Cost of Living in Watford City, ND
Population 6,016 · North Dakota · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Small, well-paid, and production-driven — Watford City sits at the intersection of rural North Dakota and the state's energy economy. Median household incomes near $88,351 reflect that wage base, while housing costs track the smaller-town baseline. An unemployment rate of 2.0% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Watford City
The median home value in Watford City is $385,100 — 26% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,210/month, 8% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $88,351/year is 18% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.0%, 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 54.2°F and lows of 29.2°F, with about 48.2" of annual snowfall. Overall, Watford City has a cost of living index of 113 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 13% more expensive.
Watford City 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 | 22 | 27 | 40 | 56 | 67 | 77 | 85 | 84 | 73 | 56 | 38 | 26 |
| Low °F | 1 | 6 | 18 | 29 | 40 | 50 | 56 | 54 | 44 | 30 | 17 | 6 |
| Precip" | 0.56 | 0.48 | 0.63 | 1.05 | 2.10 | 2.64 | 2.48 | 1.57 | 1.36 | 0.94 | 0.67 | 0.63 |
| Snow" | 11.2 | 6.7 | 6.4 | 3.7 | 0.9 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2.6 | 6.3 | 10.4 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Watford City, ND?
Watford City has a cost index of 113 (100 = national average). It is 13% above the national average.
What is average rent in Watford City, ND?
The median gross rent in Watford City is $1,210 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Watford City?
The median home value in Watford City is $385,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Watford City?
The median household income in Watford City is $88,351 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Watford City, ND?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Watford City is 6.9%. The North Dakota state income tax top rate is 2.5%.
Is Watford City, ND affordable?
Watford City is above average in cost of living, with an index of 113 — about 13% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Watford City?
Watford City has average high temperatures of 54.2°F and average lows of 29.2°F. Annual precipitation is 15.1". Average annual snowfall is 48.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Watford City at a Glance
- Population
- 6,016
- Median Income
- $88,351
- Home Value
- $385,100
- Median Rent
- $1,210/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 54.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Explore county-level cost of living data
North Dakota Rankings
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