Ray, North Dakota Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools

Ray, North Dakota is a small town located in the northwest corner of the state. The population of Ray is approximately 1,200 people. The geography of Ray consists mostly of rolling hills and prairies, with the occasional lake dotting the landscape. The climate in Ray is generally mild but can be quite cold during the winter months.

The history of Ray dates back to 1887 when it was founded by Scandinavian settlers. In recent years, there has been an influx of immigrants from other parts of Europe and Asia, adding to the cultural diversity in town. Politically, Ray leans toward the Republican party but there are a few Democrats as well.

The economy in Ray is largely based on agriculture and ranching, though there are some small businesses such as restaurants and shops that help support the local population. There are several schools in town for elementary and secondary students as well as some higher education opportunities at nearby universities or colleges.

There are several landmarks in Ray that draw visitors from all around the region including an old railroad bridge that was built by settlers in 1903; a historical marker commemorating The Battle of Fort Rice which took place nearby; and a museum dedicated to preserving local artifacts from early pioneers who settled here over 100 years ago..

Population: 534. Estimated population in July 2024: 525 (-1.7% change)
Males: 269 (50.4%), Females: 265 (49.6%)

Williams County

Zip code: 58849

Demographics

Median resident age: 44.7 years
Median household income: $31,563
Median house value: $38,300

Population by Race

Races in Ray:

  • White Non-Hispanic (98.5%)
  • American Indian (0.9%)
  • Hispanic (0.6%)

Ancestries: Norwegian (52.2%), German (28.8%), Swedish (8.4%), French (6.7%), Irish (6.2%), English (5.1%).

Elevation: 2280 feet

Land area: 1.0 square miles

Population by Education

Ray, North Dakota is a small city with a population of just over 700 people. The city is located in the northwest corner of North Dakota, just south of the Canadian border. The median household income in Ray is $41,811, which is slightly lower than the national average. Despite being a small town, Ray has plenty of amenities and activities to offer its residents. There are several restaurants, a grocery store, and a library in town. Ray also has two parks — one for children and one for adults — as well as an 18-hole golf course for those looking to get out on the green.

The cost of living in Ray is relatively low compared to other parts of the country. Housing costs are quite affordable with an average home costing about $100,000. Utilities are also fairly priced with electricity and water running about $100 per month for most households. Food costs are also quite reasonable with fresh produce from local farms available at area stores or farmers markets throughout the summer months. Gas prices tend to be slightly higher than other parts of the country due to its remote location but still remain affordable when compared to larger cities across America. Taxes are also relatively low in Ray which helps keep overall living expenses down making it an attractive place for those looking for an affordable place to live without sacrificing amenities or quality of life.

For population 25 years and over in Ray

  • High school or higher: 81.6%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 11.9%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 2.2%
  • Unemployed: 2.5%
  • Mean travel time to work: 12.6 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Ray city

  • Never married: 19.5%
  • Now married: 62.9%
  • Separated: 0.7%
  • Widowed: 11.0%
  • Divorced: 5.9%

0.4% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: -65 (-10.9%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Ray:

  • TIOGA MEDICAL CENTER HOSPITAL – CAH (about 16 miles; TIOGA, ND)
  • MCKENZIE COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL -CAH (about 36 miles; WATFORD CITY, ND)
  • SAINT LUKES HOSPITAL – CAH (about 39 miles; CROSBY, ND)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Ray:

  • SLOULIN FLD INTL (about 35 miles; WILLISTON, ND; Abbreviation: ISN)
  • MINOT AFB (about 126 miles; MINOT, ND; Abbreviation: MIB)
  • MINOT INTL (about 132 miles; MINOT, ND; Abbreviation: MOT)

Other public-use airports nearest to Ray:

  • TIOGA MUNI (about 20 miles; TIOGA, ND; Abbreviation: D60)
  • WATFORD CITY MUNI (about 40 miles; WATFORD CITY, ND; Abbreviation: S25)
  • CROSBY MUNI (about 41 miles; CROSBY, ND; Abbreviation: D50)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Ray:

  • MINOT STATE UNIVERSITY (about 130 miles; MINOT, ND; Full-time enrollment: 2,662)
  • BISMARCK STATE COLLEGE (about 196 miles; BISMARCK, ND; Full-time enrollment: 2,205)
  • UNIVERSITY OF MARY (about 199 miles; BISMARCK, ND; Full-time enrollment: 2,203)
  • BLACK HILLS STATE UNIVERSITY (about 270 miles; SPEARFISH, SD; Full-time enrollment: 3,190)
  • SOUTH DAKOTA SCHOOL OF MINES AND TECHNOLOGY (about 293 miles; RAPID CITY, SD; Full-time enrollment: 2,002)
  • NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY (about 379 miles; ABERDEEN, SD; Full-time enrollment: 2,356)
  • CHADRON STATE COLLEGE (about 381 miles; CHADRON, NE; Full-time enrollment: 2,144)

Schools

Public high school in Ray:

  • RAY HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 86; Location: 215 WEST ST; Grades: 07 – 12)

Public primary/middle school in Ray:

  • RAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 88; Location: 215 WEST ST; Grades: PK – 06)