c.1940 Small North Dakota Home For Sale $35K

416 4th St SE, Rugby, ND 58368     $35,000

• Contact Realtor: Aimee Lehman
• Google Map
• Niche

Pros of Living in Rugby, ND

1. Low Cost of Living

• The overall cost of living is approximately 24% lower than the U.S. average, thanks to affordable housing, utilities, groceries, and more

• Annual budget estimates: ~$28,440 for a family and ~$33,600 for a single adult—both comfortably below national norms

2. Affordable, Appreciating Housing

• Median home prices range from $148K (BestPlaces) to $204K (Zillow 2025), substantially lower than national levels

• The housing market is appreciating—BestPlaces notes a 9.4% year-over-year increase, and Zillow recorded a 3% rise

• Homeownership rates are healthy at 73%, with property taxes around $880/year

3. Excellent Livability & Short Commutes

• Rugby receives high livability scores, ranking among the top cities in North Dakota for quality of life

• A majority of residents commute by car with an average travel time of just 11–12 minutes, well below national averages

4. Safe Community with Low Violent Crime

• Violent crime is significantly lower than the U.S. and state averages. For example, the chance of being a violent crime victim is 1 in 2,724, while the chance of property crime is 1 in 74

• Niche grades Rugby B for Crime & Safety

• AreaVibes ranks crime favorably as well

5. Strong Educational System & Family-Friendly

• Schools earn strong marks: Niche gives public schools B+, overall town grade is a respectable B, and the city performs well for families

• Rugby successfully blends small-town charm with solid academics.

6. Unique Attractions & Community Identity

• Known as the Geographical Center of North America, Rugby boasts a landmark monument and historic museums like Prairie Village & Museum and the Victorian Dress Museum

• Community development is supported by active civic programs offering youth entrepreneurship, housing incentives, and beautification efforts.

Cons of Living in Rugby, ND

1. Small Town Dynamics & Population Decline

• With roughly 2,500–2,700 residents and a 9% population drop over 5 years, Rugby remains a small, slowly shrinking community

• Small community flavor can feel isolating: one local reflects that beyond church, “there were hardly any gatherings… it can be very isolating”

2. Limited Local Amenities & Walkability

• While housing and safety rates high, amenities score poorly. Most essentials—shops, restaurants, services—require a vehicle to access

3. Mixed Crime Data

• Though violent crime is low, CrimeGrade gives Rugby a D− overall safety grade, influenced by property crime data in some neighborhoods

• Mixed messaging here suggests central neighborhoods may be safer, while outlying areas warrant caution

4. Limited Outdoor Amenities

• Outdoor activity grades on Niche are only D, suggesting fewer dedicated recreational facilities; however, nearby attractions like parks and museums partially offset this

5. Less Cultural Diversity

• The population is fairly homogenous—predominantly White (~92%), with small Native American (5.8%) and other minority populations

• If cultural variety matters, Rugby may feel less diverse.