countyscore
62.2
County Score
Disaster Risk 95.5Cost of Living 92Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Adams County, North Dakota

Strong Livability Performance in the Heartland

Adams County earns a composite score of 62.2, significantly outperforming the national median score of 50.0. This score places the county well above average for livability across the United States.

Leading Above the North Dakota Average

With a 62.2 overall rating, Adams County sits slightly ahead of the North Dakota state average of 61.5. It provides a competitive quality of life compared to its regional neighbors.

Low Environmental Risk and High Affordability

The county excels with a near-perfect Risk Score of 95.5 and a Cost Score of 92.0. Residents benefit from exceptionally low housing costs, with median monthly rents averaging just $545.

Room to Grow in Local Income

The local economy faces hurdles with an Income Score of 26.1 and a median household income of $55,417. Additionally, the School Score of 34.4 suggests opportunities for investment in local educational outcomes.

A Haven for Budget-Conscious Residents

Adams County is an ideal fit for retirees or remote workers looking to minimize living expenses and environmental risk. Its high affordability and safety profile outweigh the lower local income metrics.

Score breakdown

Tax36.6Cost92Safety73.1Health65.5Schools34.4Income26.1Risk95.5Water86Weather32.4
🏛36.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠92
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼26.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡73.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤65.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓34.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡95.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤32.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨63.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱48.9
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Hettinger County
North Dakota
62.1
Perkins County
South Dakota
66.3
Grant County
North Dakota
66.7
Bowman County
North Dakota
64.9
Stark County
North Dakota
46.8
Slope County
North Dakota
77.4
Harding County
South Dakota
74.8
Sioux County
North Dakota
68.4

Deep Dives

Adams County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Adams County

via TaxByCounty

Adams County taxes above national norm

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Adams County

via CostByCounty

Adams County rents are remarkably affordable

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Adams County

via IncomeByCounty

Adams County trails national income

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Adams County

via CrimeByCounty

Adams County Outperforms National Safety Standards

With a safety score of 99.0, Adams County is significantly more secure than the average American community. Its total crime rate of 639.3 per 100,000 residents is nearly four times lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

A High Performer in North Dakota

Adams County's safety score exceeds the North Dakota average of 98.5. While its total crime rate is well below the state average of 976.6, data from a single reporting agency suggests these figures should be interpreted with care.

Regional Safety Comparison

Adams County maintains a lower crime rate than neighboring Bowman County, which sits at 672.2 per 100,000. Both counties remain far more tranquil than the state's larger population centers.

Understanding the Local Crime Mix

Property crime accounts for 502.3 incidents per 100,000 residents, while the violent crime rate is 137.0. Interestingly, the violent crime rate is slightly higher than the state average of 121.0, even though total crime is lower.

Simple Steps for Continued Safety

Residents can help maintain this 99.0 safety score by participating in community watch programs. Basic security improvements like motion-activated lighting can effectively deter opportunistic property crimes.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Adams County

via HealthByCounty

Adams County life expectancy trails nation

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Adams County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small-Scale Education Infrastructure

Adams County operates just two public schools across one consolidated district, serving a total of 294 students. This streamlined setup includes one elementary school and one high school, providing a focused educational pathway for local families.

Evaluating Performance and Lower Investment

The county's 75% graduation rate trails both the North Dakota average of 84.8% and the national mark of 87%. Investment remains lean, as the per-pupil expenditure of $8,050 is significantly lower than the state average of $9,385 and the national benchmark of $13,000.

Single District Serves All Students

The Hettinger 13 district manages all educational needs in the county with an enrollment of 294 students. There are currently no charter schools in the area, meaning 100% of students attend traditional public institutions.

The Intimacy of Rural Learning

Both schools in Adams County are located in rural settings, maintaining an average size of 147 students. Hettinger Elementary is the largest campus with 170 students, while Hettinger High School offers a smaller environment for 124 students.

Small Town Living Near Schools

Families seeking a tight-knit community where every teacher knows their students should explore homes in Adams County. High school proximity is a key factor to consider when evaluating real estate options in this rural hub.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Adams County

via RiskByCounty

Adams County's low composite risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Adams County

via WeatherByCounty

Adams County Trails National Temperature Medians

Adams County averages 42.6°F annually, reflecting a cold humid continental climate that sits significantly below the national median. This temperature profile places the region among the cooler inhabited zones in the United States.

A Warmer Pocket in North Dakota

Despite its national standing, Adams County is warmer than the North Dakota state average of 41.0°F. Its location in the southern tier helps it maintain one of the milder temperature ranks in the state.

Dry Conditions Compared to the State

The county receives just 16.1 inches of annual precipitation, which is drier than the state average of 19.5 inches. This semi-arid influence distinguishes it from the wetter eastern North Dakota counties.

Scorching Summers and Snow-Swept Winters

The county experiences 26 extreme heat days above 90°F, paired with a significant 33.3 inches of annual snowfall. January temperatures drop to a frigid average of 16.5°F, highlighting a massive seasonal swing.

Prepare for Wide Temperature Extremes

Residents must maintain high-efficiency HVAC systems to handle both the frequent summer heat and the 18.7°F winter average. Proper insulation and moisture-retaining landscaping are essential for this drier climate.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Adams County

via SoilByCounty

Slightly Alkaline Soils of the Southwest

Adams County features an average pH of 6.96, which is more acidic than the North Dakota state average of 7.18. This level remains higher than the 6.5 national median, providing a slightly alkaline foundation for local land use. While specific taxonomic data is unavailable, the chemical profile suggests a stable mineral environment.

A Balanced Sand and Silt Blend

The soil composition consists of 41.7% sand, 36.3% silt, and 22.1% clay. This distribution creates a workable texture that balances aeration with necessary structural body. It allows for decent root penetration while maintaining enough clay for nutrient storage.

Steady Moisture for Arid Plains

Organic matter stands at 3.69%, significantly beating the 2.0% national average but trailing the 4.69% state mark. The available water capacity is 0.183 in/in, which is very close to the state average of 0.186. This helps plants survive the dry spells typical of the western plains.

Natural Drainage and Soil Permeability

Specific drainage class and hydrologic group data are not available for this area. However, the 41.7% sand content suggests the soil likely moves water more efficiently than heavy clay regions. This prevents excessive waterlogging during the spring thaw.

Hardy Growing in Zone 4b

With a USDA Hardiness Zone of 4b, your garden can support robust grains and cool-season vegetables. The overall soil score of 63.2 perfectly matches the state average, indicating reliable productivity for any new gardener. Consider starting with flax or hardy wheat varieties to take advantage of this soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Adams County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming Dry Conditions in Adams County

Adams County presents a challenge with a lawn difficulty score of 48.9, falling below the state average of 54.0. In USDA hardiness zone 4b, growers must contend with conditions that are more demanding than the national median of 50.0.

High Heat and Limited Rainfall

With only 16.1 inches of annual precipitation, lawns here receive far less than the 30-50 inches typically required for lush growth. Homeowners also face 26 extreme heat days per year, doubling the state average of 13 and requiring aggressive irrigation strategies.

Balanced Soil with Moderate Clay

The soil pH of 6.96 is nearly perfect for turfgrass, falling right within the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. While specific drainage data is unavailable, the 22.1% clay content suggests a need for core aeration to prevent compaction.

Weathering Twelve Weeks of Drought

Adams County faced 12 weeks in drought conditions over the past year, though current levels show 0% of the area in immediate stress. Deep, infrequent watering early in the morning helps established lawns survive these semi-arid stretches.

Hardy Turf for a Short Season

Kentucky Bluegrass or fine fescue blends are the best fits for zone 4b. Plant after the final spring frost on May 24th to ensure your new lawn establishes before the first fall frost arrives on September 21st.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Adams County's county score?
Adams County, North Dakota has a composite county score of 62.2 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Adams County rank among counties in North Dakota?
Adams County ranks #27 among all counties in North Dakota on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Adams County, North Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Adams County is $1,106, with an effective tax rate of 1.02%. This earns Adams County a tax score of 36.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Adams County?
The median household income in Adams County, North Dakota is $55,417 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Adams County earns an income score of 26.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Adams County, North Dakota a good place to live?
Adams County scores 62.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #27 in North Dakota. The best way to evaluate Adams County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Adams County with other counties side by side.

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🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.