Benson County well above national livability benchmark
Benson County scores 70.9 on the CountyScore composite index, substantially above the national median of 50.0. This above-average performance reflects a county with solid fundamentals across affordability and tax burden.
2 / 5
In line with North Dakota livability standards
Benson County scores 70.9 against a state average of 74.8, placing it in the lower-middle tier among North Dakota counties. While competitive by national standards, several state peers offer stronger overall livability scores.
3 / 5
Outstanding tax efficiency and housing affordability
Benson County boasts the lowest effective tax rate in this group at 0.871%, combined with an exceptional Cost Score of 88.8. Median home values of $83,100 and monthly rent of $616 make this one of the most affordable counties in the state.
4 / 5
Health outcomes and income levels need support
The county's Health Score of 52.9 is the weakest dimension, suggesting room for improvement in healthcare access or population health outcomes. With a median household income of $68,049, earning potential also trails several neighboring counties.
5 / 5
Ideal for tax-conscious buyers seeking lowest costs
Benson County is made for retirees and families prioritizing minimal tax burden and rock-bottom housing costs. The county's exceptional affordability and tax efficiency offset modest health and income metrics, making it a strong choice for those optimizing household finances.
Benson County well above national livability benchmark
Benson County scores 70.9 on the CountyScore composite index, substantially above the national median of 50.0. This above-average performance reflects a county with solid fundamentals across affordability and tax burden.
In line with North Dakota livability standards
Benson County scores 70.9 against a state average of 74.8, placing it in the lower-middle tier among North Dakota counties. While competitive by national standards, several state peers offer stronger overall livability scores.
Outstanding tax efficiency and housing affordability
Benson County boasts the lowest effective tax rate in this group at 0.871%, combined with an exceptional Cost Score of 88.8. Median home values of $83,100 and monthly rent of $616 make this one of the most affordable counties in the state.
Health outcomes and income levels need support
The county's Health Score of 52.9 is the weakest dimension, suggesting room for improvement in healthcare access or population health outcomes. With a median household income of $68,049, earning potential also trails several neighboring counties.
Ideal for tax-conscious buyers seeking lowest costs
Benson County is made for retirees and families prioritizing minimal tax burden and rock-bottom housing costs. The county's exceptional affordability and tax efficiency offset modest health and income metrics, making it a strong choice for those optimizing household finances.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛77.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
At 60.1 years, Benson County life expectancy is devastatingly low—nearly 19 years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years. With 25.4% of residents reporting poor or fair health, nearly one in four struggles with significant health challenges.
Severe health disparities within state
Benson County's 60.1-year life expectancy ranks 17.4 years below North Dakota's 77.5-year average, representing a severe outlier. The county's 25.4% poor or fair health rate is the highest among North Dakota counties, signaling a public health emergency.
Dramatically worse than surrounding counties
Benson County's 60.1-year life expectancy stands 20+ years below neighbors like Bottineau County (80.3 years) and Burleigh County (79.4 years). This stark disparity suggests underlying socioeconomic, environmental, or healthcare access factors differ dramatically from the region.
Critical provider shortage compounds crisis
Benson County has only 17 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—far below the state and national norm—and just 35 mental health providers per 100K. An uninsured rate of 6.7% means barriers to care are both structural and financial.
Healthcare access is urgent
Benson County residents face unprecedented health challenges and limited local care options. Contact the North Dakota Insurance Department at 701-328-2440 or explore healthcare.gov immediately to ensure you have coverage and know where to access care.
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.