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Willow City, ND

North Dakota · Bottineau County

Willow City is a small town in North Dakota with a population of 126. Residents earn $69,000 per year, which is 8% below the national average.

3.7 /5.0
B+ Good
126 Population 268/sq mi density
$69,000 Median Income $46,768 per capita
$51,700 Home Value
$675 Median Rent 9.0% income on rent
38°F Avg Temperature 274 sunny days/yr
B+
Overall
3.7 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
A
Economy
4.4 / 5.0
$69,000 median income, 0.0% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$51,700 home value, $675/mo rent
D
Education
1.6 / 5.0
7.6% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $69,000
8% lower than US avg
Home Value $51,700
82% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 7.6%
77% lower than US avg
Median Rent $675
42% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 37.0%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment 0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate 0.0%
100% lower than US avg

How Willow City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population126
Median Age63.0 yrs
Density268/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans84.0%

Economy

A
Median Income$69,000
Per Capita$46,768
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$586M
Commute33 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$51,700
Rent$675
OwnershipN/A
Housing Units118
Rent Burden9.0%

Health

Obesity37.0%
Uninsured6.7%
Smoking13.5%
Depression20.5%
Heart Disease5.1%

Climate

Avg Temp38°F (3°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain19.0 in/yr
Sunny Days274/yr
Elevation1,470 ft (448 m)

Education

D
Bachelor's+7.6%
High School+89.8%
Graduate+3.6%
School Score5.98

Community

2024 VoteR 77% / D 21%
Commute33 min
Broadband86.0%
Libraries2

Is Willow City a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Willow City receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Willow City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Willow City is $69,000, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Willow City is $51,700, 82% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $675 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 0.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.

Education

7.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.

Climate & Weather

Willow City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F. Winters average 5°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 19.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.

Willow City has a population of 126 with a density of 268 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 63.0 years, 62% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.2% female and 50.8% male. The city is predominantly White (92.1%), with 4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.8% of residents. 84.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.8% have health insurance coverage.

Population

126
Total Population
268
People / sq mi
63.0yrs
Median Age
62% above US avg
0.5mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 50.8%
Female 49.2%

Race & Ethnicity

Willow City vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only97.8%
25% above US avg
Spanish2.2%
84% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Willow City vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Willow City is $69,000, which is 8% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $46,768 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,013, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 335 business establishments, including 27 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 — offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Willow City vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$69,000
8% below US avg
Per Capita Income$46,768
Avg Weekly Wage$1,013
IRS Avg AGI$85,516

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment0.0%
100% below US avg
Poverty Rate0.0%
100% below US avg
Establishments (County)335
County GDP$586M

Business (County)

Restaurants27
Healthcare18
Retail29
Manufacturing7

Tax & Cost of Living

Property Tax (IRS)$4,300
23% above US avg
Cost of Living89.00 (100=avg)
Effective Tax Rate8.32%

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time33.2 min
Drive Alone100.0%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home0.0%

Walkability

The median home value in Willow City is $51,700, 82% below the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $675 (42% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. There are 118 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1962. The average annual property tax is $4,300 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 9.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.7x, well within the affordable range.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$51,700
82% below US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$675
42% below US avg
Rent Burden9.0%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$769
1 Bedroom$795
2 Bedrooms$965
3 Bedrooms$1,297
4 Bedrooms$1,588

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied79.1%
Renter-Occupied20.9%
Housing Units118
Median Year Built1962

Property Tax

Avg Tax (IRS)$4,300
23% above US avg
Effective Rate8.32%
In Willow City, 37.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.1% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 29.9% have high blood pressure. 13.5% are current smokers. 24.7% report binge drinking. 20.3% are physically inactive, below the national average. 20.5% report depression. 14.6% experience frequent mental distress. 6.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,130. The dentist ratio is 1:3,188. 63.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.

Health Metrics: Willow City vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity37.0%
15% above US avg
Diabetes8.1%
Heart Disease5.1%
High Blood Pressure29.9%
Asthma10.1%
COPD5.0%
Cancer7.5%
Stroke2.6%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking13.5%
4% below US avg
Binge Drinking24.7%
Physical Inactivity20.3%
Depression20.5%
Mental Distress14.6%
Physical Distress10.7%
Short Sleep33.8%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate97.8%
Uninsured6.7%
22% below US avg
Primary Care1:2,130
Dentists1:3,188
Mental Health1:3,175
Checkup Rate71.6%
Dental Visits66.2%
Premature Death5,598/100K

Food & Exercise

Food Environment8.7/10
Exercise Access63.0%
Healthcare Facilities18
Willow City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F (3°C). Winters average 5°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July — a wide seasonal temperature swing of 62°F. 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 19.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,470 feet.

Temperature

5°F Jan (-15°C) 67°F Jul (19°C)
Annual Average37.6°F
30% below US avg
January Average5°F (-15°C)
July Average67°F (19°C)
Sunny Days274 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall19.0 inches
50% below US avg

Air Quality

AQI Median38.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation1,470 ft (448 m)
Area0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²)
Population Density268/sq mi
Coordinates48.6047°N, 100.2933°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago
CountyBottineau County County
County FIPS38009

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 5°F (-15°C) 0.5 in Coldest
February 11°F (-12°C) 0.4 in Driest
March 23°F (-5°C) 0.7 in
April 40°F (4°C) 1.3 in
May 54°F (12°C) 2.1 in
June 63°F (17°C) 3.0 in Wettest
July 67°F (19°C) 2.8 in Warmest
August 66°F (19°C) 2.3 in
September 56°F (13°C) 1.8 in
October 43°F (6°C) 1.2 in
November 25°F (-4°C) 0.6 in
December 10°F (-12°C) 0.5 in

Willow City has a seasonal temperature swing of 62°F — from 5°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.0") and February the driest (0.4").

Willow City is located in Bottineau County. It is classified as Nonmetro — Rural, adjacent, a rural community. 7.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 77% below the national average of 33.7%. 89.8% have completed high school. 3.6% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 6 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 76.8% of the vote, a 55.3-point margin. 86.0% of households have broadband internet access. There are 2 public libraries serving the community. 18 healthcare facilities operate in the area. 100% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 76.8%
D 21.5%

Winner: Republican by 55.3 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+7.6%
77% below US avg
High School+89.8%
Graduate Degree+3.6%
School Test Score5.98
D Education Grade (1.6/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

RUCC Code 8Nonmetro — Rural, adjacent
Population Density268/sq mi
Total Area0.5 sq mi
CountyBottineau County County

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access86.0%
Public Libraries2
Healthcare Facilities18
Restaurants27
Retail Stores29

Safety & Disasters

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)2

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute33.2 min
Drive Alone100.0%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home0.0%

Frequently Asked Questions About Willow City

What is the population of Willow City?

Willow City has a population of 126 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 268 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 63.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.2% female and 50.8% male.

Is Willow City expensive to live in?

Willow 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 $69,000, 8% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $51,700 (82% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $675 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

What is the weather like in Willow City?

Willow City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F (3°C). Winter temperatures average 5°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 19.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.

How is the job market in Willow City?

The job market in Willow City is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% — well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,013. There are 335 business establishments in the area, including 27 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 33 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Willow City?

The median home value in Willow City is $51,700. For renters, the median monthly rent is $675. Fair market rent is $795 for a 1-bedroom and $965 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The average annual property tax is $4,300.

How are the schools in Willow City?

Schools in Willow City score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 7.6% of adults in Willow City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.8% have completed high school. 3.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Willow City?

The obesity rate in Willow City is 37.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.5% of adults are smokers. 20.3% are physically inactive. 20.5% of residents report depression. 6.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 63.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,130.

What is transportation like in Willow City?

The average commute in Willow City is 33 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 100% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.

What are the demographics of Willow City?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Willow City is 92.1% White, 4% Hispanic or Latino. 97.8% of residents speak only English at home. 84.0% of the population are military veterans. 18.7% of residents have a disability. 97.8% have health insurance coverage.

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