Ray, ND
Population 762 · North Dakota
About Ray, ND
Ray is a small community located in North Dakota with a population of 762 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $69,792 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 31.8 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Ray features a median home value of $211,500, which is 14% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Ray in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $971, 17% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 376 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (184 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (128 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ray shows an unemployment rate of 0.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 9.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Ray have an average one-way commute time of 28.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
14.2% of Ray residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 12.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Ray Ranks in North Dakota
Cost of Living in Ray, ND
Compared to national averages, Ray has a median household income of $69,792 (7% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $211,500, which is 14% below the national median. Monthly rent at $971 is 17% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Dakota, Ray's income is 4% below the state average of $72,691, and home values are 52% above the state median of $139,496.
Why Live in Ray, ND?
Ray offers affordable housing with a median home value of $211,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $971/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.3%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 9.7%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($69,792) that falls below the national average. However, Ray’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ray has a population of 762 with a median age of 31.8 years. Compare Ray with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Dakota.
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Other Cities in North Dakota
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Ray
What is the population of Ray, ND?
The population of Ray, ND is 762 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in North Dakota.
What is the median household income in Ray?
The median household income in Ray, ND is $69,792 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ray?
The median home value in Ray, ND is $211,500, which is 14% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ray?
The median monthly rent in Ray, ND is $971, which is 17% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ray?
The unemployment rate in Ray, ND is 0.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Ray, ND a good place to live?
Ray offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 762 and a median age of 31.8, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Ray, ND?
14.2% of residents in Ray aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Ray?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ray, ND: median home value is $211,500 (14% below national), median rent is $971/month, and median household income is $69,792. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Ray?
The poverty rate in Ray, ND is 9.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Ray, ND?
Ray's population is 0.0% White, 12.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.