CountyScore

Barnes County

North Dakota · ND

#42 in North Dakota
71.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Barnes County, North Dakota

Barnes County outperforms national livability median

Barnes County scores 71.4 on the CountyScore composite index, significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. This solid performance indicates above-average livability compared to counties across the United States.

Slightly below North Dakota average

With a composite score of 71.4, Barnes County falls just below North Dakota's state average of 74.8. The county ranks in the middle tier among state counties, with room for improvement in certain livability dimensions.

Health outcomes and affordability shine

Barnes County scores 77.5 on health, indicating above-average health outcomes for county residents. The area maintains strong affordability with a Cost Score of 81.6 and median home values of $168,100, while a median household income of $70,230 provides middle-class stability.

Financial risk exposure is the main concern

The county's Risk Score of 54.1 is notably below state and national expectations, suggesting elevated exposure to economic downturns or financial volatility. Income levels also lag state peers despite reasonable cost of living, which may limit long-term wealth accumulation.

Fit for health-conscious families seeking stability

Barnes County suits families and professionals who value good health infrastructure and reasonable housing costs over rapid income growth. Its combination of solid health scores and moderate affordability makes it attractive to those seeking a stable, middle-class rural lifestyle.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax71.4Cost81.6SafetyComing SoonHealth77.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome29.2Risk54.1WaterComing Soon
🏛71.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼29.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤77.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡54.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Barnes County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Tallapoosa County
Alabama
71.4
Median income: $57,185
Van Buren County
Arkansas
71.4
Median income: $47,266
Audubon County
Iowa
71.4
Median income: $54,152
Butler County
Iowa
71.4
Median income: $69,651
Jones County
Iowa
71.4
Median income: $73,071

Deep Dives

Barnes County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Barnes County

via TaxByCounty

Barnes County taxes exceed U.S. average

Barnes County's 1.096% effective tax rate ranks well above the national median of 0.89%, placing it in the higher tier for property taxation. The median property tax of $1,842 remains about 32% below the national median of $2,690, owing to a median home value of $168,100 versus $281,900 nationally.

Second-highest rate in North Dakota

Barnes County's 1.096% effective rate ranks second among North Dakota's 53 counties, topped only by Adams County at 1.021%—wait, Barnes actually ranks highest in the dataset. Its median tax of $1,842 exceeds the state average of $1,460 by 26%, reflecting both higher rates and higher home values than many neighboring counties.

Priciest taxes in the region

Barnes County's 1.096% rate leads the surrounding area, outpacing Bottineau County (0.699%) to the northwest and Benson County (0.871%) to the north. Both median tax bills ($1,842 here versus $1,335 and $724 respectively) and effective rates make Barnes a costlier place to own property locally.

Expect $1,842 in annual property tax

A median home valued at $168,100 in Barnes County incurs an estimated $1,842 in annual property taxes at the 1.096% effective rate. This figure assumes no mortgage; those with outstanding loans may see slight variations based on escrow payments.

Consider appealing your assessment

In a county with property tax rates this high, even a modest overassessment can compound into significant yearly overpayment. Barnes County homeowners are encouraged to compare their assessment notices against recent arm's-length sales of comparable properties to identify appeal opportunities.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Barnes County

via CostByCounty

Barnes County rents outpace national affordability

At 13.3%, Barnes County's rent-to-income ratio runs above the national average, placing renters under more pressure than typical American households. The median rent of $779 per month reflects higher costs than many rural peers, though household income of $70,230 sits below the national median of $74,755.

Slightly less affordable than the state average

Barnes County ranks below middle in North Dakota's affordability spectrum, with renters spending 13.3% of income on housing versus the state average of 12.8%. The gap widens when comparing median rent: Barnes at $779 exceeds the state average of $770, suggesting tighter housing markets here.

Pricier than Adams, cheaper than Burleigh

Barnes County's $779 rent positions it higher than rural Adams County ($545) but well below Burleigh County's $996, reflecting its middle ground in North Dakota's cost spectrum. Homebuyers face median prices of $168,100, more affordable than Burleigh County's $314,700 but steeper than Adams County's $108,300.

Rent and mortgages both climb here

Renters in Barnes County spend $779 monthly (13.3% of income) while homeowners pay $844, creating one of the higher dual-cost burdens in the state. With a median home value of $168,100 on a $70,230 income, buying power requires careful budgeting.

Balance affordability against opportunity here

Barnes County works best for relocators with household incomes near $70,000 or higher who can absorb its 13.3% rent-to-income ratio. If you're earning less, nearby Adams or Benson counties may deliver better value; if you need more urban services, the cost premium may be worth it.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Barnes County

via IncomeByCounty

Barnes County slightly behind national median

Barnes County's median household income of $70,230 falls about 6% below the U.S. median of $74,755, reflecting rural North Dakota's income patterns. Per capita income stands at $41,622, solidly above state averages.

Middle-ranked in North Dakota earnings

Barnes County ranks in the middle tier of North Dakota counties at $70,230 median household income, just slightly below the state average of $72,537. This suggests a stable, diversified local economy.

Consistent with surrounding counties

Barnes County's $70,230 income aligns closely with neighboring Ransom and Sargent counties. The consistency reflects a shared agricultural and small-manufacturing economy across southeast North Dakota.

Rent manageable despite modest income

A 13.3% rent-to-income ratio means housing costs are reasonable but slightly above ideal thresholds. The $70,230 median provides adequate purchasing power for daily needs in this lower-cost region.

Leverage stability for long-term growth

Barnes County's steady income supports consistent savings and investment habits. Consider diversified portfolios and education savings plans to position families for wealth accumulation over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Barnes County

via HealthByCounty

Barnes County outperforms national health benchmarks

At 77.2 years, Barnes County residents live on par with the U.S. average of 78.9 years, with only a 1.7-year gap. The county's 13.9% poor or fair health rate beats the national average of 15%, reflecting better-than-average health.

Slightly below state average

Barnes County's 77.2-year life expectancy trails North Dakota's 77.5-year state average by just 0.3 years. At 13.9% reporting poor or fair health, the county performs better than most state peers.

Competitive health outcomes regionally

Barnes County ranks in the middle of its region, outpacing Adams County (77.1 years) but trailing Bottineau County (80.3 years). Mental health provider availability at 84 per 100K is adequate, though below some neighboring counties.

Good insurance coverage, limited mental health access

Barnes County's uninsured rate of 6.2% ranks below both the state average of 7.5% and national benchmarks, showing strong coverage. However, mental health providers at 84 per 100K and primary care providers at 93 per 100K suggest residents may face wait times for specialized care.

Check your coverage status

While Barnes County has good insurance rates, 6.2% of residents still lack coverage. Contact the North Dakota Insurance Department or visit healthcare.gov to review your options and ensure your family is protected.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Barnes County

via RiskByCounty

Barnes County faces above-average risk

Barnes County scores 45.90 on the composite risk scale, making it Relatively Low but well above the national average for disaster exposure. This score reflects multiple significant hazards converging in this region, warranting greater preparedness than typical counties.

Notably riskier than most North Dakota counties

With a composite score of 45.90, Barnes County ranks among the highest-risk counties in North Dakota, significantly exceeding the state average of 22.19. Residents experience roughly double the multi-hazard exposure of a typical North Dakota county.

Highest risk in this subregion

Barnes County's 45.90 score is substantially higher than neighboring Benson County (24.27) and far exceeds the safest counties in the state like Bowman (2.10) and Burke (1.05). This county faces notably greater compound disaster risks than its immediate surroundings.

Flood and wildfire threats compound

Flooding (41.28) and wildfire (65.43) are Barnes County's dominant hazards, each exceeding state averages and creating overlapping seasonal risks. Tornado risk (41.76) adds a third significant threat, making spring through fall a particularly active hazard season.

Comprehensive coverage is essential

Barnes County residents should prioritize flood insurance (41.28 risk) and wildfire protection in their homeowner policies, given the county's above-average exposure. Consider a separate flood policy to ensure adequate protection, especially if your property is near waterways or in drainage areas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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