Rugby, ND
Population 2,555 · North Dakota
About Rugby, ND
Rugby is a small town located in North Dakota with a population of 2,555 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,580 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Rugby features a median home value of $147,800, which is 40% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Rugby in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $829, 29% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,323 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (880 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (321 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rugby shows an unemployment rate of 0.8%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 14.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Rugby have an average one-way commute time of 11.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
31.2% of Rugby residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.8% White, 6.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.1% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Rugby Ranks in North Dakota
Cost of Living in Rugby, ND
Compared to national averages, Rugby has a median household income of $50,580 (33% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $147,800, which is 40% below the national median. Monthly rent at $829 is 29% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Dakota, Rugby's income is 30% below the state average of $72,691, and home values are 6% above the state median of $139,496.
Why Live in Rugby, ND?
Rugby offers affordable housing with a median home value of $147,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $829/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.8%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 11.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,580) that falls below the national average. However, Rugby’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rugby has a population of 2,555 with a median age of 40.4 years. Compare Rugby with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Rugby
Cities in North Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hazen | 2,509 | $72,094 | $189,300 | Compare |
| Casselton | 2,640 | $68,472 | $297,500 | Compare |
| New Town | 2,725 | $50,707 | $199,700 | Compare |
| Lisbon | 2,262 | $61,953 | $185,700 | Compare |
| Carrington | 2,171 | $65,469 | $141,800 | Compare |
| Stanley | 2,089 | $105,893 | $241,300 | Compare |
| Grand Forks AFB | 2,072 | $72,279 | $0 | Compare |
| Bottineau | 2,063 | $70,882 | $165,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Dakota
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Rugby With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rugby
What is the population of Rugby, ND?
The population of Rugby, ND is 2,555 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in North Dakota.
What is the median household income in Rugby?
The median household income in Rugby, ND is $50,580 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rugby?
The median home value in Rugby, ND is $147,800, which is 40% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rugby?
The median monthly rent in Rugby, ND is $829, which is 29% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rugby?
The unemployment rate in Rugby, ND is 0.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Rugby, ND a good place to live?
Rugby offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,555 and a median age of 40.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rugby, ND?
31.2% of residents in Rugby 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 Rugby?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rugby, ND: median home value is $147,800 (40% below national), median rent is $829/month, and median household income is $50,580. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rugby?
The poverty rate in Rugby, ND is 14.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Rugby, ND?
Rugby's population is 0.8% White, 6.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.