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Minot, North Dakota

Minot is a city in and the county seat of Ward County, North Dakota, United States, in the state's north-central region. It is most widely known for the Air Force base approximately 15 mi north of the city. With a population of 48,377 at the 2020 census, Minot is the state's fourth-most populous city and a trading center for a large part of northern North Dakota, southwestern Manitoba, and southeastern Saskatchewan. Founded in 1886 during the construction of James J. Hill's Great Northern Railway, Minot is also known as "Magic City", commemorating its remarkable growth in size over a short time.

Minot is the principal city of the Minot metropolitan area, a metropolitan area that covers McHenry, Renville, and Ward counties and had a combined population of 77,546 at the 2020 census.

History

Minot came into existence in 1886, after the Great Northern Railway laid track through the area. A tent town sprang up overnight, as if by "magic", giving Minot its first nickname, the Magic City; in the next five months, the population increased to over 5,000, further bolstering the nickname. The town site was chosen by the railroad to be placed on the land of homesteader Erik Ramstad, who was convinced to relinquish his claim and became one of the city leaders. The town was named after Henry Minot, a Great Northern investor, ornithologist, and friend of Hill. Its Arikara name is niwaharít sahaáhkat, and its Hidatsa name is maagada'ashish ("Plum Coulee").

The city was incorporated on July 16, 1887. The Minneapolis, St. Paul and Sault Ste. Marie Railroad (Soo Line) later built a line from Valley City to Canada. While initially their plan was to cross the Souris River at Burlington, local interests and arguments convinced them otherwise; landholders along the new route donated the right-of-way, and the Soo Line reached Minot in 1893.

On July 22, 1920, a tornado passed over Minot and bore down in a coulee 3 mi southeast of town. The tornado picked up Andy Botz's home and hurled it to the ground, killing his wife, breaking Botz's shoulder, and slightly injuring the two Botz children who were in the house.

Minot and its surrounding area were wide open from 1905 to 1920. The population grew rapidly due to railroad construction and availability of unclaimed land. Nearly complete court records of Ward County and Minot document the prevalence and different types of criminal activity, and offer strong support for the epithet "crime capitol of North Dakota". State attorney general William Langer helped clean up the town in 1917–1920, but by the time Prohibition arrived in the 1920s, Minot had become a center of illegal activities associated with the High Third district, exacerbated because the city was a supply hub of Al Capone's liquor smuggling operations. The hotbed of alcohol bootlegging, prostitution, and opium dens that sprang up in the downtown area soon led people to nickname Minot "Little Chicago". Smugglers used a network of tunnels (some previously built for heating or deliveries) to transport and conceal illicit cargo entering from Canada.

The 1950s saw a large influx of federal funding into the region, with the construction of Minot Air Force Base (1956–1957) 13 mi north of the city, and Garrison Dam (1947–1953) on the Missouri River, about 50 mi south. In 1969, a severe flood on the Souris River devastated Minot in April. Afterward, the Army Corps of Engineers straightened the river's path through the city and built several flood control structures.

On January 18, 2002, a severe train derailment west of the city sent a gigantic cloud of anhydrous ammonia toward Minot and Burlington. One man died and many of Minot's citizens were sickened and severely injured by the gas, causing one of the worst major chemical accidents of the country. In early 2006, court cases were heard in Minneapolis, Minnesota, against Canadian Pacific Railway, the owner of the derailed train. The anhydrous ammonia spill was the largest such spill in U.S. history. Eric Klinenberg used the incident in his book Fighting for Air: The Battle to Control America's Media as an example of the failure of mass media, specifically local radio stations, to disseminate information in an emergency.

The 2011 Souris River flood caused extensive damage throughout the Souris River Valley. On June 21, 2011, KXMC-TV reported that a flood of historic proportions was imminent in the valley, largely due to large dam releases upstream. Around 12,000 people were evacuated. On June 26, flooding exceeded previous records when the river crested at 1,561.7 ft above sea level, 3 ft above the previous record set in 1881. It is estimated that 20% of Minot sustained damage from the flood; this figure includes over 4,100 homes that were in some way affected, 2,376 extensively damaged, and 805 damaged beyond repair. Burlington was also severely damaged during this time.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 17.45 sqmi, of which 17.43 sqmi is land and 0.02 sqmi is water.

Neighborhoods
Minot is commonly divided into three major sections: North Hill, the Mouse River Valley and South Hill. North Hill is the area roughly north of Eleventh Avenue North and Northwest Avenue. South Hill is a broad area south and west of Valley Street and Fifth Avenue South. West of Sixth Street West, South Hill dips sharply to the southwest. South Hill's limits are less clearly defined than North Hill's. Though the neighborhood levels out past 16th Street South, the name South Hill is generally applied to all areas south up to the city limits. Neighborhoods in the Mouse River Valley include Bel Air, Downtown, Eastwood Park, Oak Park and West Minot.

Region
Minot is on the Drift Prairie of northwestern North Dakota. It is at 48.23306°N, -101.29222°W, about 100 mi north of Bismarck. The Mouse River, or Souris River, runs through the city west to east.

Important cities in the region for which Minot is the trading center include Burlington, Velva, Garrison, Stanley, Bottineau, Rugby, and New Town.

Minot is almost entirely land; the Mouse River, its oxbow lakes, and a few creeks take up just 0.14% of the city's area.

The elevation of the river at the city center is 1,540 ft above sea level. The valley sits 160 ft below the surrounding plains; the elevation at the Minot International Airport on North Hill is 1,716 ft. The city has several small horseshoe-shaped oxbow lakes within its limits near the river, created by the Mouse's meandering course.

Grid and address system
The city is laid out on a grid-based street system. Streets run north-south and avenues run east-west. Streets are numbered by their block distance east or west of Main Street. Avenues are numbered north and south of Central Avenue. There are four city quadrants (NW, SW, SE, NE) to designate the location of any address. Main Street addresses are designated North and South. Central Avenue addresses are designated East and West. The grid system carries over into the rural areas of Ward County, making the county one of only three that do not follow the statewide grid system (the others are Burleigh County and Grand Forks County).

Mouse River
The Mouse River divides the city approximately in half, north and south. The valley rises to the plains both north and south of the river. Although there are names for certain features of these hills, such as Anthony Hill on South Hill, there are no general names for these topographical features. The northern rise and the plateau north of it are called North Hill and the southern rise and plateau south of it are called South Hill.

Climate
Minot experiences a warm-summer humid continental climate (Köppen: Dwb) in its marginal zone receiving sufficient precipitation for such category. Like Central Asia, it exhibits great temperature variation. Summers range from warm to moderately hot, with frequent thunderstorm activity. Winters are typically bitterly cold and snowy, with high winds and below-freezing temperatures for weeks at a time. Lows below 0 °F occur on about 39 days during the winter, while temperatures reach 90 °F on 14 days per summer, and in some years reach 100 °F. The average annual snowfall total is 42.5 in.

2020 census
As of the census of 2020, there were 48,377 people, 20,979 households, and 9,978 families residing in the city. The population density was 2346.1 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 85.1% White, 4.2% African American, 2.3% Native American, 2.3% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.6% from other races, and 4.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.3% of the population.

There were 20,979 households, of which 26.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.1% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 44.1% were non-families. Of all households 34.9% were made up of individuals, and 11.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.24.

The median age in the city was 33.8 years. 21.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 65.5% of residents were aged 19–64; and 13% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 51.9% male and 48.1% female.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 40,888 people, 17,863 households, and 9,978 families residing in the city. The population density was 2345.8 PD/sqmi. There were 18,744 housing units at an average density of 1075.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 90.2% White, 2.3% African American, 3.2% Native American, 0.9% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.6% from other races, and 2.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.7% of the population.

There were 17,863 households, of which 26.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.1% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 44.1% were non-families. Of all households 34.9% were made up of individuals, and 11.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.20 and the average family size was 2.86.

The median age in the city was 33.8 years. 21.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 14% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.7% were from 25 to 44; 23.2% were from 45 to 64; and 15% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.3% male and 50.7% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 36,567 people, 15,520 households, and 9,265 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,513.1 PD/sqmi. There were 16,475 housing units at an average density of 1,132.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 93.2% White, 1.3% African American, 2.8% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.5% from other races, and 1.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.5% of the population.

The most populous ancestry groups in the city are German (40.8%), Norwegian (32.3%), Irish (8.7%), English (5.4%), Swedish (4.2%) and French (3.2%).

There were 15,520 households, of which 28.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.6% were married couples living together, 10.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.3% were non-families. Of all households 32.5% were made up of individuals, and 12.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.90.

In the city the population was spread out, with 23.2% under the age of 18, 13.3% from 18 to 24, 27.4% from 25 to 44, 20.7% from 45 to 64, and 15.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.0 males.

As of 2000 the median income for a household was $32,218, and the median income for a family was $42,804. Males had a median income of $30,283 versus $20,023 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,011. About 8.8% of families and 12.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.0% of those under age 18 and 8.9% of those age 65 or over.

Law and government
The mayor of Minot is Tom Ross. As mayor he chairs the 7-member City Council, but only casts a vote to break a tie. City Manager Harold Stewart handles the city's day-to-day affairs.

Minot uses the council–manager system of government. Seven councilmen are elected from 7 city wards to four-year terms. Elections are arranged such that one councilman from each ward is elected every even-numbered year. The mayor is elected to a four-year term as well; the last mayoral election was in 2022. All city offices are nonpartisan.

City elections are held in June in North Dakota, along with the state primary election.

Northwest Area Water Supply
The Northwest Area Water Supply (NAWS) has had disputes with the Canadian government over a plan calling for water to be pumped from Lake Sakakawea, then to Minot for treatment, and then to large stretches of Northwest North Dakota.

Largest employers
According to the City's 2022 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the largest employers in the city are:

Minot's economy predominantly centers around the Air Force Base 13 mi north of town, making the city's economy more robust than other cities of its size due to its large service area.

ING/ReliaStar established a service center in Minot in December 1998.

Minot has seen a significant increase in population and infrastructure investments in the last several years with the expanding drilling (using hydrofracking) of oil in the Bakken Formation and Three Forks Groups. The State of North Dakota has a website detailing daily oil activity.

Education
The Minot Public Schools system operates ten elementary schools (K–5) in the city: Bel Air, Edison, John Hoeven, Lewis and Clark, Longfellow, McKinley Roosevelt, Perkett, Sunnyside, and Washington. The district also operates Bell Elementary, about five miles southeast of Minot. Jefferson Elementary closed in 2003. The old Washington Elementary building closed in 2007 and the students moved to a new building that was renovated from an old health care center. There are also two elementary schools (K–6) on the Minot Air Force Base: Dakota and North Plains. The 2011 flood resulted in the relocation of Erik Ramstad Middle School and the closure of Lincoln Elementary, as both buildings were damaged beyond economical repair. Longfellow Elementary was expanded after the flood and children who lived in the Lincoln neighborhood then attended Longfellow Elementary.

There are three middle schools in the system. The two in Minot are grades 6–8: Jim Hill in the south and Erik Ramstad in the north. Memorial Middle School on Minot AFB is named for fallen veterans of the U.S. armed forces. The school was built in the mid-1960s on the base's northern perimeter. All three middle schools were formerly called "junior high" schools.

The city has one public high school, Minot High School, divided between two campuses. A few blocks east of Downtown Minot is Central Campus (grades 9–10), which occupies the original high school building. On the southwest side of the city is the newer Magic City Campus (grades 11–12), constructed in 1973 just west of Jim Hill Middle School. MPS also operates an adult learning center and Souris River Campus, an alternative high school.

In 2021, voters passed a school bond issue to fund renovation of Central Campus in downtown Minot into a third in-town middle school for students in grades 6 to 8. Magic City Campus will be renovated into a four-year high school attended by students in grades 9 to 12. A second four-year high school, Minot North High School, will be in north Minot on the site of the former Cognizant office building, which has been donated to the school district and will be expanded and renovated.

Private schools in Minot include Bishop Ryan Catholic School, which offers preschool through grade 12 at a single campus. There is also a Protestant K–12 school, Our Redeemer's Christian School.

Minot is also home to Minot State University, the state's third-largest university. MSU's campus is at the base of North Hill, just west of Broadway. A two-year teacher's college when it opened in 1913, Minot State became a university in 1987.

Preschool and daycare
Many of the larger daycare centers and preschools in the Minot area work in collaboration with local church groups. There are also programs such as Head Start and preschool programs through Minot Public Schools. The in-home daycare providers are state registered and licensed.

Culture
Minot's arts community includes an art museum, a symphony orchestra, an opera company, a city band, several dance and theater troupes: over 40 organizations claim membership in the Minot Area Council on the Arts.

Nearly 40% of the city's residents are of Scandinavian ancestry, and every October since 1977, Minot has been the host to the Norsk Høstfest, North America's largest Scandinavian-American festival. Scandinavian Heritage Park is located in Minot. Scandinavian Heritage Park features remembrances and replicas from each of the Scandinavian countries: Norway, Sweden and Denmark, as well as Finland and Iceland.

Recreation
The Minot Park District operates seventeen parks with various facilities; Corbett Field, home to American Legion, high school and college baseball; Optimist soccer complex; MAYSA ice arena; the Sertoma Complex which has 8 softball fields; Souris Valley Golf Course, and an indoor tennis complex.

The city's largest parks are Roosevelt Park and Oak Park. Roosevelt Park Zoo is one of the top zoos in the region. Dogs are allowed in Roosevelt Park, a sign is posted at the entrance confirming this. A "bark park" for dogs opened in the summer of 2005.

The North Dakota State Fair is held in July annually, in Minot. Nearly all recreation areas however are closed during the long winters. The local high school hockey teams use the ice rink located in the Fair Grounds. The ice rink is also turned into the location of the rodeo.

Apple Grove Golf Course, and Souris Valley Golf Course are located in Minot.

Sports

 * The Minot Hot Tots are a Northwoods League baseball team created in 2022. They play their games at Corbett Field.
 * The Minot Mallards were a Mandak League baseball team from 1917 to 1997 that played their games at Corbett Field.
 * The Souris Valley Sabre Dogs, an Expedition League baseball team, played their games at Corbett Field.
 * The Minot Minotauros, an NAHL team, play their games at Maysa Arena.
 * The Minot Muskies, played one season with the American West Hockey League and played their games at All Seasons Arena.
 * The Minot Americans were an SJHL hockey club from 1987 to 1994, playing their games primarily at All Seasons Arena.
 * The Minot Top Guns were an SJHL hockey club from 1994 to 1997, playing their games primarily at All Seasons Arena.
 * Other semi-professional hockey clubs calling Minot home were the Minot Raiders/Rangers (1975–1977) and the Minot Maple Leafs (1985–1986).
 * The Minot Skyrockets, a former Continental Basketball Association team, played their games at Minot Municipal Auditorium.
 * The Minot State Beavers play ice hockey at All Seasons Arena, baseball at Corbett Field, football at Herb Parker Stadium and basketball at the MSU Dome.
 * The Mouse River Rollers play roller derby at different locations around the city, including the Maysa Arena.
 * Minot is home to several municipal sports venues including the All Seasons Arena, Corbett Field, Maysa Arena and the Minot Municipal Auditorium.

Sister cities
Minot maintains a sister city relationship with the Norwegian city of Skien.

Minot is also a sister city of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, about 300 mi to the north-west. The cities share many qualities, including their size, location on river valleys, historical origins, and air force bases.

Media
Minot has several media outlets. KMOT-TV, KXMC-TV and the Minot Daily News report on local news daily. KCJB-AM, KHRT-AM, and Prairie Public have some local news content, but no active journalists.

Radio
Minot is served by 15 radio stations (12 FM, three AM). Bottineau-based Programmer's Broadcasting owns KTZU and KWGO, along with KBTO of Bottineau. Prairie Public Radio operates KMPR FM 88.9, a community broadcaster based in Burlington operates a low-power FM station, and the remainder are nonprofit Christian stations, of which only KHRT is local.

iHeartMedia owns and operates all the commercial stations licensed to Minot itself: KCJB 910, KRRZ 1390, KYYX 97.1, KIZZ 93.7, KMXA-FM 99.9, and KZPR 105.3. This concentration of broadcasting in the hands of a single owner has led to criticism.

AM frequencies

 * 910 KCJB: "91 Country" Classic Country/Talk
 * 1320 KHRT: "K-Heart" Gospel music
 * 1390 KRRZ: "Cars" Classic hits
 * 710 KXMR: "ESPN" Sports talk

FM frequencies

 * 88.9 KMPR: Prairie Public Radio
 * 91.1 K216EE: Real Presence Radio Christian
 * 91.9 K220GC: Air1 Christian
 * 93.7 KIZZ: "Z94" Top 40
 * 94.9 KTZU: "The Zoo" Classic rock
 * 97.1 KYYX: "97 Kicks" Country
 * 98.1 KOWW-LP: "The Cowlip" eclectic community broadcaster (Burlington, North Dakota)
 * 99.9 KMXA-FM: "Mix 99.9" Adult Contemporary
 * 100.7 KNDL: K-Love Christian
 * 102.9 KWGO: "W-G-O" Country
 * 104.1 KSAF-LP: LifeTalk Radio Christian
 * 105.3 KZPR: "The Fox" Active Rock
 * 106.9 KHRT: "K-Heart" Christian

Other stations
Additionally, the following stations are not based in Minot, but generally have a clear signal into town:
 * 550 AM KFYR: "K-Fire" from Bismarck (News/Talk/Sports)
 * 710 AM KXMR: ESPN, also from Bismarck (Sports)
 * 1410 AM KDKT: "Fox Sports Radio 1410" also from Bismarck (Sports)
 * 101.9 FM KBTO: "Sunny 101.9" from Bottineau (Country)

Television
Minot has six television stations, most of which have ATSC (digital) transmitters:
 * KSRE (ATSC RF channel 40); virtual channels 6.1 PBS, 6.2 PBS World, 6.3 Minnesota Channel, 6.4 Lifelong Learning
 * KMOT (ATSC RF channel 10); virtual channels 10.1 NBC, 10.2 Fox, 10.3 Me-TV
 * KXMC-TV (ATSC RF channel 13); virtual channels 13.1 CBS, 13.3 The CW
 * KMCY (ATSC RF channel 14); virtual channels 14.1 ABC
 * KNDM (ATSC RF channel 24); virtual channels 24.1 Heroes & Icons

Cable service
Midco provides cable service to the city of Minot and Minot Air Force Base. Souris River Telecommunications provides cable service to other nearby communities.

Print
The principal local newspaper is the Minot Daily News, which publishes six days a week. The Minot Air Force Base also has a weekly newspaper printed, The Northern Sentry. It is a free publication published on Fridays by BHG, Inc. out of Garrison, ND available on the MAFB, as well as the surrounding communities and many locations within Minot. The Minot State University student newspaper Red & Green is published once a week (Thursdays) during the regular school year, but not during the summer months. Morgan Printing produces the Lunch Letter three days a week on a double-sided leaflet. There is one weekly classified-ad publication, the Trading Post, printed by the Minot Daily News. The Bismarck Tribune is available at several outlets in the city, as is The Forum, to a lesser extent.

Railroads
The railroads that built Minot remain, though Great Northern is now part of the BNSF Railway and the Soo Line is run by the Canadian Pacific Kansas City.

Passenger rail transportation is provided on Amtrak's Empire Builder line, connecting Chicago with Portland and Seattle, which stops at the Minot Amtrak station. Trains make a 20-minute refueling and crew change stop in Minot. Westbound trains are scheduled to arrive daily at 8:29 am local time; eastbound trains are scheduled to arrive daily at 9:27 pm.

Highways

Three major U.S. highways run through the city, connecting it to Canada, Montana, and two interstates: US 2, US 52, and US 83.

US 2 runs east-west and is a four-lane divided highway from Minot east to Grand Forks and beyond as well as west to Williston and into Montana. Minot is midpoint along the North Dakota segment of US 2.

US 83 runs north-south through central Minot as Broadway. It is a four-lane divided highway from Minot south to Bismarck and north to Minot Air Force Base. Just north of the main gate at the base, the road reduces to two lanes and crosses the Canada–US border at Westhope, ND, where it becomes Manitoba Highway 83.

US 52 is a two-lane highway that runs southeast-northwest. Southeast from Minot, it follows a slightly circuitous route to Jamestown. US 52 then merges with Interstate 94 (I-94) after Jamestown, heading due east to Fargo. Northwest from Minot, US 52 crosses the Canada–US border at Portal, ND/North Portal, SK, where it becomes Saskatchewan Highway 39.

The Minot Bypass follows alternate alignments of these roads around the city in its northwest and northeast quadrants, with southwest and southeast bypasses in preliminary planning stages.

Airport
Minot International Airport is served by three airlines as well as charters and air taxi service around North Dakota. Delta Air Lines offers up to six daily round trips to Minneapolis International Airport, offering hundreds of daily connections. United Airlines offers four daily round trips to its Denver International Airport hub. Allegiant Air provides up to four weekly round trips to Las Vegas McCarran International Airport and up to five weekly round trips to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport.

Within the city
Automobiles dominate intracity and local area transport. There is limited fixed-route city transit service (Minot City Transit) on weekdays, and flexible-route rural transit service (Souris Basin Transportation) on an occasional basis. Local transit services for the elderly and disabled (Minot Commission on Aging Transit) meet federal guidelines but have 24-hour advance notice requirements.

Sites of interest

 * Arlene Theater, a performing arts center, where the Mouse River Players perform
 * Dakota Territory Air Museum is an aircraft museum near the airport. It contains many war and civilian aircraft.
 * Maysa Arena, an all-purpose, year-round skating facility operated by the Minot Park District with three sheets of ice under one roof.
 * Scandinavian Heritage Park is home to the Minot Visitor's Center, as well as buildings based on the Scandinavian styles of architecture, including a Stave Church. The grounds are home to the Minot's Arts in the Park series.
 * Old Soo Depot Transportation Museum, museum and research center in the restored 1912 Soo Line Depot.
 * North Dakota State Fair Center, located on the state fairgrounds, is home to many of the city's largest events, including: The North Dakota State Fair, the Norsk Høstfest, the Big One craft show, the KMOT Ag Expo, and the Great Tomato Festival. It also hosts rodeos, and college hockey games.
 * Roosevelt Park and Zoo
 * Taube Museum of Art, located in the 1906 Union National Bank Building, features exhibit space in the Main Gallery and the Lower Gallery, which change every four to six weeks.

Notable people

 * Dale Brown (born 1935), LSU Tigers men's basketball coach, born and raised in Minot
 * Josh Duhamel (born 1972), actor, born and raised in Minot
 * Joseph Enright, U.S. Navy submarine commander in World War II
 * Gary Johnson (born 1953), governor of New Mexico, born in Minot
 * Wiz Khalifa (born 1987), rapper, singer, songwriter and actor, born at the Minot Air Force Base
 * Kevin Miller (born 1977), voice actor, born in Minot
 * Ken Paxton (born 1962), attorney general of Texas, born in Minot
 * Greg Raymer (born 1964), professional poker player, born in Minot
 * Donny Schatz (born 1977), sprint car racing driver
 * Gary Cederstrom (born 1955), retired Major League Baseball umpire

title: Minot, North Dakota


text:
Minot Air Force Base

Minot Air Force Base is a United States Air Force (USAF) installation in Ward County, North Dakota, 13 mi north of the city of Minot via U.S. Route 83. In the 2020 census, the base was counted as a CDP with a total population of 5,017, down from 5,521 in 2010. Minot AFB is the home of two major wings: the 5th Bomb Wing and 91st Missile Wing, both of the Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC).

Originally opened 67.62203640940513 years ago in 1957 as an Air Defense Command (ADC) base, Minot AFB became a major Strategic Air Command (SAC) base in the early 1960s, with both nuclear armed intercontinental ballistic missiles and manned bombers and aerial refueling aircraft.

When SAC was inactivated in 1992, the nuclear mission of the base was divided between two commands, with missiles going to the Air Force Space Command (AFSPC) and manned bombers to the Air Combat Command (ACC). With the establishment of AFGSC in 2009, missiles and manned bombers (excluding the B-1 Lancer) were transferred from AFSPC and ACC to AFGSC in late 2009 and early 2010.

History
Construction of Minot AFB began in May 1956 and it officially opened on January 10, 1957, named for the nearby city of Minot.

Air Defense Command
The initial USAF host unit was the Air Defense Command (ADC) 32d Air Base Group, activating on 8 February 1957.

The ADC 32d Fighter Group was the first operational unit at Minot, with its 433d Fighter-Interceptor squadron. However, no aircraft were assigned to the unit, and January 1958 the 433d FIS was inactivated. It was replaced in February 1960 by the 5th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron (The Spittin' Kittens), transferred to Minot from Suffolk County AFB on Long Island, New York. The 5th FIS flew the F-106 Delta Dart and later the F-15A Eagle.

A Semi Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) facility was built and activated in June 1961. The DC-19 SAGE Data Center was housed in a huge, windowless blast-resistant concrete building with a pair of 275-ton AN/FSQ-7 computers which displayed the live air picture to the many scopes of the weapons and air surveillance operations in the various units on the 2nd floor. The computers processed air surveillance information and sent the data to Air Defense Command units. It was the only two-story SAGE blockhouse in ADC. The Minot SAGE facility was deactivated after less than two years of operation, in May 1963, The facility was then renamed the PRIDE Building ("Professional Results in Daily Effort") after ADC's and SAC's alternate motto of the 1960s and 1970s, and became a large office building housing many different organizations.

Renamed Aerospace Defense Command in 1968, ADC F-106 operations continued at Minot until ADC was inactivated in 1979 and replaced by Air Defense Tactical Air Command, a part of Tactical Air Command.

Strategic Air Command
Strategic Air Command (SAC) initially had units assigned to Minot AFB in 1958 for air refueling support. The 4136th Strategic Wing was formed 1 September 1958, consisting of the 906th Air Refueling Squadron, followed by the 4136th Combat Defense Squadron that was activated on 1 June 1959. The first SAC KC-135A Stratotanker assigned, nicknamed "Miss Minot," arrived on 23 September 1959 and remained on base until the 906th Air Refueling Squadron was relocated to Grand Forks AFB in northeast North Dakota in January 1994. This aircraft was notable for its tail flash – "The Sun Never Sets on the 906th".

The scope of operations grew as the Air Force transferred the 525th Bombardment Squadron from the 19th Bombardment Wing at Homestead AFB, Florida, on March 8, 1961, followed by the first B-52H Stratofortress on 10 July 1961, nicknamed "Peace Persuader". This was preceded by the activation of the 60th Munitions Maintenance Squadron on 1 December 1960, followed by 4136th Armament & Electronics Maintenance Squadron, 4136th Field Maintenance Squadron, and 4136th Organizational Maintenance Squadron 1 March 1961, with the 4136th Airborne Missile Maintenance Squadron being added in November 1962. Demonstrating the capabilities of the B-52, on 10–11 January 1962 a B-52H from the 4136th Strategic Wing at Minot set a new world distance record, flying unrelieved 12532 mi from Kadena AB, Okinawa to Torrejon AB, Spain.

On 1 February 1963, SAC, as part of a conversion to unit designations with historical significance, activated the 450th Bombardment Wing at Minot and the 720th Bombardment Squadron, along with the formation of the 450th Airborne Missile Maintenance Squadron, 450th Armament & Electronics Maintenance Squadron, 450th Field Maintenance Squadron, and the 450th Organizational Maintenance Squadron simultaneously.

In 1961, the Air Force selected the land around Minot for a new Minuteman I ICBM complex. The 455th Strategic Missile Wing was activated in December 1962 along with the 455th Missile Maintenance Squadron. The 740th and 741st Strategic Missile Squadrons operationally controlled the ICBMs and in January 1963, the 742d Strategic Missile Squadron was activated with a third squadron of Minuteman ICBMS. During the 1970s, the 150 missile sites around the region, 10 – from the base, were converted to Minuteman IIIs; a model of the older Minuteman I stands at the Minot AFB main gate.

Command of Minot AFB passed from Air Defense Command to SAC in July 1962 as the base's primary mission changed from air defense to strategic deterrence. The new command unit, the 810th Air Division was organized along with the 862d Combat Support Group as the host unit for the base. Units assigned to the 862d Combat Support Group were the 862d Civil Engineering Squadron, the 862d Combat Defense Squadron (later redesignated 862d Security Police Squadron), the 862d Food Service Squadron (later redesignated 862d Services Squadron), 862d Operations Squadron (later redesignated 862d Communications Squadron), 862d Supply Squadron and 862d Transportation Squadron, The 862d Medical Group was also formed and reported to the Commander, 810th Air Division.

In July 1968, the 450th Bombardment Wing and 455th Strategic Missile Wing were inactivated, being from Travis AFB, California, when jurisdiction of Travis was assumed by the Military Airlift Command and the 91st Strategic Missile Wing from Glasgow AFB, Montana, when it closed. These changes were in line with the Air Force policy of keeping active those units with the most illustrious histories. The 23d Bombardment Squadron assumed operational control of all B-52 aircraft for the 5th Bombardment Wing. Unit Designations Assigned at Minot on June 25, 1968 were the 5th Bombardment Wing and 23rd Bombardment Squadron, 5th Airborne Missile Maintenance Squadron, 5th Armament & Electronics Maintenance Squadron (later redesignated as the 5th Avionics Maintenance Squadron), 5th Field Maintenance Squadron, 5th Organizational Maintenance Squadron & the 5th Munitions Maintenance Squadron. 91st Strategic Missile Wing [Minuteman], 91st Missile Maintenance Squadron.

On July 2, 1969 the 862d Medical Group was renamed the USAF Hospital. Minot, and the 862d Services Squadron was inactivated; its functions were assumed by the 862d Combat Support Group.

The 810th Strategic Aerospace Division was inactivated 30 June 1971, and was replaced by the 5th Bombardment Wing.

The 862d Combat Support Group was inactivated on July 31, 1972, with host unit duties being taken over by the 91st Combat Support Group (SAC). Under SAC policy, missile wings were fixed in locations, where aircraft units were considered a mobile and the host units were assigned to the missile wings. Units assigned to the 91st Combat Support Group were the 91st Civil Engineering Squadron, the 91st Security Police Squadron, 91st Communications Squadron, 91st Supply Squadron and 91st Transportation Squadron, The USAF Hospital, MINOT.

The 4th Airborne Command & Control Squadron (ACCS) at Ellsworth AFB, SD maintained two EC-135 Airborne Launch Control Center (ALCC) aircraft on forward deployed alert at MAFB for Airborne Launch Control System (ALCS) coverage of Minuteman ICBM Wings at Malmstrom AFB, MT; Minot AFB, ND; and Grand Forks AFB, ND. The ALCS provided a survivable launch capability for Minuteman ICBMs if their ground-based Launch Control Centers were incapacitated or destroyed.

Late in 1973 a second Alert Parking Ramp ("Christmas Tree") was added across runway 29, to the south. The 416th Bombardment Wing, from Griffiss AFB in central New York, maintained two B-52G aircraft with AGM-28B Hound Dog Missiles and two KC-135A aircraft along with two KC-135 Aircraft from the 380th Bombardment Wing at Plattsburgh AFB in northeast New York. On 2 January 1975, the 57th Air Division was activated at MAFB, and on 30 September 1975, the 91st Missile Maintenance Squadron was replaced by the 91st Field Missile Maintenance Squadron, and the 91st Organizational Missile Maintenance Squadron.

Following the Iran hostage crisis of 1979–81, SAC tasked the former 57th Air Division to organize the Strategic Projection Force. The 57th AD became the host unit, providing logistical, security, administrative and other support services to the 5th BMW, 91st SMW and tenant organizations.

In the early 1990s, the base prepared for change as the Air Force directed reorganization, and the 5th Bomb Wing assumed host base responsibilities.

Cold War aircraft incidents

 * A KC-135A tanker (AF Ser. No. 58-0026) from March AFB crashed shortly after takeoff from Minot AFB on 17 January 1968, killing 12 of the 13 on board. Major General Charles M. Eisenhart, vice commander of the Fifteenth Air Force, was at the controls and over-rotated at takeoff in low visibility, inducing a stall. The survivor, a steward, was badly burned and later succumbed. On a staff visit from March AFB, the aircraft was departing for Glasgow AFB, Montana.
 * In the early hours of October 4, 1968, a Minot B-52H (AF Ser. No. 60-0027) was on approach, completing an overnight training mission with six aboard. It lost power to four engines and crashed in a field 8 mi east, with four fatalities and two survivors. Among the dead was a lieutenant colonel just days from retirement, and the squadron clerk, on his first B-52 orientation ride.
 * A B-52H (AF Ser. No. 61-0037) crashed shortly after a midday takeoff on 21 January 1969 and burst into flames on a farm about 0.8 mi west of the runway, killing all six crew members. An incorrect preflight fuel load distribution caused a stall on takeoff after a climb to 200 - 300 ft and it made several pitch gyrations prior to the crash.
 * During a training flight on March 10, 1969, a Minot F-106A (AF Ser. No. 59-0014) crashed into the western portion of Lake Sakakawea, about 50 mi southwest of the base. The pilot ejected safely to land and the plane sank below the frozen surface. It was not located until over 35 years later, in September 2004, after an extended search by a local surveyors' group.
 * While being refueled on the ramp early on 14 November 1975, a B-52H (61-0033) caught fire and exploded. Two refueling personnel were killed and the aircraft was destroyed.

Post-Cold War
On June 1, 1992, Air Combat Command (ACC) was formed, following the inactivation of the Strategic Air Command. ACC absorbed the former assets of SAC, along with command responsibilities for the Eighth Air Force, and through it, the 5th Bomb Wing and host command of Minot AFB.

In 1993 control of the ICBM force was transferred by ACC to Air Force Space Command; the 91st Missile Wing was assigned to AFSPC on July 1, 1993.

Global Strike Command
The 91st Missile Wing was transferred to the new Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) on December 1, 2009, and the 5th Bomb Wing officially transferred to AFGSC on February 1, 2010.

Nuclear weapons incident
On August 30, 2007, a B-52 took off from Minot AFB carrying six cruise missiles with W-80 nuclear warheads to Barksdale AFB in northwest Louisiana. No base personnel nor the crew knew the nuclear weapons were aboard. This incident received international attention. An investigation found that this was an isolated incident and that only a few people had information on the whereabouts of the missiles.

While U.S. policy is to neither confirm nor deny the presence of nuclear weapons, Air Force officials acknowledged the presence of nuclear weapons on the base, including the W80-1 warhead.

Nuclear inspection and consequences
On July 12, 2008, three Air Force officers fell asleep while in control of an electronic component that contained old launch codes for nuclear intercontinental ballistic missiles, a violation of procedure, Air Force officials said. The Air Force said the launch codes were outdated and had been deactivated before the incident, but it was still a violation of protocol, prompting an investigation. It was the fourth incident within a year involving problems with secure handling of components of America's nuclear weapons. The incident occurred during the changing out of components used to facilitate secure communications between an underground missile-control facility and missile silos near Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota, according to Col. Dewey Ford, a spokesman for the Air Force Space Command in Colorado. One of the parts, a code component, is for storage and processing. It is considered classified by the Air Force. A code component was removed from the equipment at the remote missile-control facility and replaced with a new code component. That made the old component inoperable, but an Air Force source said old launch codes were still contained in the part.

Under standard procedure, the four-officer crew of the facility is supposed to keep the component secure until it is returned to the base. Ford said the crew took the component to a building above the facility and locked the component in a lockbox. Then, three of the four crew members fell asleep. This violated Air Force procedure, which calls for at least two of the crew members to remain awake while in control of the component. At the time they were asleep, the crew and the component were in a locked building that is guarded by at least one armed airman at all times. The airmen were asleep for two to three hours, Ford said. The component was later returned to the Minot base, and the investigations of procedural violations were started by Air Force Space Command, the 20th Air Force and the National Security Agency. The investigation revealed the codes were not compromised, according to the Air Force. The codes had remained secured, and the crew was inside an area protected by Air Force security at all times, the investigation concluded. The incident, which was first made public by the Project on Government Oversight, was the fourth misstep involving the handling of America's nuclear weapons in one year. The three officers were given non-judicial punishment and subsequently discharged from the Air Force.

In fall 2009, Minot suffered another embarrassment when the newly formed 69th Bomb Squadron failed its Initial Nuclear Surety Inspection (INSI). As a result, both the 5th Bomb Wing and 5th Operations Support Squadron Commanders were relieved of command by the 8th Air Force Commander under the later discredited "perfection is the standard" philosophy. Subsequently, it was determined the 8th Air Force Commander had acted vindictively, outside his authority and used the firings to deflect attention away from institutional, organizational and leadership failings at both 8th Air Force and Air Combat Command.

Another incident first reported in May 2013 by the Associated Press revealed that 17 officers in charge of maintaining the base's Minuteman III nuclear missiles were "sidelined" for numerous violations of safety procedures. The deputy commander of the base complained of "rot" in the staff's discipline and command structure. The Associated Press obtained an internal email from the deputy commander and the news of the incident had garnered the attention of then Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, who "demanded details" of the incident. The unit in charge of maintaining the nuclear missiles performed poorly during an inspection that took place in March 2013. Following the release of the Deputy Commander's strongly worded internal email, the Air Force began investigating the incident further.

Major Commands to which assigned

 * Air Defense Command, May 19, 1956 – June 30, 1962
 * Strategic Air Command, July 1, 1962 – June 1, 1992
 * Air Combat Command, June 1, 1992 – February 1, 2010
 * Air Force Space Command (Tenant), July 1, 1993 – December 1, 2009
 * Air Force Global Strike Command (Tenant), December 1, 2009 – February 1, 2010
 * Air Force Global Strike Command, February 1, 2010 – present

Major units assigned

 * 810th Air Division, July 1, 1962 – July 31, 1972
 * 4136th Strategic Wing, September 1, 1958 – February 1, 1963
 * 450th Bombardment Wing, February 1, 1963 – July 25, 1968
 * 5th Bombardment Wing
 * Redesignated 5th Bomb Wing, July 25, 1968 – present

 * 91st Strategic Missile Wing
 * Redesignated: 91st Missile Wing, June 25, 1968 – present

 * 17th Munitions Squadron, October 9, 2009 – present

 * Minot Air Defense Sector, April 1, 1959 – August 15, 1963
 * 32d Fighter Group, February 8, 1957 – February 1, 1961
 * 32d Air Base Squadron, February 8, 1957 – 1 February 1961

 * 32d Fighter Wing (Air Defense), February 1, 1961 – July 1, 1962
 * 32d Air Base Group, 1 February 1961 – July 1, 1962

 * 5th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, February 1, 1960 – July 1, 1988 (F-106 / F-15)
 * 433d Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, November 1, 1957 – January 8, 1958 (F-89C)

5th Bomb Wing
The 5th Bomb Wing (5 BW) is an element of the Global Strike Command (AFGSC) and is the host unit at Minot AFB; its commander is dual-hatted as the installation commander and the unit is responsible for all base services, such as housing/billeting, medical, MWR, library, Officers' Club, etc. The primary mission of the 5th Bomb Wing is to maintain and operate B-52H bombers assigned to the 23d Bomb Squadron and the 69th Bomb Squadron. Minot AFB is one of two remaining bases with B-52s; the other is Barksdale AFB in Bossier City, Louisiana.

The 5th Bomb Wing is composed of:

 * 5th Operations Group, which provides the aircrews who fly the wing's B-52H aircraft. (Tail Code: "MT")
 * 23rd Bomb Squadron (B-52H) "Barons" Red/yellow Tail Stripe
 * 69th Bomb Squadron (B-52H) "Knighthawks" Gray/yellow Tail Stripe
 * 5th Operations Support Squadron "Ironmen" Blue/Yellow
 * 5th Mission Support Group
 * 5th Civil Engineer Squadron
 * 5th Communications Squadron
 * 5th Contracting Squadron
 * 5th Force Support Squadron
 * 5th Logistics Readiness Squadron
 * 5th Security Forces Squadron
 * 5th Maintenance Group supports the operations of both the 5th Bomb Wing and 91st Missile Wing. It provides on- and off-equipment maintenance on B-52Hs, and special support on Minuteman III missiles and UH-1N helicopters. The group also provides munitions, aircraft maintenance and maintenance operations support.
 * 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
 * 5th Maintenance Operations Squadron
 * 5th Maintenance Squadron
 * 17th Munitions, (formerly 5th Munitions)
 * 5th Medical Group offers outpatient services including family practice, dental, pediatrics, aerospace medicine, physical therapy, optometry and Women's Health Care. The group consists of the 5th Medical Operations Squadron and 5th Medical Support Squadron.

91st Missile Wing
The 91st Missile Wing (91 MW) of the Global Strike Command (AFGSC) is responsible for maintaining the Minuteman III nuclear missiles, located in three main fields to the north, west, and south of the base. Previously known as the 91st Space Wing, it was renamed as a missile wing in June 2008. It is one of the Air Force's three operational intercontinental ballistic missile units, with Malmstrom AFB at Great Falls, Montana, and F.E. Warren AFB at Cheyenne, Wyoming. In addition to its missiles, the wing also operates a squadron of UH-1N Twin Huey helicopters in support of missile and launch control sites.

Operational groups of the 91st wing are:

91st Operations Group
The 91st Operations Group is the operational backbone of the 91st Missile Wing, with its mission to defend the United States with safe and secure Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) – ready to immediately put bombs on target. Through its five squadrons, the group remains a key facet of The United States' deterrent force. The five squadrons assigned to the group are the:

 * 740th Missile Squadron ("Vulgar Vultures")
 * 741st Missile Squadron ("Gravelhaulers")
 * 742d Missile Squadron ("Wolf Pack")
 * 91st Operations Support Squadron
 * 54th Helicopter Squadron

91st Maintenance Group
The 91st Maintenance Group is the maintenance backbone of the 91st Missile Wing, originally activated as the 91st Maintenance and Supply Group on November 10, 1948. Today, the group is responsible for providing maintenance and logistics support for the wing's ICBM fleet. The two squadrons assigned to the group are:

 * 91st Missile Maintenance Squadron
 * 91st Maintenance Operations Squadron

91st Security Forces Group
The 91st Security Forces Group provides command and control for four squadrons: the 91st Missile Security Forces Squadron, 791st Missile Security Forces Squadron, 891st Missile Security Forces Squadron, and 91st Security Support Squadron—for the active defense of assets vital to national security.

Based units
Flying and notable non-flying units based at Minot Air Force Base.

Units marked GSU are Geographically Separate Units, which although based at Minot, are subordinate to a parent unit based at another location.

United States Air Force
Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC)

 * Eighth Air Force
 * 5th Bomb Wing (Host)
 * 5th Operations Group
 * 5th Operations Support Squadron
 * 23rd Bomb Squadron – B-52H Stratofortress
 * 69th Bomb Squadron – B-52H Stratofortress
 * 5th Maintenance Group
 * 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
 * 5th Maintenance Squadron
 * 5th Maintenance Operations Squadron
 * 5th Munitions Squadron
 * 705th Munitions Squadron
 * Quality Assurance
 * 5th Medical Group
 * 5th Medical Operations Squadron
 * 5th Medical Support Squadron
 * 5th Mission Support Group
 * 5th Civil Engineer Squadron
 * 5th Communications Squadron
 * 5th Contracting Squadron
 * 5th Force Support Squadron
 * 5th Logistics Readiness Squadron
 * 5th Security Forces Squadron

 * Twentieth Air Force
 * 91st Missile Wing
 * 91st Operations Group
 * 91st Operations Support Squadron
 * 740th Missile Squadron – LGM-30G Minuteman-III
 * 741st Missile Squadron – LGM-30G Minuteman-III
 * 742nd Missile Squadron – LGM-30G Minuteman-III
 * 91st Maintenance Group
 * 91st Missile Maintenance Squadron
 * 791st Maintenance Squadron
 * 91st Security Forces Group
 * 91st Missile Security Forces Squadron
 * 91st Missile Security Operations Squadron
 * 791st Missile Security Forces Squadron
 * 891st Missile Security Forces Squadron
 * 582nd Helicopter Group
 * 54th Helicopter Squadron (GSU) – UH-1N Iroquois

Air National Guard
 * North Dakota Air National Guard
 * 119th Wing
 * 119th Mission Support Group
 * 219th Security Forces Squadron (GSU)

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the Minot AFB CDP has a total area of 7.7 sqmi, of which, 7.4 sqmi is land and 0.3 sqmi (4.17%) is water.

Due to the winter conditions, a phrase spread within the USAF regarding why people would not wish to be stationed there: "Why not Minot? Freezin's the reason!" In response, people who loved Minot AFB, and the surrounding area, came up with the comeback "-41 Keeps the RIF-Raf out."

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 7,599 people, 2,112 households, and 1,943 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,053.9 people per square mile (406.9/km$2$). There were 2,441 housing units at an average density of 338.5/sq mi (130.7/km$2$). The racial makeup of the CDP was 79.1% White, 10.2% African American, 0.7% Native American, 2.8% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 2.8% from other races, and 4.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 6.2% of the population.

There were 2,112 households, out of which 68.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 86.5% were married couples living together, 3.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 8.0% were non-families. 6.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and none had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.25 and the average family size was 3.40.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 36.3% under the age of 18, 24.0% from 18 to 24, 38.1% from 25 to 44, 1.5% from 45 to 64, and 0.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 22 years. For every 100 females, there were 120.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 126.6 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $32,255, and the median income for a family was $32,306. Males had a median income of $22,458 versus $16,659 for females. The per capita income for the town was $11,629. About 5.0% of families and 5.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.2% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

Public schools
For its dependents, the base has three schools operated by Minot Public Schools: two elementary (Dakota and North Plains) and a middle school (Memorial), built in the 1960s. High school students (grades 9–12) attend Minot High School in the city of Minot, 13 mi south. MHS is split between two campuses: Central Campus (1918, downtown) for freshmen and sophomores, and the Magic City Campus (1974, on the southwest side of the city) for juniors and seniors.

Other sources

 * Maurer, Maurer. Air Force Combat Units of World War II. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office 1961 (republished 1983, Office of Air Force History, ISBN 0-912799-02-1).
 * Ravenstein, Charles A. Air Force Combat Wings Lineage and Honors Histories 1947–1977. Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama: Office of Air Force History 1984. ISBN 0-912799-12-9.
 * Mueller, Robert, Air Force Bases Volume I, Active Air Force Bases Within the United States of America on 17 September 1982, Office of Air Force History, 1989
 * A Handbook of Aerospace Defense Organization 1946 – 1980, by Lloyd H. Cornett and Mildred W. Johnson, Office of History, Aerospace Defense Center, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado
 * Winkler, David F. (1997), Searching the skies: the legacy of the United States Cold War defense radar program. Prepared for United States Air Force Headquarters Air Combat Command.
 * Information for Minot AFB, ND
 * Minot AFB history from Strategic-Air-Command.com
 * Minot AFB at GlobalSecurity.org
 * Minot AFB history from Strategic-Air-Command.com
 * Minot AFB at GlobalSecurity.org

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Minot Air Force Base


text:
Ryder, North Dakota

Ryder is a city in Ward County, North Dakota, United States. The population was 108 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Minot Micropolitan Statistical Area. Ryder was founded in 1906.

History
North Dakota's first oil strike occurred in Ryder in 1908 when oil began seeping into a water well dug by meat market proprietor Joe Wustner in 1906. Wustner kept quiet about his discovery and used the substance to fuel his kerosene lamps. Finally in 1909 he admitted publicly that he had struck oil.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.681 sqmi, of which 0.524 sqmi is land and 0.157 sqmi is water.

2010 census
As of the 2010 census, there were 85 people, 42 households, and 22 families residing in the city. The population density was 257.6 PD/sqmi. There were 62 housing units at an average density of 187.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.5% White and 3.5% Native American.

There were 42 households, of which 26.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.9% were married couples living together, 2.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 7.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 47.6% were non-families. 47.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 23.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.02 and the average family size was 2.82.

The median age in the city was 48.5 years. 18.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21.2% were from 25 to 44; 25.9% were from 45 to 64; and 28.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 58.8% male and 41.2% female.

2000 census
As of the 2000 census, there were 92 people, 44 households, and 23 families residing in the city. The population density was 282.9 PD/sqmi. There were 67 housing units at an average density of 206.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.83% White, 1.09% Native American and 1.09% Asian.

There were 44 households, out of which 25.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.5% were married couples living together, 6.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 45.5% were non-families. 43.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.09 and the average family size was 2.83.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 22.8% under the age of 18, 3.3% from 18 to 24, 18.5% from 25 to 44, 44.6% from 45 to 64, and 10.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 130.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 115.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $26,875, and the median income for a family was $27,188. Males had a median income of $26,250 versus $14,792 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,497. There were 18.5% of families and 30.1% of the population living below the poverty line, including 55.6% of under eighteens and 28.6% of those over 64.

Climate
This climatic region is typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Ryder has a humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps.

Education
Ryder is divided between the Lewis and Clark School District and the Max Public School District 50. Lewis and Clark formed in 2003 when three school districts merged.

title: Ryder, North Dakota


text:
Sawyer, North Dakota

Sawyer is a city in Ward County, North Dakota, United States. The population was 319 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Minot Micropolitan Statistical Area. Sawyer was founded in 1898.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.48 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 357 people, 139 households, and 99 families residing in the city. The population density was 743.8 PD/sqmi. There were 150 housing units at an average density of 312.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.6% White, 0.3% African American, 1.1% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.3% from other races, and 1.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.8% of the population.

There were 139 households, of which 35.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.3% were married couples living together, 8.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 28.8% were non-families. 24.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.57 and the average family size was 3.05.

The median age in the city was 38.4 years. 28% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.5% were from 25 to 44; 27.8% were from 45 to 64; and 11.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 52.4% male and 47.6% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 377 people, 150 households, and 108 families residing in the city. The population density was 782.4 PD/sqmi. There were 162 housing units at an average density of 336.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.14% White, 0.53% Native American, 1.06% Asian, 0.27% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.06% of the population.

There were 150 households, out of which 35.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.0% were married couples living together, 8.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.0% were non-families. 24.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 2.98.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 29.4% under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 30.8% from 25 to 44, 22.3% from 45 to 64, and 11.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 107.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 107.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $30,750, and the median income for a family was $35,000. Males had a median income of $30,417 versus $14,750 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,245. About 6.9% of families and 8.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.7% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

title: Sawyer, North Dakota


text:
Surrey, North Dakota

Surrey is a town in Ward County, North Dakota, United States. The population was 1,357 at the 2020 census. Official incorporation of Surrey occurred in 1951. The city is part of the Minot Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Surrey was founded on June 18, 1900, and named after Surrey, England, by Great Northern Railway officials. It was one of several sites along the Great Northern's transcontinental route between Devils Lake and Minot that were named after places in England (the others were Berwick, Leeds, Norwich, Penn, Rugby, Tunbridge, and York).

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.99 sqmi, of which 0.98 sqmi is land and 0.01 sqmi is water.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 934 people, 334 households, and 264 families residing in the city. The population density was 953.1 PD/sqmi. There were 335 housing units at an average density of 341.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.3% White, 0.6% African American, 1.3% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 0.2% from other races, and 2.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.4% of the population.

There were 334 households, of which 39.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.6% were married couples living together, 7.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 21.0% were non-families. 16.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.80 and the average family size was 3.09.

The median age in the city was 32.5 years. 28.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 29.9% were from 25 to 44; 25.8% were from 45 to 64; and 7.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 51.2% male and 48.8% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 917 people, 307 households, and 260 families residing in the city. The population density was 943.1 PD/sqmi. There were 313 housing units at an average density of 321.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.27% White, 1.85% Native American, 0.33% Asian, and 0.55% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.87% of the population.

There were 307 households, out of which 53.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.4% were married couples living together, 13.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 15.0% were non-families. 12.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 2.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.99 and the average family size was 3.24.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 34.5% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 34.5% from 25 to 44, 19.3% from 45 to 64, and 5.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $43,403, and the median income for a family was $46,250. Males had a median income of $29,688 versus $19,375 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,679. About 5.5% of families and 5.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.6% of those under age 18 and 11.8% of those age 65 or over.

Transportation
Amtrak’s Empire Builder, which operates between Seattle/Portland and Chicago, passes through the town on BNSF tracks, but makes no stop. The nearest station is located in Minot, 8 mi to the west.

Climate
This climatic region is typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Surrey has a humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps.

title: Surrey, North Dakota


text:
Bowdon, North Dakota

Bowdon is a city in Wells County, North Dakota, United States. The population was 137 at the 2020 census.

Bowdon was founded in 1899 by Richard Sykes, a landowner from England who named it after Bowdon, near Manchester where he lived.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.25 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 131 people, 77 households, and 37 families residing in the city. The population density was 524.0 PD/sqmi. There were 94 housing units at an average density of 376.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.2% White and 0.8% Native American. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.5% of the population.

There were 77 households, of which 6.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.3% were married couples living together, 6.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 1.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 51.9% were non-families. 49.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 29.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.70 and the average family size was 2.41.

The median age in the city was 63.9 years. 7.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 0.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 11.4% were from 25 to 44; 32.2% were from 45 to 64; and 48.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 43.5% male and 56.5% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 139 people, 83 households, and 43 families residing in the city. The population density was 544.4 PD/sqmi. There were 104 housing units at an average density of 407.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.28% White and 0.72% African American.

There were 83 households, out of which 4.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.6% were married couples living together, 6.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 47.0% were non-families. 45.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 33.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.67 and the average family size was 2.25.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 7.9% under the age of 18, 2.9% from 18 to 24, 16.5% from 25 to 44, 19.4% from 45 to 64, and 53.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 66 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $22,375, and the median income for a family was $31,250. Males had a median income of $30,250 versus $21,250 for females. The per capita income for the city was $24,843. There were 6.5% of families and 17.2% of the population living below the poverty line, including 33.3% of under eighteens and 17.6% of those over 64.

Event

 * Duck Fest October

Notable people

 * Phyllis Bryn-Julson, opera singer

title: Bowdon, North Dakota


text:
Cathay, North Dakota

Cathay is a city in Wells County, North Dakota, United States. The population was 20 at the 2020 census. Cathay was founded in 1893.

History
Cathay got its start following construction of the railroad through the territory.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.18 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 43 people, 19 households, and 12 families residing in the city. The population density was 238.9 PD/sqmi. There were 29 housing units at an average density of 161.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.7% White and 2.3% Native American.

There were 19 households, of which 21.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.4% were married couples living together, 5.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 10.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 36.8% were non-families. 31.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.92.

The median age in the city was 47.5 years. 23.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 14% were from 25 to 44; 32.6% were from 45 to 64; and 20.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 55.8% male and 44.2% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 56 people, 21 households, and 14 families residing in the city. The population density was 305.9 PD/sqmi. There were 37 housing units at an average density of 202.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.21% White, and 1.79% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.79% of the population.

There were 21 households, out of which 28.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.9% were married couples living together, 4.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.3% were non-families. 33.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.67 and the average family size was 3.43.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 28.6% under the age of 18, 3.6% from 18 to 24, 19.6% from 25 to 44, 30.4% from 45 to 64, and 17.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 75.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 73.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $35,625, and the median income for a family was $37,917. Males had a median income of $21,607 versus $23,750 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,126. There were 5.3% of families and 11.4% of the population living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and 16.7% of those over 64.

title: Cathay, North Dakota


text:
Fessenden, North Dakota

Fessenden is a town in and the county seat of Wells County, North Dakota, United States. It was founded in 1893 and is home of the Wells County Fair. The population was 462 at the 2020 census.

History
Fessenden was founded in 1893 with the arrival of the Minneapolis, St. Paul and Sault Ste. Marie Railroad into the area. In 1894, the county seat was transferred to Fessenden from Sykeston, North Dakota and the Wells County Courthouse was built the next year. It was named for ex-Surveyor General Fessenden, who had surveyed the county.

Fessenden Auditorium building on Main Ave. between Railway Street South and 1 Street South has collapsed on July 3, 2007. On April 16, 2009 there was a fire that destroyed a bar, bowling alley, and a cafe, as well as doing some damage to the medical center in Fessenden. Fessenden celebrated its centennial in July 1993.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.45 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 479 people, 236 households, and 138 families residing in the city. The population density was 1064.4 PD/sqmi. There were 289 housing units at an average density of 642.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.7% White, 0.2% African American, 0.2% Native American, and 0.8% from two or more races.

There were 236 households, of which 17.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.3% were married couples living together, 6.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 41.5% were non-families. 37.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.03 and the average family size was 2.62.

The median age in the city was 52.7 years. 17.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 4.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 15.7% were from 25 to 44; 32.3% were from 45 to 64; and 30.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 50.1% male and 49.9% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 625 people, 279 households, and 171 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,378.4 PD/sqmi. There were 306 housing units at an average density of 674.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.20% White, 0.32% Native American, and 0.48% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.16% of the population.

There were 279 households, out of which 24.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.3% were married couples living together, 6.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.7% were non-families. 36.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.91.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.8% under the age of 18, 3.7% from 18 to 24, 22.7% from 25 to 44, 22.9% from 45 to 64, and 25.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $31,750, and the median income for a family was $38,304. Males had a median income of $26,111 versus $16,250 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,303. About 8.2% of families and 10.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.9% of those under age 18 and 17.4% of those age 65 or over.

Climate
This climatic region is typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Fessenden has a humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps.

Notable people

 * C. A. Bottolfsen, 17th and 19th Governor of Idaho; raised in Fessenden
 * Otto Krueger, served as North Dakota State Treasurer, North Dakota Insurance Commissioner and U.S. Representative during the 1940s and 1950s

title: Fessenden, North Dakota


text:
Hamberg, North Dakota

Hamberg is a tiny city in Wells County, North Dakota, United States. The population was 11 at the 2020 census. There are no businesses or services at Hamberg.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.40 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 21 people, 11 households, and 5 families residing in the city. The population density was 52.5 PD/sqmi. There were 15 housing units at an average density of 37.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 100.0% White.

There were 11 households, of which 9.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.4% were married couples living together, 9.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 54.5% were non-families. 54.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.91 and the average family size was 3.00.

The median age in the city was 56.3 years. 9.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 4.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 14.3% were from 25 to 44; 38% were from 45 to 64; and 33.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 71.4% male and 28.6% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 28 people, 13 households, and 6 families. The population density was 72.3 PD/sqmi. There were 15 housing units at an average density of 38.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 100.00% White.

There were 13 households, out of which 23.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.5% were married couples living together, 7.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 46.2% were non-families. 46.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 23.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.15 and the average family size was 3.14.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 14.3% under the age of 18, 14.3% from 18 to 24, 21.4% from 25 to 44, 28.6% from 45 to 64, and 21.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45 years. For every 100 females, there were 180.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 200.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $28,750, and the median income for a family was $29,375. Males had a median income of $21,250 versus $0 for females. The per capita income for the city was $30,100. There were no families and 28.6% of the population living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and none of those over 64.

title: Hamberg, North Dakota


text:
Harvey, North Dakota

Harvey is a city in Wells County, North Dakota, United States. The population was 1,650 at the 2020 census. Harvey was founded in 1893 as a division point by the Soo Line Railway. Harvey is believed to have been named for a director of the Soo Line Railway, Col. Scott William Harvey of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.88 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,783 people, 824 households, and 476 families living in the city. The population density was 948.4 PD/sqmi. There were 997 housing units at an average density of 530.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.5% White, 0.1% African American, 0.6% Native American, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.1% from other races, and 0.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.0% of the population.

There were 824 households, of which 20.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.6% were married couples living together, 7.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 42.2% were non-families. Of all households, 39.6% were made up of individuals, and 21.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.03 and the average family size was 2.68.

The median age in the city was 51.5 years; 18.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 4.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 17.9% were from 25 to 44; 26.5% were from 45 to 64; and 32.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 45.5% male and 54.5% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,989 people, 926 households, and 529 families living in the city. The population density was 1,031.8 PD/sqmi. There were 1,056 housing units at an average density of 547.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.20% White, 0.50% Native American, 0.15% Asian, 0.05% from other races, and 0.10% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.50% of the population.

There were 926 households, out of which 21.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.6% were married couples living together, 5.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.8% were non-families. Of all households 40.7% were made up of individuals, and 24.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.03 and the average family size was 2.73.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 19.3% under the age of 18, 4.9% from 18 to 24, 21.0% from 25 to 44, 23.1% from 45 to 64, and 31.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 49 years. For every 100 females, there were 84.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $33,017, and the median income for a family was $45,250. Males had a median income of $31,429 versus $16,534 for females. The per capita income for the city was $21,477. About 6.6% of families and 12.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.2% of those under age 18 and 24.4% of those age 65 or over.

Radio

 * KHND AM 1470, owned and operated by Three Way Broadcasting.

Education
Harvey Public Schools operates public schools.

Climate
This climatic region is typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Harvey has a humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps.

Notable people

 * John T. Davies, Minnesota legislator and politician
 * Ivan Dmitri (1900–1968), artist, best known for etching the Spirit of St. Louis
 * Michael Forest, actor and voice personality
 * Patrick E. Haggerty, co-founder of Texas Instruments
 * Jud Heathcote, college basketball coach at Michigan State and Montana
 * Jim Pederson, football player

title: Harvey, North Dakota


text:
Hurdsfield, North Dakota

Hurdsfield is a city in Wells County, North Dakota, United States. The population was 64 at the 2020 census. Hurdsfield was founded in 1903.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.27 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 84 people, 44 households, and 24 families residing in the city. The population density was 311.1 PD/sqmi. There were 61 housing units at an average density of 225.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 100.0% White.

There were 44 households, of which 15.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.5% were married couples living together, 6.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 45.5% were non-families. 45.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.91 and the average family size was 2.67.

The median age in the city was 51.2 years. 15.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 16.8% were from 25 to 44; 28.6% were from 45 to 64; and 33.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 40.5% male and 59.5% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 91 people, 43 households, and 27 families residing in the city. The population density was 318.5 PD/sqmi. There were 65 housing units at an average density of 227.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 100.00% White.

There were 43 households, out of which 23.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.5% were married couples living together, 11.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.9% were non-families. 30.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 27.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.12 and the average family size was 2.64.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 19.8% under the age of 18, 4.4% from 18 to 24, 22.0% from 25 to 44, 15.4% from 45 to 64, and 38.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 55 years. For every 100 females, there were 75.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 73.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $15,625, and the median income for a family was $28,125. Males had a median income of $22,500 versus $21,250 for females. The per capita income for the city was $11,208. There were 8.3% of families and 6.3% of the population living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and 13.9% of those over 64.

Climate
This climatic region is typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Hurdsfield has a humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps.

title: Hurdsfield, North Dakota


text:
Sykeston, North Dakota

Sykeston is a city in Wells County, North Dakota, United States. The population was 105 at the 2020 census.

Sykeston was founded in 1883 by Richard Sykes, a prominent landowner and founder of several other cities in the state. The city was the county seat of Wells County from 1884 to 1894, when Fessenden took over that role.

As of 2010, the center of population of North Dakota was located approximately 9 mi southeast of Sykeston.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.38 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 117 people, 65 households, and 36 families residing in the city. The population density was 307.9 PD/sqmi. There were 85 housing units at an average density of 223.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.3% White, 0.9% Asian, and 0.9% from two or more races.

There were 65 households, of which 13.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.5% were married couples living together, 9.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 7.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 44.6% were non-families. 36.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.80 and the average family size was 2.25.

The median age in the city was 53.9 years. 11.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 3.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 19.6% were from 25 to 44; 36.7% were from 45 to 64; and 29.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.7% male and 51.3% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 153 people, 74 households, and 40 families residing in the city. The population density was 407.8 PD/sqmi. There were 95 housing units at an average density of 253.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.35% White, and 0.65% from two or more races.

There were 74 households, out of which 21.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.9% were married couples living together, 5.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 45.9% were non-families. 43.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 23.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.07 and the average family size was 2.83.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.8% under the age of 18, 2.6% from 18 to 24, 22.2% from 25 to 44, 23.5% from 45 to 64, and 26.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 109.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 113.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $21,500, and the median income for a family was $28,750. Males had a median income of $21,000 versus $15,625 for females. The per capita income for the city was $11,342. About 10.5% of families and 14.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.5% of those under the age of eighteen and 17.1% of those 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Travis Hafner, Major League Baseball player
 * Larry Woiwode, distinguished author, North Dakota Poet Laureate.

Climate
This climatic region is typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Sykeston has a humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps.

title: Sykeston, North Dakota


text:
Alamo, North Dakota

Alamo is a city in Williams County, North Dakota, United States. The population was 53 at the 2020 census. Alamo was founded in 1916.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.57 sqmi, of which 0.55 sqmi is land and 0.02 sqmi is water.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 57 people, 25 households, and 11 families residing in the city. The population density was 103.6 PD/sqmi. There were 41 housing units at an average density of 74.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 86.0% White, 12.3% from other races, and 1.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 12.3% of the population.

There were 25 households, of which 24.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 32.0% were married couples living together, 4.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 8.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 56.0% were non-families. 36.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 3.18.

The median age in the city was 39.4 years. 24.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 1.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 30% were from 25 to 44; 24.6% were from 45 to 64; and 19.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 56.1% male and 43.9% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 51 people, 25 households, and 18 families residing in the city. The population density was 94.0 PD/sqmi. There were 43 housing units at an average density of 79.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 100.00% White.

There were 25 households, out of which 16.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.0% were married couples living together, 8.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.0% were non-families. 28.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.04 and the average family size was 2.44.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 9.8% under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 13.7% from 25 to 44, 41.2% from 45 to 64, and 29.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 50 years. For every 100 females, there were 121.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 109.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $27,917, and the median income for a family was $29,792. Males had a median income of $30,000 versus $11,667 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,138. There were 5.9% of families and 10.4% of the population living below the poverty line, including 100.0% of under eighteens and 14.3% of those over 64.

title: Alamo, North Dakota


text:
Epping, North Dakota

Epping is a city in Williams County, North Dakota, United States. The population was 84 at the 2020 census.

Epping was founded in 1905 along the transcontinental rail line of the Great Northern Railway. The name comes from the city of Epping in England.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.38 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 100 people, 37 households, and 27 families residing in the city. The population density was 263.2 PD/sqmi. There were 40 housing units at an average density of 105.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 81.0% White, 11.0% Native American, 5.0% Asian, and 3.0% from two or more races.

There were 37 households, of which 37.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 67.6% were married couples living together, 2.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 27.0% were non-families. 24.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.70 and the average family size was 3.26.

The median age in the city was 39.5 years. 31% of residents were under the age of 18; 4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 20% were from 25 to 44; 33% were from 45 to 64; and 12% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.0% male and 51.0% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 79 people, 33 households, and 23 families residing in the city. The population density was 207.7 PD/sqmi. There were 41 housing units at an average density of 107.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 94.94% White and 5.06% Native American.

There were 33 households, out of which 30.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.6% were married couples living together, 3.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.3% were non-families. 27.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.96.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 22.8% under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 25.3% from 25 to 44, 34.2% from 45 to 64, and 11.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $29,167, and the median income for a family was $33,125. Males had a median income of $28,542 versus $23,125 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,167. There were 19.0% of families and 22.7% of the population living below the poverty line, including 38.1% of under eighteens and none of those over 64.

Transportation
Amtrak's Empire Builder, which operates between Seattle/Portland and Chicago, passes through the town on BNSF tracks, but makes no stop. The nearest station is located in Williston, 21 mi to the southwest.

Education
It is within the Nesson School District (Ray Public School).

Climate
According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Epping has a semi-arid climate, abbreviated "BSk" on climate maps.

title: Epping, North Dakota


text:
Grenora, North Dakota

Grenora is a city in Williams County, North Dakota, United States. The population was 221 at the 2020 census.

Grenora was founded in July 1916 at the terminus of a Great Northern Railway branch line that began in Stanley. The name is a portmanteau of letters in the railway's name: GREat NOrthern RAilway. The tracks were in place until 2002, when Great Northern successor BNSF Railway filed for abandonment.

The city's motto is, "Friendliness lives here – you're only a stranger once." The city is home to a senior citizen's center, credit union, gas station, grain elevator, restaurant, bar, apartment buildings, and community-built low-income housing. There are also two churches: the St. Olaf Lutheran Church (ELCA), and St. Boniface Catholic Church.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 244 people, 98 households, and 65 families residing in the city. The population density was 400.0 PD/sqmi. There were 121 housing units at an average density of 198.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.5% White, 0.4% African American, 0.8% Native American, and 1.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.5% of the population.

There were 98 households, of which 30.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.0% were married couples living together, 9.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 33.7% were non-families. 29.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 3.09.

The median age in the city was 36.3 years. 30.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 3.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.3% were from 25 to 44; 25.8% were from 45 to 64; and 13.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.0% male and 52.0% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 202 people, 98 households, and 58 families residing in the city. The population density was 342.7 PD/sqmi. There were 139 housing units at an average density of 235.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.02% White, 0.99% Native American, and 0.99% from two or more races.

There were 98 households, out of which 17.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.1% were married couples living together, 3.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.8% were non-families. 39.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 23.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.06 and the average family size was 2.76.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 18.3% under the age of 18, 5.0% from 18 to 24, 23.3% from 25 to 44, 24.3% from 45 to 64, and 29.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 48 years. For every 100 females, there were 124.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 126.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $26,250, and the median income for a family was $37,083. Males had a median income of $31,750 versus $15,625 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,960. None of the families and 4.2% of the population were living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and 9.6% of those over 64.

Climate
This climatic region is typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Grenora has a humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps.

title: Grenora, North Dakota