Turtle Lake, ND
Population 502 · North Dakota
About Turtle Lake, ND
Turtle Lake is a small community located in North Dakota with a population of 502 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $57,250 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.5 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Turtle Lake features a median home value of $123,900, which is 49% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Turtle Lake one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $779, 33% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 361 total housing units, 76% are owner-occupied (189 units) and 24% are renter-occupied (60 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Turtle Lake shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 14.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Turtle Lake have an average one-way commute time of 21.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
19.6% of Turtle Lake 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, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.8% Asian residents, with 8.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Turtle Lake, ND
Compared to national averages, Turtle Lake has a median household income of $57,250 (24% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $123,900, which is 49% below the national median. Monthly rent at $779 is 33% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Dakota, Turtle Lake's income is 21% below the state average of $72,691, and home values are 11% below the state median of $139,496.
Why Live in Turtle Lake, ND?
Turtle Lake offers affordable housing with a median home value of $123,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $779/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 21.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($57,250) that falls below the national average. However, Turtle Lake’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Turtle Lake has a population of 502 with a median age of 43.5 years. Compare Turtle Lake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Dakota.
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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Turtle Lake
What is the population of Turtle Lake, ND?
The population of Turtle Lake, ND is 502 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 Turtle Lake?
The median household income in Turtle Lake, ND is $57,250 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Turtle Lake?
The median home value in Turtle Lake, ND is $123,900, which is 49% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Turtle Lake?
The median monthly rent in Turtle Lake, ND is $779, which is 33% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Turtle Lake?
The unemployment rate in Turtle Lake, ND is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Turtle Lake, ND a good place to live?
Turtle Lake offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 502 and a median age of 43.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Turtle Lake, ND?
19.6% of residents in Turtle Lake 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 Turtle Lake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Turtle Lake, ND: median home value is $123,900 (49% below national), median rent is $779/month, and median household income is $57,250. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Turtle Lake?
The poverty rate in Turtle Lake, ND is 14.2%, 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 Turtle Lake, ND?
Turtle Lake's population is 0.0% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.8% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 8.0% of residents are foreign-born.