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Quality of Life in Beulah, ND
Above-average quality of iife. The area offers a reasonable cost of living, decent mobility, and a mix of neighborhood amenities.
What does Quality of Life tell us?
Quality of Life blends cost of living, nearby amenities, socioeconomic signals, and neighborhood character. City-level scores represent the whole municipality; individual neighborhoods can differ.
What does this tell us?
Quality of Life blends cost of living, nearby amenities, socioeconomic signals, and neighborhood character. City-level scores represent the whole municipality; individual neighborhoods can differ.
Cost of Living
16% below national average
The Real Cost of Living in Beulah, ND for 2026
| Tier | Individual | Family (4) |
|---|---|---|
| Survival | $17k | $33k |
| Comfortable | $38k | $55k |
| Luxury | $106k+ | $165k+ |
| Elite (Top 5%) | $125k+ | $194k+ |
152%
The Area Signal
A metric tracking the socioeconomic signals of the area.
Limited data for this area
Limited data for this area
Hobbies
Explore the areaGroceries
5 within 10 miles
Gas
0 within 10 miles
Hospital
2 within 20 miles
Airport
Mercer County Regional Airport
Post Office
USPS — Hazen, ND
Critical Amenities
Quality-of-Life Analysis
Beulah, North Dakota, presents a notably affluent and family-oriented quality of life, with a cost of living index of 84—well below the U.S. average of 100—that attracts a mix of energy-sector workers, long-term ranchers, and professionals seeking a stable, low-stress environment. The town’s economy is anchored by the nearby Dakota Gasification Company and coal-fired power plants, drawing a workforce that values high wages relative to local expenses. This combination of economic security and affordable living creates a community where residents often own their homes, enjoy short commutes, and prioritize outdoor recreation over urban hustle.
Cost of living, housing affordability, and how Beulah compares to nearby towns
Beulah’s housing market is a standout feature for affordability, with a median home value of $194,300—roughly 40% below the national median—and a median rent of $1,092, which is competitive even by North Dakota standards. Compared to nearby Hazen (median home value ~$210,000) or the larger city of Bismarck (median home value ~$280,000), Beulah offers a clear price advantage without sacrificing access to regional amenities. The average commute time of just 18 minutes further reduces living costs, as residents spend less on fuel and vehicle maintenance than those in more sprawling metro areas. Utility costs are moderate, though winter heating can spike due to the region’s harsh climate, and property taxes in Mercer County remain relatively low, averaging around 1.1% of assessed value. For renters, the $1,092 median rent is notably lower than the state average of $1,250, making Beulah a practical choice for young families and energy-sector newcomers.
Local amenities, schools, and what daily life feels like for families
Daily life in Beulah centers on a tight-knit, self-sufficient community where the Beulah Public School District (serving roughly 700 students) earns strong marks for small class sizes and a 95% graduation rate. The town’s amenities include the Beulah Civic Center, which hosts youth sports and community events, and the nearby Lake Sakakawea for fishing, boating, and camping—a major draw for outdoor enthusiasts. Retail and dining options are limited to local staples like the Beulah Bakery and a handful of family-run restaurants, so most residents drive 30 minutes to Hazen or 90 minutes to Bismarck for major shopping or medical services. The rhythm of life is slow and predictable, with seasonal events like the Mercer County Fair and the Beulah Summerfest fostering a strong sense of belonging. Internet access is reliable through local providers like Midco, supporting remote work, though fiber-optic coverage is not universal.
Beulah is best suited for families, energy-sector professionals, and retirees who prioritize low costs, short commutes, and a quiet, outdoor-oriented lifestyle over urban diversity or nightlife. The town’s economic stability—bolstered by the coal and gas industries—offers job security, but those seeking career mobility or cultural variety may find the isolation limiting. For anyone valuing a safe, affordable, and community-driven environment, Beulah delivers a high quality of life that is rare in more expensive regions of the country.
Crime in Beulah, ND
Lower crime rates than 91% of comparable U.S. locations.
Violent CrimeViolent Crime Analysis
Property CrimeProperty Crime Analysis
Crime Analysis
Beulah, North Dakota, presents a notably safe environment compared to both state and national averages, with violent crime rates significantly below the U.S. norm. The town's crime data reflects a community where serious offenses are rare, though property crime remains a more common concern for residents. For those considering a move to this Mercer County community, the overall safety picture is one of low risk, particularly for violent incidents.
Crime in context
Beulah's violent crime rate stands at 131.4 incidents per 100,000 residents, a figure that is roughly 65% lower than the national average of approximately 380 per 100,000. This places the town well below the North Dakota state average for violent crime as well. Property crime in Beulah is reported at 525.5 per 100,000 residents, which is also lower than the national property crime rate of roughly 1,950 per 100,000. While property crime is the more prevalent category, its frequency in Beulah is still substantially below what one would encounter in a typical American community of similar size. These statistics are drawn from FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data and provide a reliable benchmark for comparison.
What residents experience
Daily life in Beulah is characterized by a low likelihood of encountering violent crime. The most common safety issues residents report involve theft, vandalism, and occasional burglaries, though these events are not pervasive. The town's small size—with a population under 1,000—fosters a close-knit atmosphere where neighbors often look out for one another. Law enforcement presence is provided by the Mercer County Sheriff's Office and the Beulah Police Department, which maintain a visible but not heavy-handed profile. Unlike larger metropolitan areas that may be affected by progressive prosecutorial policies that can lead to higher recidivism and reduced public safety, Beulah's justice system operates within a more traditional framework. This local approach tends to prioritize accountability and community protection, contributing to the area's low crime rates and reinforcing a sense of security among residents.
Neighborhood-level crime data for Beulah is limited due to the town's small size, but general patterns can be inferred. The core residential areas near Main Street and the school district tend to see the least activity, while the industrial zones along Highway 49, which serve the nearby coal and synthetic fuels plants, may experience occasional theft or trespassing. The rural subdivisions surrounding the town are generally very safe, with property crime being the primary, albeit infrequent, concern. Overall, Beulah offers a security profile that is a strong positive for families and retirees seeking a quiet, low-crime environment in western North Dakota.
* Values derived from national, state, county, city and local statistics and may differ in a specific area. Last updated: 2026-04-19T05:34:48.000Z
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