ExoRoadExoRoadExoRoad
CountiesStatesHidden GemsCompareMap

Footer

Problem?  Give feedback

Features

  • Explore counties
  • Explore states
  • Compare areas
  • Heatmaps
  • Hidden Gems

More

  • About
  • Blog
  • Data Sources
  • Premium Pricing
Contact: eric@exoroad.com
Problem?  Give feedback

Subscribe to our newsletter

For updates and notifications on new features

DiscordDiscord Twitter

© 2025 ExoRoad, Inc. All rights reserved.

    OverviewWeatherHousingDemographicsJobsPoliticsCrimeTransportationEducationOutdoorsCulture
    1. North Dakota
    2. Nelson County

    Major cities or towns:

    Lakota
    McVille
    Michigan City
    Nelson County, North Dakota is a predominantly rural county located in the central part of the state. The geography features gently rolling prairies and numerous small lakes and wetlands, providing a scenic natural environment. The climate is continental, with warm summers and very cold, snowy winters. The population is around 3,000, with the majority living in small towns and the county seat of Lakota. The economy is largely agricultural, focused on crops like wheat, corn, and soybeans, as well as livestock production. Job opportunities can be limited outside of farming and related industries. Housing is affordable, with a median home price around $100,000, but the cost of living is lower than the national average. K-12 education is provided through several small public school districts, while higher education options are limited. Healthcare services are available locally, but more specialized care may require travel to larger regional centers. Cultural attractions are sparse, but outdoor recreation like hunting, fishing, and birdwatching are popular. The transportation network consists primarily of rural roads, with no major highways or airports within the county. Crime rates are generally low, and the community is known for a quiet, traditional small-town lifestyle. Overall, Nelson County offers a peaceful, affordable rural living experience, but with limited economic and cultural opportunities compared to more urban areas.

    Demographics

    Population

    2,879

    Ethnicity %

    White
    96
    Black
    unknown
    Asian
    0
    Hispanic
    4

    Median Age

    unknown

    Density

    1 of 10

    3 / Mile²

    Avg Family Size

    3.0

    Religious

    95%

    Foreign Born

    4%

    Veterans

    6.9%

    Adult Smokers

    18%

    Adult Obesity

    35%

    Uninsured

    9%

    Excessive Drinking

    24%

    Poverty Rate

    11.1%

    Weather

    Sunlight

    4.5 hours winter dailyLeast sunny

    Summer average temp

    86°F

    Winter max temp

    21°F

    Precipitation

    19 in.

    Snowfall (inches)

    39.2 (high)

    Drought risk

    Very Low

    Earthquake risk

    Very Low

    Wildfire risk

    Low

    Tornado risk

    Low

    Hurricane risk

    Negligible

    Crime

    Rank: 2.4 of 10

    (crimes per 1,000 people yearly)

    Violent

    2 (1.1)

    Property

    3 (12)

    Assault

    1 (0.5)

    Larceny (theft)

    2 (8)

    Robbery

    2 (0.2)

    Burglary

    4 (4.0)

    Rape

    4 (0.33)

    Auto Theft

    2 (0.6)

    Murder

    (unknown; low population) (0.00)

    Arson

    2 (0.09)

    Driving deaths involving alcohol

    50%

    Politics and Law

    State politics

    Red (Republican)

    Abortion laws

    Legal, no providers

    Marijuana laws

    legal-for-medical-use, decriminalized

    Gun Laws

    No Permits Required

    Democrat

    33%

    Republican

    65%

    State Tax Burden

    7.81%

    Cigarette Tax

    $0.44

    Jobs

    Income (per capita)

    $51,367

    Unemployment

    2.6%

    Employment

    64.6%

    Hours worked

    45.3

    Outdoors

    Natural Amenities

    2.1 / 10

    Water Area

    2.69%

    Near park?

    86%

    Beaches

    Not near the coast

    Mountains

    Not near mountains

    Tree Area

    1%

    Housing

    Home Ownership

    63%

    Median Home Price

    $135K

    Average Rent

    $522

    Internet over 25mbps

    100%

    Transportation

    Walkability

    unknown

    Cycling

    unknown

    Public Transit

    unknown

    Major Airport

    >2 hours

    Average Commute Time

    20

    Education

    K-12 Test Scores

    8 of 10  

    (avg: 0.14)

    College graduates

    25%

    Culture

    Arts scene

    unknown

    Food awards per 100k

    unknown