Cost of Living in Grafton, ND
Population 4,128 · North Dakota · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Grafton a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $154,000. An unemployment rate of 2.7% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Located 110 miles north of Fargo, Grafton is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 43% lower than Fargo's $270,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Grafton
The median home value in Grafton is $153,800 — 50% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $715/month, 46% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $60,184/year is 19% 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 50.6°F and lows of 28.9°F, with about 48.4" of annual snowfall. Overall, Grafton has a cost of living index of 52 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 48% less expensive.
Grafton has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 16 | 21 | 34 | 52 | 67 | 76 | 81 | 80 | 70 | 54 | 36 | 21 |
| Low °F | -3 | 1 | 15 | 29 | 41 | 53 | 57 | 54 | 45 | 33 | 18 | 4 |
| Precip" | 0.49 | 0.51 | 0.91 | 1.21 | 2.80 | 3.77 | 3.52 | 2.81 | 2.26 | 1.88 | 0.92 | 0.66 |
| Snow" | 9.9 | 7.1 | 7.4 | 3.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.6 | 6.6 | 12.3 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Grafton, ND?
Grafton has a cost index of 52 (100 = national average). It is 48% below the national average.
What is average rent in Grafton, ND?
The median gross rent in Grafton is $715 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Grafton?
The median home value in Grafton is $153,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Grafton?
The median household income in Grafton is $60,184 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Grafton, ND?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Grafton is 6.9%. The North Dakota state income tax top rate is 2.5%.
Is Grafton, ND affordable?
Yes, Grafton is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 52 — about 48% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Grafton?
Grafton has average high temperatures of 50.6°F and average lows of 28.9°F. Annual precipitation is 21.7". Average annual snowfall is 48.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Grafton at a Glance
- Population
- 4,128
- Median Income
- $60,184
- Home Value
- $153,800
- Median Rent
- $715/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 50.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
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North Dakota Rankings
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