Adams County scores 76.2 out of 100 on the CountyScore composite index, well above the national median of 50.0. This places the county in the top half nationally, reflecting strong fundamentals across affordability, taxes, and risk management.
2 / 5
Above state average for North Dakota
Adams County ranks above North Dakota's state average of 74.8, positioning it as one of the more livable counties in the state. Its composite score reflects solid performance across multiple dimensions, though the state has several counties that score higher.
3 / 5
Affordability and financial stability stand out
Adams County excels in housing affordability with a Cost Score of 90.0, backed by a median home value of just $108,300 and median rent of $545/month. The county also boasts exceptional financial risk resilience at 95.5, and maintains a low effective tax rate of 1.021%.
4 / 5
Income growth lags behind neighboring counties
The county's Income Score of 19.6 is a notable weakness, with a median household income of $55,417 that trails many state peers. Limited data is currently available for safety, schools, and water quality, which would provide a more complete livability picture.
5 / 5
Best for budget-conscious retirees and families
Adams County appeals to those prioritizing affordability and tax efficiency over high earning potential. Its combination of low housing costs, manageable taxes, and strong financial stability makes it ideal for retirees or families seeking a low cost of living in rural North Dakota.
Adams County scores 76.2 out of 100 on the CountyScore composite index, well above the national median of 50.0. This places the county in the top half nationally, reflecting strong fundamentals across affordability, taxes, and risk management.
Above state average for North Dakota
Adams County ranks above North Dakota's state average of 74.8, positioning it as one of the more livable counties in the state. Its composite score reflects solid performance across multiple dimensions, though the state has several counties that score higher.
Affordability and financial stability stand out
Adams County excels in housing affordability with a Cost Score of 90.0, backed by a median home value of just $108,300 and median rent of $545/month. The county also boasts exceptional financial risk resilience at 95.5, and maintains a low effective tax rate of 1.021%.
Income growth lags behind neighboring counties
The county's Income Score of 19.6 is a notable weakness, with a median household income of $55,417 that trails many state peers. Limited data is currently available for safety, schools, and water quality, which would provide a more complete livability picture.
Best for budget-conscious retirees and families
Adams County appeals to those prioritizing affordability and tax efficiency over high earning potential. Its combination of low housing costs, manageable taxes, and strong financial stability makes it ideal for retirees or families seeking a low cost of living in rural North Dakota.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛73.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 1.021%, Adams County's effective tax rate runs 15% higher than the U.S. median of 0.89%. The median property tax here is $1,106 annually—well below the national median of $2,690—because homes are significantly cheaper, with a median value of $108,300 versus $281,900 nationwide.
Above average among North Dakota counties
Adams County ranks in the upper half of North Dakota's 53 counties for effective tax rates, at 1.021% compared to the state average of 0.885%. Its median tax bill of $1,106 falls below the state median of $1,460, reflecting lower home values across the county.
Higher taxes than rural counterparts
Adams County's 1.021% rate outpaces nearby Bowman County (0.754%) and Burke County (0.682%), though it's comparable to Barnes County (1.096%) to the east. These rural counties all cluster well below the national average despite Adams's local leadership in effective rates.
Median home costs $1,106 yearly
Multiplying Adams County's median home value of $108,300 by the 1.021% effective rate yields an estimated annual property tax of $1,106 for an owner without a mortgage. Homeowners with mortgages may pay slightly higher due to escrow arrangements.
Check if your assessment is accurate
Many North Dakota homeowners discover their properties are assessed above market value, opening the door to tax appeals. If you believe your Adams County home is overvalued, reviewing your assessment notice and comparable sales data could reveal significant savings.
At 11.8%, Adams County's rent-to-income ratio beats the national norm, where renters typically spend more of their paycheck on housing. The median rent of $545 per month is less than half what renters pay nationally, giving households here significant breathing room in their budgets.
Best rental affordability in North Dakota
Adams County ranks among the most affordable places to rent in North Dakota, with a ratio of 11.8% versus the state average of 12.8%. This advantage comes despite household incomes being $19,338 below the national median, reflecting genuinely low housing costs across the county.
More affordable than similar rural counties
Adams County's $545 rent is substantially lower than nearby Benson County ($616) and Bowman County ($869), making it a standout value in rural North Dakota. Even on a median income of $55,417—the lowest in this peer group—renters here keep more money in their pockets each month.
Housing eats just 12% of income here
Adams County renters spend $545 monthly while homeowners pay $585, meaning both groups dedicate roughly 11-12% of income to housing—well below the 30% threshold experts consider sustainable. The median home value of $108,300 remains accessible to buyers on a $55,417 median household income.
Relocating? Adams County maximizes your paycheck
If you're considering a move and want housing costs to take up the smallest slice of your paycheck, Adams County delivers. Compare your current rent-to-income ratio to 11.8%—odds are you'd gain immediate financial relief by relocating here.
Median household income in Adams County reaches $55,417, roughly 26% below the U.S. median of $74,755. This places Adams among the lower-income counties nationally, though cost of living here is substantially lower than many U.S. metros.
Lowest earner in North Dakota
Adams County ranks last among North Dakota's counties for median household income at $55,417, compared to the state average of $72,537. The gap of $17,120 reflects the county's rural economy and smaller workforce.
Isolated income pocket in region
Adams County's $55,417 median household income stands well below neighboring Hettinger and Slope counties. Even within rural North Dakota, Adams faces unique economic headwinds that limit household earnings.
Rent affordable, but income tight
At an 11.8% rent-to-income ratio, housing costs consume a manageable share of income. However, the lower absolute income means less cushion for medical emergencies, education, and savings compared to state averages.
Build stability through planning
With median income at $55,417, focus on employer retirement plans and high-yield savings accounts to build emergency funds. Even modest regular investments can compound significantly over time and help weather economic downturns.
At 77.1 years, Adams County residents live slightly shorter lives than the U.S. average of 78.9 years, a gap of 1.8 years. The county's 17.4% poor or fair health rate exceeds the national average of 15%, indicating more residents reporting health challenges.
Below average within North Dakota
Adams County's 77.1-year life expectancy ranks below North Dakota's 77.5-year state average. With 17.4% of residents in poor or fair health, the county struggles more than its state peers.
Health disparities across region
Adams County's life expectancy lags significantly behind neighboring Bottineau County (80.3 years) and Burleigh County (79.4 years). The county's primary care provider density of 508 per 100,000 residents exceeds most neighbors, yet health outcomes remain weaker.
Healthcare access and affordability challenges
Adams County's uninsured rate of 7.9% runs higher than the state average of 7.5%, leaving one in twelve residents without coverage. The county has adequate primary care providers at 508 per 100K, but mental health support at 93 per 100K lags demand.
Explore coverage options today
With nearly 8% of Adams County residents uninsured, checking your coverage status matters. Visit healthcare.gov or contact the North Dakota Insurance Department to understand your options and find affordable plans.
Adams County scores 4.52 on the composite risk scale, placing it well below the national average and marking it as Very Low risk overall. This means residents face significantly fewer natural disaster threats than the typical American county, though local hazards still warrant attention.
Among North Dakota's safest counties
Adams County ranks among the lowest-risk counties statewide, with a composite score of 4.52 compared to North Dakota's state average of 22.19. Residents here experience substantially less multi-hazard exposure than most of their neighbors across the state.
Safer than surrounding counties
Adams County's 4.52 composite risk is substantially lower than nearby Billings County (0.86) and Burke County (1.05), and far below Benson County (24.27) to the east. The county's relative safety distinguishes it as one of the most secure areas in this region.
Wildfires pose the main concern
Wildfire risk dominates Adams County's hazard profile at 48.03, making it the primary natural disaster threat despite the county's overall low composite risk. Tornado risk (12.31) and earthquake risk (4.74) remain minimal, while flood risk is minimal at 2.48.
Prepare for wildfire season
While Adams County remains very safe overall, wildfire coverage should be part of your homeowner's insurance strategy given the 48.03 wildfire risk score. Review your policy's coverage limits and consider defensible space around your property during fire season.