receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Velva offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Velva is $81,354, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.1%. Only 6.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Velva is $208,700, 26% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $755 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Velva is below the national average at 253 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,095 per 100,000, 44% below the national average.
Education
20.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Velva has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F. Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. With 274 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 19.2 inches, including 41.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Velva has a population of 997 with a density of 1,039 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 35.1 years, 10% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 58.1% female and 41.9% male. The city is predominantly White (94.2%), with 3.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.6% of residents. 6.7% of the population are veterans. 15.2% of residents have a disability. 92.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.1yrs
Median Age
10% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.6%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.4%
75% below US avg
The median household income in Velva is $81,354, which is 8% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,832. The average weekly wage is $1,065, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 242 business establishments, including 9 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $81,354 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,832 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,065 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $73,637 |
| Gini Index | 0.428 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.1% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.2% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 242 |
| County GDP | $279M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 9 |
| Healthcare | 10 |
| Retail | 15 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,200 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.05% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 91.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.8% |
The median home value in Velva is $208,700, 26% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $211,194. Homes sell for 0% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $755 (35% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 75.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 454 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1969. The average annual property tax is $2,200 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 20.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $208,700 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $211,194 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $32 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 0.0% |
| Price Drops | 50.0% |
| Inventory | 2 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $755 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 75.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.5% |
| Housing Units | 454 |
| Median Year Built | 1969 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,200 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.05% |
In Velva, 42.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 31.4% have high blood pressure. 16.2% are current smokers. 22.0% report binge drinking. 25.0% are physically inactive. 22.5% report depression. 16.2% experience frequent mental distress. 7.6% of residents lack health insurance. 27.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Velva vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.4% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.4% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.0% |
| Depression | 22.5% |
| Mental Distress | 16.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 33.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.4% |
| Uninsured | 7.6% |
| 12% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 72.7% |
| Dental Visits | 61.7% |
| Premature Death | 8,292/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 27.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 10 |
Velva has a violent crime rate of 253 per 100,000 residents, 33% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,095 per 100,000, 44% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Velva receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Velva vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 252.7/100K |
| 33% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,095.2/100K |
| 44% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 17 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Velva has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 274 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 19.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 41.0 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,509 feet.
Temperature
8°F Jan (-13°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 39.3°F |
| 27% below US avg |
| January Average | 8°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 274 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,509 ft (460 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,039/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.0582°N, 100.9329°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | McHenry County County |
| Nearest Airport | Minot International (MOT)
21 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
19.2"
50% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.15"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 11.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 52.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| 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
220 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 19 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 26, 1986 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1977 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1958 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1956 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 2022 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2017 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2004 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1997 |
EF2 |
75 km |
1 |
| Jun 6, 1982 |
EF2 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1974 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1974 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 1973 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1965 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1960 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1958 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1955 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1954 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1954 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 2022 |
EF1 |
28 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RED CROSS (3,015 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
RED CROSS |
3,015 |
61 km |
| 2017 |
NDJCR WUI RX COUNTY RD 17 2016 |
2,772 |
61 km |
| 2009 |
COUNTY ROAD 17 |
2,291 |
60 km |
| 1994 |
ASPEN |
1,994 |
60 km |
| 2008 |
POOL 326 |
1,805 |
64 km |
| 2006 |
RIVERDALE WOODS/DOWNSTREAM |
1,705 |
75 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,678 |
100 km |
| 1997 |
FOXHOLM1 |
1,187 |
56 km |
| 2007 |
ROBINSON SUNFLOWER |
1,115 |
70 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
8°F (-13°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
67°F (19°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
2.0 in |
Warmest |
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| November |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
13°F (-10°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Velva has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 8°F in January to 68°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 17.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.2") and February the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Velva. 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 | $921 |
| Toddler | $842 |
| Preschool | $780 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $677 |
| Toddler | $640 |
| Preschool | $643 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Velva
What is the population of Velva?
Velva has a population of 997 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 1,039 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 58.1% female and 41.9% male.
Is Velva expensive to live in?
Velva 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 $81,354, 8% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $208,700 (26% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $755 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Velva safe?
Velva is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 253 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,095 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Velva receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Velva?
Velva has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 8°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. The area receives 274 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 19.2 inches, with 41.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Velva?
The job market in Velva is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,065. There are 242 business establishments in the area, including 9 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 4.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Velva?
The median home value in Velva is $208,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $211,194. For renters, the median monthly rent is $755. Fair market rent is $795 for a 1-bedroom and $965 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 75.5%. The average annual property tax is $2,200.
How are the schools in Velva?
Schools in Velva score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.1% of adults in Velva hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.7% have completed high school. 6.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Velva?
The obesity rate in Velva is 42.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.2% of adults are smokers. 25.0% are physically inactive. 22.5% of residents report depression. 7.6% lack health insurance. 27.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Velva?
The average commute in Velva is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 91.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Velva?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Velva is 94.2% White, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino. 96.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.4% speak Spanish. 6.7% of the population are military veterans. 15.2% of residents have a disability. 92.4% have health insurance coverage.
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