Grafton 71 Excellent
Grafton Livability #61 ranked city in North Dakota#7,010 ranked city in the USARanks better than 76% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Grafton

PROS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.

  • Crime Crime

    The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.

  • Housing Housing

    High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.

  • Commute Commute

    Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.

  • Schools Schools

    The lower than average schools score may be influenced by below-average education levels, subpar reading and math scores and the lack of access to local elementary and high schools.

What's it like Living in Grafton?

Grafton is a small-sized city located in the state of North Dakota. The city has a population of 4,241 inhabitants. If we look at the most recent Census, Grafton is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are American Indian and Alaskan and Asian. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Grafton is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 14 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to figure out if living in Grafton is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a fulfilling experience before moving to any new city in North Dakota, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. To help you find the best places to live in and around Grafton, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, commute, health & safety, education, housing and more.

Using data and statistics Grafton has received a livability score of 68/100. This score is ranked in the 71st percentile when compared to all other cities. Based on the grades for each individual category, Grafton has been rewarded with high marks for crime (B) and housing (A+). Unfortunately for Grafton, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: amenities (F) and education (D-).

Crime rates can be the deciding factor for anyone looking to relocate to a new area, as the result is often a greater level of safety and security as well as an improved quality of life. Grafton gets top scores for their low violent crime rates of 50 crimes per 100,000 residents, which are significantly lower than the national average.

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Grafton, the unemployment rate stands at 2.2%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Grafton market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Grafton is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Grafton come in at $165,819, which is 43.6% lower than the North Dakota average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Grafton, the home price to income ratio is 2.1, which is 36.4% lower than the North Dakota average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Grafton

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      Grafton transportation information

      Statistic Grafton North Dakota National
      Average one way commute14min17min26min
      Workers who drive to work83.1%80.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool12.5%9.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%0.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.4%0.6%
      Workers who walk3.0%3.6%2.8%
      Working from home1.2%4.9%4.6%
      Source: The Grafton, ND data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.