Wishek, ND
Population 922 · North Dakota
About Wishek, ND
Wishek is a small community located in North Dakota with a population of 922 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $65,357 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 50.4 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 Wishek features a median home value of $103,300, which is 58% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Wishek one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $712, 39% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 433 total housing units, 80% are owner-occupied (301 units) and 20% are renter-occupied (75 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Wishek shows an unemployment rate of 0.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 14.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Wishek have an average one-way commute time of 6.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
18.8% of Wishek 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 6.4% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 8.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Wishek Ranks in North Dakota
Cost of Living in Wishek, ND
Compared to national averages, Wishek has a median household income of $65,357 (13% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $103,300, which is 58% below the national median. Monthly rent at $712 is 39% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Dakota, Wishek's income is 10% below the state average of $72,691, and home values are 26% below the state median of $139,496.
Why Live in Wishek, ND?
Wishek offers affordable housing with a median home value of $103,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $712/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.9%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 6.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($65,357) that falls below the national average. However, Wishek’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Wishek has a population of 922 with a median age of 50.4 years. Compare Wishek with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Dakota.
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Demographics
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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 Wishek
What is the population of Wishek, ND?
The population of Wishek, ND is 922 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 Wishek?
The median household income in Wishek, ND is $65,357 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wishek?
The median home value in Wishek, ND is $103,300, which is 58% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Wishek?
The median monthly rent in Wishek, ND is $712, which is 39% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wishek?
The unemployment rate in Wishek, ND is 0.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Wishek, ND a good place to live?
Wishek offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 922 and a median age of 50.4, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Wishek, ND?
18.8% of residents in Wishek 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 Wishek?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wishek, ND: median home value is $103,300 (58% below national), median rent is $712/month, and median household income is $65,357. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Wishek?
The poverty rate in Wishek, ND is 14.1%, 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 Wishek, ND?
Wishek's population is 6.4% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 8.0% of residents are foreign-born.