Cost of Living in Fairmount, ND

With a cost of living index of 55, Fairmount, ND is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 45% cheaper than the national average and 20% below the North Dakota state average of 74. Fairmount is a small community of 316 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Fairmount's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $567 (57% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $79,300 (74% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 1.4x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Fairmount is $55,313, which is 26% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 12% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Fairmount. The area sees an average annual temperature of 44°F, with summers averaging 69°F and winters around 17°F. Annual rainfall totals 22.9 inches spread over roughly 108 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.