Cost of Living in Devils Lake, ND

Population 7,170 · North Dakota · Data vintage 2023

54
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Devils Lake's median household income of $42,755 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (24% here). An unemployment rate of 2.7% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Geographically, Devils Lake lies roughly 130 miles northwest of the nearest major metro, Fargo. Median home values run roughly 37% lower than Fargo's $270,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 56
Rent 52

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Devils Lake

The median home value in Devils Lake is $171,000 — 44% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $678/month, 48% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $42,755/year is 43% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.7%, below the national average of 4.8%. North Dakota's top state income tax rate is 2.5% and the combined sales tax is 6.9%. The climate averages highs of 49.8°F and lows of 30.6°F. Overall, Devils Lake has a cost of living index of 54 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 46% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$171,000
44% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$238,203
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$678/mo
48% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
21.0x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
1.1%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$754
1 BR
$761
2 BR
$928
3 BR
$1,300
4 BR
$1,558
Owner-occupied 43.5%
Renter-occupied 56.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$678
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,292/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
14.0 min
48% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
5.4%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
72.6%
Carpooled
12.9%
Public transit
1.0%
Walked
8.2%
Work from home
5.4%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 2.5%
Total Sales Tax 6.9%
State rate 5.0%
Avg local rate 1.9%
Property Tax 1.1%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$42,755
43% below avg
Per Capita Income
$31,177
Unemployment Rate
2.7%
45% below avg
Poverty Rate
24.0%
Labor Force Participation
67.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 21.6%
Graduate degree 3.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 37.2
Male median age 35.3
Female median age 39.5

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
49.8°F
Avg Low
30.6°F
Annual Precip
20"
-10° 13° 35° 58° 80° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 162133516574797969533522
Low °F -221531445559574934185
Precip" 0.480.380.640.962.473.763.822.431.961.510.750.82

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

87%
4-Year Graduation Rate
12.9:1
Student-teacher ratio
5
Public schools
1,658
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Devils Lake, ND?

Devils Lake has a cost index of 54 (100 = national average). It is 46% below the national average.

What is average rent in Devils Lake, ND?

The median gross rent in Devils Lake is $678 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Devils Lake?

The median home value in Devils Lake is $171,000 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Devils Lake?

The median household income in Devils Lake is $42,755 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Devils Lake, ND?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Devils Lake is 6.9%. The North Dakota state income tax top rate is 2.5%.

Is Devils Lake, ND affordable?

Yes, Devils Lake is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 54 — about 46% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Devils Lake?

Devils Lake has average high temperatures of 49.8°F and average lows of 30.6°F. Annual precipitation is 20". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Devils Lake at a Glance

Population
7,170
Median Income
$42,755
Home Value
$171,000
Median Rent
$678/mo
Unemployment
2.7%
Avg High Temp
49.8°F
Sales Tax
6.9%
View all cities in North Dakota →
🗺️ County data for North Dakota

Explore county-level cost of living data

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