Median Income
$75,729
1% higher than US avg
Home Value
$226,200
20% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
257/100K
32% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.5%
30% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$804
31% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.7%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.3%
92% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.8%
37% lower than US avg
How Washburn Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,434
Median Age36.8 yrs
Density849/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans4.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$75,729
Per Capita$42,049
Unemployment0.3%
Poverty7.8%
County GDP$332M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$226,200
Rent$804
Ownership69.1%
Zillow$241,275
Housing Units768
Rent Burden22.5%
Crime
F
Violent257/100K
Property3,007/100K
Health
Obesity39.7%
Uninsured6.7%
Smoking13.6%
Depression22.0%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (6°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain17.7 in/yr
Sunny Days273/yr
Elevation1,837 ft (560 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.5%
High School+93.5%
Graduate+3.3%
School Score5.43
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 14%
Commute19 min
Broadband86.9%
EV Stations1
Is Washburn a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Washburn 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. Washburn offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Washburn is $75,729, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.3%. Only 7.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Washburn is $226,200, 20% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $804 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Washburn is below the national average at 257 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,007 per 100,000, 53% above the national average.
Education
23.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Washburn has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 273 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 17.7 inches, including 43.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Washburn has a population of 1,434 with a density of 849 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age is 36.8 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.8% female and 51.2% male. The city is predominantly White (97.4%), with 1.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99% of residents. 4.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 8.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 97.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.8yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.0%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.0%
93% below US avg
The median household income in Washburn is $75,729, which is 1% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $42,049. The average weekly wage is $1,762, 23% higher than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 73 business establishments, including 21 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $75,729 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $42,049 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,762 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $78,503 |
| Gini Index | 0.382 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.3% |
| 92% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.8% |
| 37% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 73 |
| County GDP | $332M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 21 |
| Healthcare | 3 |
| Retail | 6 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.2% |
The median home value in Washburn is $226,200, 20% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $241,275. Monthly rent averages $804 (31% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 69.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 768 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. 22.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $226,200 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $241,275 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $804 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.9% |
| Housing Units | 768 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
In Washburn, 39.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.2% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 29.6% have high blood pressure. 13.6% are current smokers. 23.5% report binge drinking. 21.7% are physically inactive. 22.0% report depression. 15.0% experience frequent mental distress. 6.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). 45.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Washburn vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.6% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.1% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.6% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.7% |
| Depression | 22.0% |
| Mental Distress | 15.0% |
| Physical Distress | 10.9% |
| Short Sleep | 32.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.0% |
| Uninsured | 6.7% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 73.4% |
| Dental Visits | 66.1% |
| Premature Death | 9,686/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 3 |
Washburn has a violent crime rate of 257 per 100,000 residents, 32% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,007 per 100,000, 53% above the U.S. average. Overall, Washburn receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Washburn vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 256.8/100K |
| 32% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,007.0/100K |
| 53% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Washburn has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 273 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 17.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 43.1 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 1,837 feet.
Temperature
12°F Jan (-11°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 42.4°F |
| 21% below US avg |
| January Average | 12°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 273 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,837 ft (560 m) |
| Area | 1.7 sq mi (4.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 849/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.2940°N, 101.0278°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Oliver County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bismarck Municipal (BIS)
38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
17.7"
54% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.35"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0474 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 2.8 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 1.58 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 1.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 77.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
241 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 3 fatalities, 63 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 29, 1953 |
EF5 |
98 km |
2 |
| Jul 1, 1952 |
EF4 |
48 km |
1 |
| Jul 30, 1981 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1978 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1956 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1956 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 2022 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF2 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2004 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1990 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1982 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1975 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1971 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1965 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1957 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1956 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1955 |
EF2 |
5 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1954 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
10 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: MCCLEAN BOTTOMS (6,421 ac, 2003).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2003 |
MCCLEAN BOTTOMS |
6,421 |
82 km |
| 2006 |
RIVERDALE WOODS/DOWNSTREAM |
1,705 |
35 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,678 |
90 km |
| 2002 |
BISRURAL2 |
1,649 |
81 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
1,492 |
79 km |
| 2006 |
RICE LAKE 1 |
1,150 |
65 km |
| 2007 |
ROBINSON SUNFLOWER |
1,115 |
30 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
1,062 |
52 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,049 |
75 km |
| 2005 |
KIMBALL BOTTOMS FIRE |
1,028 |
73 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
42°F (6°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
15°F (-9°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Washburn has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 12°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.4") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Washburn. 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 | $863 |
| Toddler | $789 |
| Preschool | $731 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $635 |
| Toddler | $599 |
| Preschool | $603 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Washburn
What is the population of Washburn?
Washburn has a population of 1,434 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 849 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.8 years. The population is 48.8% female and 51.2% male.
Is Washburn expensive to live in?
Washburn 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 $75,729, 1% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $226,200 (20% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $804 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Washburn safe?
Washburn is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 257 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,007 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Washburn receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Washburn?
Washburn has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 12°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 273 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 17.7 inches, with 43.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Washburn?
The job market in Washburn is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,762. There are 73 business establishments in the area, including 21 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 5.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Washburn?
The median home value in Washburn is $226,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $241,275. For renters, the median monthly rent is $804. Fair market rent is $795 for a 1-bedroom and $965 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 69.1%.
How are the schools in Washburn?
Schools in Washburn score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.5% of adults in Washburn hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.5% have completed high school. 3.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Washburn?
The obesity rate in Washburn is 39.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.6% of adults are smokers. 21.7% are physically inactive. 22.0% of residents report depression. 6.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 45.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Washburn?
The average commute in Washburn is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Washburn?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Washburn is 97.4% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino. 99% of residents speak only English at home. 4.5% of the population are military veterans. 8.0% of residents have a disability. 97.0% have health insurance coverage.
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