Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fort Yates, ND
Thinking of relocating to Fort Yates, ND? This small, close-knit town of just 184 residents offers affordable living with median home prices at $74,000 and average rents around $650. You’ll enjoy short 13-minute commutes, a strong Native American community, and access to local education with Standing Rock Community School and Sitting Bull College. While cost of living is well below national averages, be aware of higher poverty rates and a rural lifestyle, with cold winters and sunny summers rounding out Fort Yates’ unique appeal.
Demographics - Fort Yates, ND
Demographics - Fort Yates, ND
Fort Yates is a small, close-knit community with a population of 184 and a median age of 28, reflecting a youthful and vibrant atmosphere. The town has a predominantly Native American population, accounting for nearly 85%, and about a third of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density and balanced gender ratio contribute to a welcoming environment for newcomers.
Population:
184
Density:
294 per sq mi
Median Age:
28.3
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
31.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
10.9%
Black:
0.0%
Others:
4.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Fort Yates, ND?
Living in Fort Yates is highly affordable, with a median home value of $74,000 and average rents near $650, well below national averages. Essentials like groceries, utilities, and transportation remain budget-friendly, making it appealing for those seeking cost-effective living. Low state tax rates further enhance its value for residents.
Median House Value:
$74,000
Gross Rent:
$650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,150
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$790
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$320
State Taxes:
Low:
1.1%
|
High:
2.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.4
Grocery:
93.5
Housing:
43.2
Utilities:
95.0
Transportation:
87.1
Health Care:
94.5
Miscellaneous:
80.2
Crime
Is Fort Yates, ND a safe place to live?
Fort Yates experiences moderate crime rates, with a chance of 1 in 262 for violent crime and 1 in 83 for property crime annually. While generally peaceful, it's wise for residents to stay aware of their surroundings and take basic safety precautions. The crime index remains in line with similarly sized rural communities.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
382
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,210
Crime Index:
1,592
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 262
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 83
Weather
What is the weather like in Fort Yates, ND year-round?
Residents in Fort Yates experience four distinct seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 2°F and warm summers reaching highs of 84°F. The area receives about 17 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on nearly 60% of days, making for bright, crisp weather much of the year. Be prepared for chilly winters and pleasant, sunny summers.

Winter
Min:
2°F
Max:
23°F

Spring
Min:
29°F
Max:
60°F

Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
84°F

Fall
Min:
28°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
16.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
59%
Neighbors
The local economy is modest, with median household incomes around $41,400 and a higher-than-average poverty rate at 32%. Commutes are short, averaging just over 13 minutes, and almost a third of residents speak a language other than English. Most adults have at least a high school diploma, though college attainment is less common.
Median Income:
$34,000
Household Income:
$41,400
Family Income:
$45,000
Per Capita Income:
$15,750
Income Male:
$39,000
Income Female:
$32,000
Poverty Rate:
32.4%
Non English Speakers:
31.0%
Rent:
$650
Unemployment Rate:
8.3%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
13.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
79.5%
Bachelors or More:
13.2%
Education
How are the schools in Fort Yates, ND?
Educational opportunities in Fort Yates include the Standing Rock Community School, which serves local students with small class sizes, and Sitting Bull College, offering higher education options in town. While private schooling options are not available locally, public education is accessible and community-focused. The schools support the area's strong Native American heritage and local needs.

Public Schools
Name:
Standing Rock Community School
Street:
9189 Hwy 24
Phone:
701-854-3674
Students:
540
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.5

Colleges
Name:
Sitting Bull College
City:
Fort Yates
State:
ND
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
300
Healthcare
Fort Yates offers accessible healthcare with a local general hospital as well as larger medical centers in nearby Bismarck. About 79% of residents have health insurance, and there are 1.3 physicians per 1,000 people, ensuring basic medical services are within reach. Emergency care is available locally, supporting the community's health needs.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Fort Yates IHS Hospital
Address:
10 North River Road, Fort Yates, ND 58538
Phone:
(701) 854-3831
Type:
General & Primary Care
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
CHI St. Alexius Health Bismarck Medical Center
Address:
900 E Broadway Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501
Phone:
(701) 530-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
78.6%
Health Care Index:
67.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Fort Yates, ND?
The housing market in Fort Yates is very affordable, with a median home price of $74,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $650. Over half of homes are owner-occupied, and vacancy rates are moderate, indicating available options for buyers and renters. Home values have seen modest appreciation, making it a stable market for new residents.
Median Home Price:
$74,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$650
Owner Occupied Rate:
56.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.1%
DMV Information
DMV services for Fort Yates are provided by the North Dakota Department of Transportation, located in nearby Bismarck. Residents can access driver licensing, vehicle registration, and related services through the main office or online. This ensures essential transportation paperwork is manageable for locals.
State:
North Dakota
Department:
North Dakota Department of Transportation
Address:
608 E Boulevard Ave, Bismarck, ND 58505
Phone:
1-855-637-6237
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.