countyscore
63.2
County Score
Cost of Living 91.3Safety 88.4Disaster Risk 75.8

County Report Card

About Benson County, North Dakota

Well Above the National Livability Median

Benson County achieves a composite score of 63.2, placing it significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. It ranks as a high-performing rural county on the national stage.

Outpacing the North Dakota State Average

The county's 63.2 score puts it ahead of the North Dakota state average of 61.5. This performance makes it one of the more desirable rural locations within the state.

Exceptional Safety and Housing Value

Safety is a major draw here with a score of 88.4, paired with a Cost Score of 91.3. Homeowners enjoy affordable entry points with a median home value of just $83,100.

Addressing Water Quality and Health

The county struggles with a low Water Score of 12.3 and a Health Score of 30.1. These metrics suggest that while the county is safe and cheap, infrastructure and medical access need attention.

Perfect for Affordable, Secure Rural Living

Benson County is a great match for those seeking high safety and extremely low housing costs. It is best for individuals who are comfortable traveling for specialized healthcare or water services.

2040608010047.591.388.430.151.56275.812.344.9Tax47.5Cost91.3Safety88.4Health30.1Schools51.5Income62Risk75.8Water12.3Weather44.963.2/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Benson County DNA

D+overall

How Benson County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Benson County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (91.3/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (12.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
47.5
Cost
91.3+43.3
Safety
88.4+33.400000000000006
Health
30.1-19.9
Schools
51.5
Income
62+11
Risk
75.8+28.799999999999997
Water
12.3-45.7
Weather
44.9-11.100000000000001
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$83,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$616/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$83,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$24,640/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $68,049/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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East Carroll Parish
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Nearby counties

Ramsey County
North Dakota
50.4
Eddy County
North Dakota
60.3
Nelson County
North Dakota
71.5
Wells County
North Dakota
68.2
Foster County
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Pierce County
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63.9
Towner County
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Griggs County
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70

Deep Dives

Benson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Benson County

via TaxByCounty

Benson County taxes stay below U.S. median

At 0.871%, Benson County's effective tax rate sits just 2% below the national median of 0.89%, making it nearly aligned with the broader U.S. average. The median property tax of $724 is just 27% of the national median of $2,690, because homes here average $83,100—less than 30% of the national median home value.

Near state average for tax rates

Benson County's 0.871% effective rate hovers just slightly below North Dakota's state average of 0.885%, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's county rankings. Its median property tax of $724 is the lowest among the eight counties profiled, thanks to the state's cheapest median home values at $83,100.

Most affordable taxes in the region

Benson County's 0.871% rate and $724 median tax represent the lowest figures across all neighboring counties, including Adams (1.021%, $1,106) and Bottineau (0.699%, $1,335). The county's low home values create an unusually affordable property tax environment for the region.

Median annual tax just $724

Applying Benson County's 0.871% effective rate to the median home value of $83,100 yields an estimated annual property tax of $724, the region's lowest. This affordability makes Benson attractive for budget-conscious homebuyers and retirees on fixed incomes.

Review your assessment for accuracy

Even in Benson County's low-tax environment, overassessments happen and can still cost homeowners hundreds over time. Check your assessment notice against current market values to confirm you're not overpaying on your $724 (or your individual home's) tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Benson County

via CostByCounty

Benson County offers exceptional rental value

With a rent-to-income ratio of 10.9%, Benson County beats the national average and delivers renters substantial housing affordability. The median rent of $616 per month is roughly 45% cheaper than the typical American rental, making this county one of the nation's true housing bargains.

Second-most affordable county in North Dakota

Benson County ranks among North Dakota's best for rental affordability, with a ratio of 10.9% compared to the state average of 12.8%. Only a handful of counties match this efficiency, positioning Benson as a premier choice for budget-conscious renters.

Beats nearby counties on affordability metrics

Benson County's $616 rent undercuts Bottineau County ($763) and is far below Burleigh County ($996), while homebuyers benefit from a median home value of just $83,100—the lowest in this comparison set. At $68,049 median household income, residents here enjoy the strongest housing-to-income balance among comparable rural counties.

Housing costs stay remarkably lean

Benson County renters spend just $616 monthly (10.9% of income) and homeowners pay $572, both among the state's lowest. This efficiency means a family earning $68,049 retains nearly $60,000 annually for food, healthcare, transportation, and savings after housing costs.

Maximum housing value for your dollar

Relocators prioritizing affordability should seriously consider Benson County's 10.9% rent-to-income ratio—among the best in the nation. If you're leaving a high-cost area, moving here could cut your housing costs in half while maintaining access to basic services.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Benson County

via IncomeByCounty

Benson County income notably below U.S. average

Median household income in Benson County stands at $68,049, about 9% below the national median of $74,755. However, per capita income of $27,568 lags significantly behind state averages, suggesting income concentration.

Lower-middle income among North Dakota counties

Benson County ranks in the lower half of North Dakota counties at $68,049 median household income, just below the state average of $72,537. This reflects the county's significant Native American population and rural economy.

Similar challenges to neighboring reservations

Benson County's $68,049 median household income is comparable to other counties with substantial tribal lands in North Dakota. The per capita income of $27,568 reveals income inequality challenges common to the region.

Housing affordable on tight budgets

Benson County's 10.9% rent-to-income ratio is among the best in the state, reflecting low housing costs. However, the modest absolute income of $68,049 limits capacity for healthcare, education, and emergency savings.

Start small, think long-term

Benson County residents can build wealth through employer retirement programs and even small monthly investments in tax-advantaged accounts. Community development financial institutions offer tailored lending and financial education resources.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Benson County

via CrimeByCounty

Benson County Ranks Among the Nation's Safest

With a safety score of 99.6, Benson County is one of the most secure counties in the United States. Its total crime rate of 251.7 per 100,000 residents is a mere fraction of the national average of 2,385.5.

Exceeding North Dakota Safety Standards

Benson County far exceeds the state's average safety score of 98.5. Because this data comes from a single reporting agency, residents should view these exceptionally low rates as a general snapshot of local safety.

Safety Leader in the Region

Benson County is significantly safer than Bottineau County, which reports a crime rate over four times higher at 1,076.3. It stands out as a particularly low-crime area even by North Dakota standards.

A Breakdown of Minimal Crime

The county reports a very low violent crime rate of 33.6 per 100,000 residents. Property crime is also minimal at 218.1, meaning the actual risk of encountering crime in daily life is statistically very low.

Preserving a Safe Environment

Benson County's 99.6 safety score is a point of local pride. Simple habits like locking vehicles and outbuildings ensure that property crime remains at these impressively low levels.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Benson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Benson's Wide-Ranging Rural Network

Benson County manages a network of 12 public schools serving 1,010 students through six different districts. This infrastructure is heavily distributed, featuring five elementary schools and five high schools across the region.

Strong Investment Despite Graduation Challenges

The county invests heavily with a per-pupil expenditure of $12,204, well above the state average of $9,385. While the 78.5% graduation rate is lower than the state's 84.8%, the composite school score of 58.7 sits above the state average of 54.8.

Warwick and Ft Totten Districts

Warwick 29 is the largest district with 222 students across three schools, followed closely by Ft Totten 30 with 200 students. Traditional public schools make up 100% of the county's offerings as there are no charter schools.

Small Schools in Rural Settings

Every school in Benson County is classified as rural, with an average size of only 84 students per campus. Minnewaukan Elementary is the largest with 219 students, while several rural schools like Maddock Elementary serve fewer than 90 children.

Invest in High-Spending School Zones

Families who value high per-pupil spending and small class sizes will find Benson County particularly attractive. Use school quality and spending data to guide your home search in this rural North Dakota landscape.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Benson County

via RiskByCounty

Benson County shows mixed risk profile

Benson County scores 24.27 on the composite risk scale, slightly above the national average but rated Very Low overall. This reflects a specific concentration of wildfire exposure balanced against lower risks in other hazard categories.

Slightly above North Dakota average

At 24.27, Benson County's composite risk sits just above North Dakota's state average of 22.19, placing it in the middle tier of the state's risk profile. Residents experience roughly typical multi-hazard exposure compared to other North Dakota counties.

Moderate risk among nearby counties

Benson County's 24.27 score falls between safer neighbors like Billings County (0.86) to the south and slightly riskier areas like Bottineau County (18.67) to the west. It represents a middle-ground risk profile for this portion of the state.

Wildfire drives the risk equation

Wildfire risk (80.09) dramatically outpaces other hazards in Benson County, making it the primary disaster concern by a wide margin. Tornado (20.93) and flood (6.71) risks are considerably lower, with earthquake risk minimal at 2.32.

Prioritize wildfire protection now

Benson County's exceptionally high wildfire risk (80.09) should drive your insurance and home-hardening decisions. Ensure your policy covers wildfire damage and create defensible space around your home, especially given your county's elevated exposure to fire season threats.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Benson County

via WaterByCounty

Critical Drinking Water Violations

Benson County receives an 'F' grade due to three health-based violations recorded in the last five years. Its violation rate of 263.6 per 100,000 residents is more than five times higher than the North Dakota average of 47.0. These figures indicate significant challenges in maintaining Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

Habitat Alterations Affect Local Streams

Roughly 16.7% of the 30 assessed water bodies in the county are classified as impaired in the 2022 reporting cycle. This is slightly better than the 19.3% state average. The primary causes of impairment are sedimentation, habitat alterations, and poor bioassessment scores for macroinvertebrates.

Moderate Monitoring Across Nine Sites

Benson County hosts nine active monitoring sites that have generated 6,146 measurements over the past five years. Data collection focuses on physical characteristics, inorganic compounds, and metals. This footprint provides necessary oversight for the county’s various aquatic ecosystems.

Steady Flow on the Sheyenne River

The USGS gauge on the Sheyenne River near Flora currently records 62 cfs, approximately 77% of its typical flow. While lower than the long-term mean of 81 cfs, the river remains relatively stable. This gauge monitors a drainage area of 1,661 square miles.

Prioritize Filtration and Testing

Because of the high rate of drinking water violations, residents should stay informed about their local water utility's specific compliance issues. Using certified home filtration systems can provide an extra layer of protection against contaminants. Additionally, be aware that sedimentation affects 16.7% of assessed water bodies, impacting local aquatic life.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Benson County

via WeatherByCounty

A Chilly Northern Continental Climate

Benson County maintains a crisp 39.1°F annual average, which is nearly 15 degrees colder than the national median. This represents one of the most extreme cold-climate profiles in the lower 48 states.

Ranks Among the State's Coldest

The county is significantly cooler than the North Dakota average of 41.0°F. Its northern position drives lower averages and more persistent winter conditions.

Slightly Drier Than Eastern Neighbors

Annual precipitation averages 20.3 inches, placing it slightly above the state norm of 19.5 inches. It sits in a transitional zone between the wetter Red River Valley and the drier western plains.

Mild Summers and Severe Cold

Extreme heat is rare here, with only 7 days a year hitting 90°F. However, January is brutal with an average temperature of just 6.9°F, and summer averages peak at a modest 65.9°F.

Winter Survival Gear is Mandatory

While specific snowfall data is unavailable, the 10.3°F winter average demands robust heating systems. Residents should plan for a short growing season given the cool 65.9°F summer average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Benson County

via SoilByCounty

Mineral-Rich Soils Near Devils Lake Basin

Benson County’s soil averages a pH of 7.27, which is slightly more alkaline than the state average of 7.18. This exceeds the national median of 6.5 significantly, reflecting a high mineral content. These levels are common in the north-central glaciated plains.

Sandy Texture for Easy Workability

At 44.2% sand, these soils are easier to till and work than many of their eastern neighbors. Silt accounts for 35.5% and clay for 18.8% of the mix. This lighter composition allows for excellent aeration and quick warming in the spring.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

The organic matter content is an impressive 5.37%, surpassing both the state average of 4.69% and the national 2.0%. With an available water capacity of 0.185 in/in, the soil holds onto moisture nearly as well as the state's top performers. This combination creates a high potential for crop yields.

Well-Aerated Hydrological Profile

Specific drainage class data is unavailable, but the high sand percentage generally points to a naturally well-draining environment. This reduces the risk of root rot for sensitive plants during heavy rain events. The soil is well-suited for irrigation if needed.

Abundant Growth in Zone 4a

Benson County is located in Hardiness Zone 4a, perfect for root vegetables and hardy grains. The soil score of 62.6 is nearly identical to the state average of 63.2, proving its reliability. It is a fantastic place to build a high-producing home garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Benson County

via LawnByCounty

Ideal Growing Conditions in Benson County

Benson County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 57.0, making it significantly easier to grow grass here than the national average of 50.0. The county ranks well above the North Dakota state average of 54.0 due to its temperate climate.

Cooler Summers Benefit Your Lawn

The county experiences only seven extreme heat days per year, far lower than the state average of 13. This mild July heat, paired with 20.3 inches of rain, reduces evaporation rates and helps maintain green turf throughout the summer.

Sandy Loam Potential and Alkaline Soil

The soil contains 44.2% sand, which usually implies fast drainage, though official drainage classes are not provided. A pH of 7.27 means you may need to apply sulfur or iron-heavy fertilizers to prevent grass yellowing.

Consistent Moisture for Healthy Grass

Benson County had only four weeks of drought in the past year, the lowest among its neighbors. This consistent moisture allows homeowners to focus more on fertilization and mowing rather than constant irrigation.

Maximize the May to September Window

Cool-season grasses like perennial ryegrass work well in this zone 4a climate. Plan your seeding for late May once the threat of frost passes on May 15th to ensure strong root development.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Benson County's county score?
Benson County, North Dakota has a composite county score of 63.2 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 Benson County rank among counties in North Dakota?
Benson County ranks #25 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 Benson County, North Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Benson County is $724, with an effective tax rate of 0.87%. This earns Benson County a tax score of 47.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Benson County?
The median household income in Benson County, North Dakota is $68,049 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Benson County earns an income score of 62/100 on CountyScore.
Is Benson County, North Dakota a good place to live?
Benson County scores 63.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #25 in North Dakota. The best way to evaluate Benson 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 Benson County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.