Median Income
$57,417
24% lower than US avg
Home Value
$164,600
42% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
194/100K
49% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.9%
32% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$753
35% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.8%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.0%
72% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.6%
23% lower than US avg
How Wahpeton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population7,996
Median Age34.8 yrs
Density1,492/mi²
Male / Female53% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans8.7%
Economy
B+
Median Income$57,417
Per Capita$33,164
Unemployment1.0%
Poverty9.6%
County GDP$386M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$164,600
Rent$753
Ownership48.1%
Zillow$224,643
Housing Units3,598
Rent Burden24.1%
Crime
F
Violent194/100K
Property2,786/100K
Murder25.8/100K
Assault129/100K
Burglary374/100K
Health
Obesity39.8%
Uninsured8.3%
Smoking17.0%
Depression23.5%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (6°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Sunny Days253/yr
Elevation966 ft (294 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.9%
High School+94.3%
Graduate+5.3%
School Score5.74
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Commute18 min
Broadband88.3%
EV Stations3
Libraries1
Is Wahpeton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wahpeton receives an overall livability score of 3.2 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 below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Wahpeton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wahpeton is $57,417, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.0%. 9.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wahpeton is $164,600, 42% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $753 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Wahpeton is below the national average at 194 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,786 per 100,000, 42% above the national average.
Education
22.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Wahpeton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 253 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Wahpeton has a population of 7,996 with a density of 1,492 people per square mile, spread across 5.2 square miles. The median age is 34.8 years, 11% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.5% female and 52.5% male. The city is predominantly White (87.6%), with 5.8% Hispanic, 1.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.2% of residents. 8.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.9% of residents have a disability. 93.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.8yrs
Median Age
11% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.2%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.8%
87% below US avg
The median household income in Wahpeton is $57,417, which is 24% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,164 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,077, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 208 business establishments, including 7 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,417 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,164 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,077 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,164 |
| Gini Index | 0.450 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.0% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.6% |
| 23% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 208 |
| County GDP | $386M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 7 |
| Healthcare | 20 |
| Retail | 20 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,733 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.27% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.7% |
The median home value in Wahpeton is $164,600, 42% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $224,643, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 90.6% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $753 (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. 48.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 3,598 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $3,733. 24.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $164,600 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $224,643 |
| Median List Price | $336,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $336,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $109 |
| Homes Sold | 6 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 90.6% |
| Price Drops | 7.7% |
| Inventory | 26 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $753 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $838 |
| Rent Burden | 24.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 48.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 48.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 51.9% |
| Housing Units | 3,598 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,733 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.27% |
In Wahpeton, 39.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 33.1% have high blood pressure. 17.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.1% report binge drinking. 25.9% are physically inactive. 23.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,198. The dentist ratio is 1:3,175. 56.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Wahpeton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.8% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.1% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.9% |
| Depression | 23.5% |
| Mental Distress | 16.3% |
| Physical Distress | 13.0% |
| Short Sleep | 34.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.2% |
| Uninsured | 8.3% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,198 |
| Dentists | 1:3,175 |
| Mental Health | 1:371 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.4% |
| Dental Visits | 58.5% |
| Premature Death | 9,030/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 56.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 20 |
Wahpeton has a violent crime rate of 194 per 100,000 residents, 49% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 129.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 38.7. The murder rate is 25.8 per 100,000 (above the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,786 per 100,000, 42% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,051, burglary at 374, vehicle theft at 361 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Wahpeton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Wahpeton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 193.5/100K |
| 49% below US avg |
| Murder | 25.8/100K |
| 310% above US avg |
| Rape | 38.7/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 129.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,786.4/100K |
| 42% above US avg |
| Burglary | 374.1/100K |
| Theft | 2,051.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 361.2/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 10 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Wahpeton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 62°F. The area gets 253 sunny days per year, above the national average. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 966 feet.
Temperature
9°F Jan (-13°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 42.1°F |
| 22% below US avg |
| January Average | 9°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 253 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 966 ft (294 m) |
| Area | 5.2 sq mi (13.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,492/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.2721°N, 96.6122°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Wilkin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hector International (FAR)
46 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.54"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 5.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 71.9 / 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 Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 29, 2011.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
71 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
57 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
89 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
443 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 15 fatalities, 207 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 20, 1957 |
EF5 |
90 km |
10 |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF4 |
56 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 2010 |
EF4 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
93 km |
1 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF4 |
39 km |
2 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1982 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1973 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1956 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1952 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2022 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
29 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIESTERFELD (3,481 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
BIESTERFELD |
3,481 |
62 km |
| 2003 |
ROTHSAY |
3,015 |
34 km |
| 2024 |
DORAN WMA |
2,455 |
32 km |
| 2003 |
DANIELSON |
1,682 |
60 km |
| 2003 |
OLERUD |
1,275 |
56 km |
| 2007 |
FLICKERTAIL |
1,239 |
90 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,153 |
65 km |
| 1985 |
ALICE 02 |
1,142 |
87 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,128 |
32 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,060 |
32 km |
| 2021 |
HARTLEBEN WPA |
1,002 |
34 km |
| 1999 |
HELLIKSEN |
993 |
100 km |
| 1992 |
MEADOWS |
922 |
22 km |
| 2005 |
HILLICKSON 05 |
818 |
100 km |
| 2012 |
DONELY TILMAN |
773 |
98 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
718 |
90 km |
| 1997 |
HELLIKSON |
669 |
99 km |
| 2006 |
MOSQUITO RANCH |
656 |
73 km |
| 2009 |
READ |
643 |
97 km |
| 2007 |
HAUGVEDT WPA |
630 |
50 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
9°F (-13°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
15°F (-9°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
3.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Wahpeton has a seasonal temperature swing of 62°F / from 9°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 21.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.5") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Wahpeton. 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 | $758 |
| Toddler | $697 |
| Preschool | $637 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $556 |
| Toddler | $563 |
| Preschool | $563 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Wahpeton
What is the population of Wahpeton?
Wahpeton has a population of 7,996 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 1,492 people per square mile, spread across 5.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.5% female and 52.5% male.
Is Wahpeton expensive to live in?
Wahpeton 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 $57,417, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $164,600 (42% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $753 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Wahpeton safe?
Wahpeton is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 194 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,786 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Wahpeton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Wahpeton?
Wahpeton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 9°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 253 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Wahpeton?
The job market in Wahpeton is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,077. There are 208 business establishments in the area, including 7 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 6.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wahpeton?
The median home value in Wahpeton is $164,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $224,643. For renters, the median monthly rent is $753. Fair market rent is $795 for a 1-bedroom and $965 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 48.1%. The average annual property tax is $3,733.
How are the schools in Wahpeton?
Schools in Wahpeton score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.9% of adults in Wahpeton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.3% have completed high school. 5.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wahpeton?
The obesity rate in Wahpeton is 39.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.0% of adults are smokers. 25.9% are physically inactive. 23.5% of residents report depression. 8.3% lack health insurance. 56.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,198.
What is transportation like in Wahpeton?
The average commute in Wahpeton is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wahpeton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wahpeton is 87.6% White, 1.9% Black or African American, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino. 98.2% of residents speak only English at home. 8.7% of the population are military veterans. 13.9% of residents have a disability. 93.2% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
