countyscore
56.2
County Score
Water Quality 86Health 81.6Income & Jobs 67.1

County Report Card

About Barnes County, North Dakota

Solid Rankings on the National Scale

Barnes County posts a composite score of 56.2, comfortably exceeding the national median of 50.0. This indicates a quality of life that is better than over half of the counties in the United States.

Trailing the North Dakota State Average

While competitive nationally, the county's 56.2 score falls below the North Dakota state average of 61.5. It remains a stable option but ranks in the lower half of the state's internal comparisons.

High Marks for Health and Income

The county boasts a strong Health Score of 81.6 and an Income Score of 67.1. Families benefit from a median household income of $70,230 and reliable access to health services.

Managing Tax Burden and Public Safety

The Tax Score of 31.4 reflects an effective property tax rate of 1.096%, which is higher than many regional peers. Safety and Risk scores in the 40s and 50s also indicate areas where local infrastructure could improve.

A Balanced Choice for Working Professionals

Barnes County is well-suited for professionals who prioritize health access and steady earnings. While taxes are higher for the region, the balance of income and school quality offers a reliable environment.

2040608010031.458.442.581.664.867.154.18642.6Tax31.4Cost58.4Safety42.5Health81.6Schools64.8Income67.1Risk54.1Water86Weather42.656.2/100
This county
National avg
5 above average3 below average

Barnes County DNA

Foverall

How Barnes County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Barnes County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (81.6/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (31.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
31.4-20.6
Cost
58.4+10.399999999999999
Safety
42.5-12.5
Health
81.6+31.599999999999994
Schools
64.8+10.799999999999997
Income
67.1+16.099999999999994
Risk
54.1
Water
86+28
Weather
42.6-13.399999999999999
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Many homeowners in Barnes County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$168,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$779/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$168,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,160/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $70,230/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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70
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Deep Dives

Barnes County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Barnes County

via CrimeByCounty

Barnes County Safety Relative to National Averages

Barnes County earns a safety score of 97.9, indicating it is safer than many regions across the country. Its total crime rate of 1,302.4 per 100,000 residents remains well below the national mark of 2,385.5.

Comparing Barnes to State Benchmarks

The county's safety score of 97.9 is slightly below the North Dakota average of 98.5. Its total crime rate of 1,302.4 is higher than the state's typical rate of 976.6 per 100,000 residents.

Local Trends in the Region

Barnes County reports more activity than rural neighbors like Adams County, which sees only 639.3 incidents per 100,000 people. However, it remains significantly quieter than urban hubs like Burleigh County.

Analyzing Violent and Property Crimes

Property crimes make up the bulk of local incidents at 1,191.6 per 100,000 residents. The violent crime rate is 110.8, which is lower than both the state average of 121.0 and the national average of 369.8.

Securing Your Property

Since property crime is the primary concern here, smart locks and doorbell cameras are effective investments. Maintaining clear sightlines around your home can also help prevent trespassing and theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Barnes County

via SchoolsByCounty

Strong Educational Foundations in Barnes

Barnes County supports 1,365 students across seven public schools distributed among three districts. The infrastructure includes three elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools to serve diverse age groups.

Top-Tier Graduation Rates

The county boasts an impressive 91.7% graduation rate, far exceeding the state average of 84.8% and the national 87% benchmark. Despite a lean per-pupil spend of $8,185, the county achieves a school score of 57.0, outperforming the state average of 54.8.

Valley City Leads Local Districts

Valley City 2 is the largest district, enrolling 1,033 students across four distinct campuses. No charter schools operate in the county, leaving education entirely in the hands of the three local public districts.

A Mix of Town and Country

The locale mix includes four schools in town settings and three in rural areas, with an average school size of 195 students. Valley City High School is the largest with 366 students, while the Barnes County North schools provide more secluded rural learning.

Secure Your Home Near Top Schools

With graduation rates exceeding 91%, Barnes County is a premier choice for families prioritizing academic success. Proximity to high-performing schools in Valley City remains a primary driver for local home buyers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Barnes County

via WaterByCounty

Top Marks for Drinking Water Safety

Barnes County earns a 'A' grade for drinking water, reporting zero health-based violations over a five-year lookback. While the state average sits at 47.0 violations per 100,000 people, this county maintains a perfect 0.0 rate. Residents can trust that their public water systems are meeting rigorous federal safety benchmarks.

High Impairment Rates in Local Waterways

According to the 2022 assessment, 31.1% of the 45 assessed water bodies in Barnes County fail to meet Clean Water Act standards. This impairment rate is much higher than the state average of 19.3%. Primary issues include E. coli contamination, habitat alterations, and excessive sedimentation.

Extensive Water Quality Testing Records

Monitoring efforts are robust, with 20,263 measurements recorded at eight sites over the last five years. This high density of data covers physical traits, inorganics, and metals. Such detailed tracking allows for precise identification of pollutants across the county.

Sheyenne River Running High

The Sheyenne River at Valley City is currently discharging 236 cfs, which is 163% of its long-term mean flow. This surge moves water through a massive 7,810-square-mile drainage area. High flows can increase the transport of sediment and pollutants from upstream sources.

Manage Runoff and Bacteria Risks

Given that nearly a third of local water bodies are impaired by E. coli and sediment, residents should avoid contact with murky water after heavy rains. The current high streamflow may aggravate these existing sedimentation issues. Homeowners with private wells near the river should consider regular testing for bacteria.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Barnes County

via WeatherByCounty

Cold Humid Continental Trends in Barnes

Barnes County records an annual average of 40.5°F, falling more than 10 degrees below the national median. This climate is defined by short, warm summers and long, punishingly cold winters.

Cooler Than the North Dakota Average

The county’s 40.5°F average sits slightly below the state mean of 41.0°F. While typical for the region, it ranks as one of the cooler areas compared to the southern border counties.

Higher Precipitation Than Regional Peers

Barnes County receives 22.0 inches of annual precipitation, outpacing the state average of 19.5 inches. This makes it a relatively moist pocket in a generally dry state.

Deep Snow and Bitter January Chills

Winter dominates here with 47.2 inches of annual snowfall and an 8.0°F January average. Summer provides relief with only 10 extreme heat days reaching 90°F or higher.

Winter Readiness is a Priority

With over 47 inches of snow and an 11.7°F average winter, heavy-duty snow removal equipment is a necessity. High-performance home heating and vehicle winterization are critical for the deep-freeze months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Barnes County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Earth of the Eastern Plains

Barnes County has an average pH of 7.33, sitting well above the national median of 6.5. This alkaline profile is also higher than the North Dakota state average of 7.18. These mineral-rich soils are typical for the glaciated regions of the Red River Valley hinterlands.

Silt-Heavy Soils for Better Retention

The soil is comprised of 40.6% silt, 34.5% sand, and 24.9% clay. The high silt and clay content provides excellent nutrient retention and a sturdy structure for large-scale agriculture. It requires careful management to avoid compaction during wet years.

State-Average Water Storage Capacity

Organic matter is a healthy 4.42%, more than double the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.186 in/in exactly matches the North Dakota state average. This balance provides a great reservoir for thirsty summer crops.

High Moisture Retention Challenges

Though specific drainage classifications are not listed, the 24.9% clay content suggests these soils hold onto moisture tightly. This is beneficial during droughts but may require tiled drainage for high-yield farming. Home gardeners should watch for slow-draining spots in the yard.

Productive Gardening in Zone 4a

In Zone 4a, sunflowers and spring wheat thrive in the nutrient-dense Barnes County soil. A soil score of 60.4 represents a solid foundation for local food production. Start a garden this season with hardy perennials that enjoy mineral-rich, alkaline conditions.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Barnes County

via LawnByCounty

Barnes County Leads the State in Ease

With a lawn difficulty score of 55.6, Barnes County is one of the easier places in North Dakota to maintain turf. This score beats both the state average of 54.0 and the national median of 50.0.

Favorable Rainfall and Mild Summers

The county receives 22.0 inches of annual precipitation, which is higher than the state average of 19.5 inches. Only 10 extreme heat days occur annually, allowing for a more relaxed watering schedule than neighboring western counties.

Managing Slightly Alkaline Soils

The soil pH of 7.33 is slightly above the ideal range, which can sometimes limit nutrient availability for standard turf. With 34.5% sand and 24.9% clay, the soil provides a decent structural balance, though localized drainage reports are not currently available.

Resilient Landscapes with Low Stress

Lawns here only spent seven weeks in drought over the past year, indicating relatively stable moisture levels. Keeping grass height around three inches helps shade the soil and further reduces the need for supplemental water.

Early Starts for Zone 4a Turf

In hardiness zone 4a, cold-tolerant species like Kentucky Bluegrass thrive when seeded in early spring. Aim to start projects after May 13th to capitalize on a growing window that lasts until the first frost on September 26th.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Barnes County's county score?
Barnes County, North Dakota has a composite county score of 56.2 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 Barnes County rank among counties in North Dakota?
Barnes County ranks #41 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 Barnes County, North Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Barnes County is $1,842, with an effective tax rate of 1.10%. This earns Barnes County a tax score of 31.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Barnes County?
The median household income in Barnes County, North Dakota is $70,230 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Barnes County earns an income score of 67.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Barnes County, North Dakota a good place to live?
Barnes County scores 56.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #41 in North Dakota. The best way to evaluate Barnes 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 Barnes County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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