Median Income
$65,357
13% lower than US avg
Home Value
$103,300
63% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
217/100K
43% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.8%
44% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$712
39% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.5%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.5%
86% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
16.8%
35% higher than US avg
How Wishek Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population922
Median Age50.4 yrs
Density640/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans3.8%
Economy
B+
Median Income$65,357
Per Capita$33,862
Unemployment0.5%
Poverty16.8%
County GDP$152M
Commute7 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$103,300
Rent$712
Ownership80.1%
Zillow$142,693
Housing Units430
Rent Burden19.5%
Crime
F
Violent217/100K
Property543/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault109/100K
Burglary109/100K
Health
Obesity36.5%
Uninsured9.6%
Smoking17.1%
Depression21.7%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Sunny Days253/yr
Elevation2,036 ft (621 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+18.8%
High School+83.2%
Graduate+3.5%
School Score6.18
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 17%
Commute7 min
Broadband79.3%
Libraries2
Is Wishek a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wishek receives an overall livability score of 3.1 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 an elevated poverty rate. Wishek offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wishek is $65,357, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.5%. The poverty rate of 16.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 7 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wishek is $103,300, 63% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $712 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Wishek is below the national average at 217 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 543 per 100,000, 72% below the national average.
Education
18.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Wishek has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 69°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.
Wishek has a population of 922 with a density of 640 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age is 50.4 years, 30% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57% female and 43% male. The city is predominantly White (90.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 78.7% of residents, while 21.3% speak Spanish. 3.8% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 9.9% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 93.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
50.4yrs
Median Age
30% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
78.7%
0% below US avg
Spanish
21.3%
59% above US avg
The median household income in Wishek is $65,357, which is 13% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,862 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $893, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 16.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 141 business establishments, including 10 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 7 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,357 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,862 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $893 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,394 |
| Gini Index | 0.446 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.5% |
| 86% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 16.8% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 141 |
| County GDP | $152M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 10 |
| Healthcare | 11 |
| Retail | 18 |
| Manufacturing | 6 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 6.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.6% |
The median home value in Wishek is $103,300, 63% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $142,693, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $712 (39% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 80.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 430 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. 19.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $103,300 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $142,693 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $712 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.9% |
| Housing Units | 430 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
In Wishek, 36.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 31.2% have high blood pressure. 17.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.4% report binge drinking. 25.6% are physically inactive. 21.7% report depression. 16.4% experience frequent mental distress. 9.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,257. 69.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Wishek vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.5% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.2% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.6% |
| Depression | 21.7% |
| Mental Distress | 16.4% |
| Physical Distress | 13.0% |
| Short Sleep | 33.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.3% |
| Uninsured | 9.6% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,257 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,488 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.9% |
| Dental Visits | 62.8% |
| Premature Death | 10,582/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 69.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 11 |
Wishek has a violent crime rate of 217 per 100,000 residents, 43% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 108.6 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 108.6. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 543 per 100,000, 72% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 434, burglary at 109, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Wishek receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Wishek vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 217.2/100K |
| 43% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 108.6/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 108.6/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 542.9/100K |
| 72% below US avg |
| Burglary | 108.6/100K |
| Theft | 434.3/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Wishek has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. 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 2,036 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-12°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 41.2°F |
| 24% below US avg |
| January Average | 11°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 253 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,036 ft (621 m) |
| Area | 1.5 sq mi (3.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 640/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.2556°N, 99.5545°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | McIntosh County County |
| Nearest Airport | Jamestown Regional (JMS)
62 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.31"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 35.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 85.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 38.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
277 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 4 fatalities, 45 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 29, 1953 |
EF5 |
88 km |
2 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 2002 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 2011 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2002 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1983 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 1974 |
EF3 |
16 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1966 |
EF3 |
29 km |
2 |
| May 20, 1965 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1955 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2011 |
EF2 |
24 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 2001 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1999 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: TRIBLE (9,718 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
TRIBLE |
9,718 |
88 km |
| 2006 |
LUND |
9,425 |
99 km |
| 2003 |
MCCLEAN BOTTOMS |
6,421 |
90 km |
| 1994 |
CHICAGOLAKE |
4,606 |
88 km |
| 2015 |
CANNON BALL |
3,068 |
81 km |
| 2006 |
1804 |
2,778 |
98 km |
| 2011 |
MOUND CITY |
2,755 |
73 km |
| 2004 |
FISCHER |
2,578 |
81 km |
| 2000 |
NEUGERFIRE |
2,150 |
92 km |
| 2000 |
FTMANUEL |
2,124 |
82 km |
| 2003 |
24 |
2,119 |
93 km |
| 2002 |
BISRURAL2 |
1,649 |
91 km |
| 2015 |
BIG LAKE FIRE |
1,587 |
79 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
1,492 |
92 km |
| 2003 |
JOEL BERTSCH 2 |
1,460 |
39 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,438 |
97 km |
| 2004 |
ALLEN STUECKLE |
1,330 |
45 km |
| 1985 |
CHASE LAKE |
1,215 |
84 km |
| 2002 |
BALE II |
1,179 |
85 km |
| 1999 |
SOLEN |
1,155 |
97 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
15°F (-9°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
42°F (5°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
2.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Wishek has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 11°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.3") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Wishek. 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 | $600 |
| Preschool | $603 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Wishek
What is the population of Wishek?
Wishek has a population of 922 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 640 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 50.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57% female and 43% male.
Is Wishek expensive to live in?
Wishek 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 $65,357, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $103,300 (63% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $712 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Wishek safe?
Wishek is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 217 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 543 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Wishek receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Wishek?
Wishek has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 11°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°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 Wishek?
The job market in Wishek is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $893. There are 141 business establishments in the area, including 10 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 7 minutes, and 1.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wishek?
The median home value in Wishek is $103,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $142,693. For renters, the median monthly rent is $712. Fair market rent is $795 for a 1-bedroom and $965 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 80.1%.
How are the schools in Wishek?
Schools in Wishek score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.8% of adults in Wishek hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.2% have completed high school. 3.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wishek?
The obesity rate in Wishek is 36.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.1% of adults are smokers. 25.6% are physically inactive. 21.7% of residents report depression. 9.6% lack health insurance. 69.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,257.
What is transportation like in Wishek?
The average commute in Wishek is 7 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 86% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wishek?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wishek is 90.2% White. 78.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 21.3% speak Spanish. 3.8% of the population are military veterans. 9.9% of residents have a disability. 93.3% have health insurance coverage.
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