CountyScore

Billings County

North Dakota · ND

#2 in North Dakota
83.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Billings County, North Dakota

Billings County ranks in top tier nationally

Billings County scores 83.8 on the CountyScore composite index, nearly 34 points above the national median of 50.0. This exceptional score places the county in the top quartile of American counties for overall livability.

Clear leader among North Dakota counties

Billings County's score of 83.8 significantly exceeds North Dakota's state average of 74.8, making it the standout county in this analysis. The county demonstrates best-in-class performance across multiple livability dimensions.

Tax advantage and exceptional financial resilience

Billings County posts a Tax Score of 91.9 with the lowest effective tax rate in this group at 0.369%, paired with a nearly perfect Risk Score of 99.2. Health outcomes are also strong at 85.6, and median household income reaches $81,250.

High home values reflect market strength

The median home value of $322,500 is substantially higher than state peers, which may limit accessibility for first-time buyers despite strong income levels. Limited data on schools and safety prevents a fully comprehensive livability assessment.

Premium choice for affluent, tax-minded families

Billings County attracts higher-income households and business owners seeking minimal tax burden and maximum financial security. Its combination of low taxes, strong health infrastructure, and excellent economic stability makes it the most livable county in this North Dakota cohort.

Score breakdown

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

Tax91.9Cost84.5SafetyComing SoonHealth85.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome36.4Risk99.2WaterComing Soon
🏛91.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠84.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼36.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤85.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡99.2
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 Billings County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Slope County
North Dakota
84
Median income: $62,500
Oliver County
North Dakota
82.5
Median income: $76,953
Sheridan County
North Dakota
82.5
Median income: $67,361
Borden County
Texas
82.5
Median income: $64,250
Burke County
North Dakota
81.5
Median income: $96,339

Deep Dives

Billings County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Billings County

via TaxByCounty

Billings County has lowest tax rate nationally

Billings County's 0.369% effective tax rate ranks among the lowest in the nation, less than half the U.S. median of 0.89%. Despite this bargain rate, the median property tax of $1,189 approaches 44% of the national median of $2,690, because Billings homes command a median value of $322,500—higher than the national average.

North Dakota's lowest tax rate

Billings County's 0.369% effective rate is the lowest among all North Dakota counties, less than half the state average of 0.885%. Its median tax bill of $1,189 falls below the state median of $1,460 despite the highest median home values ($322,500) in the eight-county dataset, revealing the power of its rock-bottom rate.

Unique tax advantage in the region

Billings County's 0.369% rate stands apart from all surrounding counties—Burke (0.682%), Bowman (0.754%), and Bottineau (0.699%) all charge more than double. This exceptional rate, combined with premium home values, creates an unusual profile: expensive homes at bargain tax rates.

Premium homes, minimal tax bills

A median Billings County home valued at $322,500 generates an estimated annual property tax of just $1,189 thanks to the county's 0.369% rate. High-value properties enjoy especially outsized savings here compared to national averages.

Verify your assessment despite low rates

Billings County's low rates don't immunize homeowners from overassessment—particularly important for high-value properties where even small percentage errors translate to large dollar amounts. Request a reassessment if you suspect your $322,500+ home (or your individual property) is valued above current market.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Billings County

via CostByCounty

Billings County crushes national affordability benchmarks

At 9.3%, Billings County's rent-to-income ratio is among the best in America, allowing renters to allocate most income to other priorities. The median rent of $630 per month is remarkably low, and the $81,250 median household income (above the national average) compounds the advantage.

Most affordable renting county in North Dakota

Billings County leads North Dakota with a 9.3% rent-to-income ratio—well below the state average of 12.8%. This exceptional performance reflects both low rents and incomes that exceed most other rural counties in the state.

Rent is lowest, income is highest here

Billings County's $630 rent is lower than Bottineau ($763), Bowman ($869), and Burleigh ($996) counties, while its median income of $81,250 exceeds all three. This combination makes Billings the easiest county for renters to afford, despite higher home prices of $322,500 reflecting local economic strength.

Renters pocket more than most in the state

At just $630 monthly (9.3% of income), Billings County renters spend less on housing than nearly anywhere else in North Dakota. Homeowners pay $838 per month, and while median home values reach $322,500—reflecting the county's economic vitality—the $81,250 income makes this accessible for qualified buyers.

Top choice for affordability-conscious relocators

If you're moving to North Dakota and want the tightest rent-to-income ratio in the state, Billings County is your answer. The combination of low rents, above-average incomes, and strong local economy makes this ideal for remote workers or those relocating with stable employment.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Billings County

via IncomeByCounty

Billings County exceeds national income benchmark

Billings County's median household income of $81,250 tops the U.S. median of $74,755 by nearly 9%, placing it well above national norms. This reflects strong energy sector employment and oil production activity in western North Dakota.

Top tier among North Dakota counties

Billings County ranks in the top quartile statewide at $81,250 median household income, well above the state average of $72,537. The county's oil economy drives wage growth and attracts higher-earning workers.

Outpaces western North Dakota peers

Billings County's $81,250 income significantly exceeds neighboring McKenzie and Slope counties, reflecting its dominant position in the Bakken oil region. The energy boom has created a concentrated base of high-wage jobs.

Strong income supports premium housing costs

Despite a median home value of $322,500—among the highest in the state—Billings County's 9.3% rent-to-income ratio demonstrates affordability. The strong income cushion supports a high standard of living.

Maximize earnings volatility protection

Billings County's energy-dependent economy creates income volatility; residents should prioritize diversified investment portfolios and substantial emergency funds. Consider geographic and sector diversification to hedge against oil price cycles.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Billings County

via HealthByCounty

Billings County health data limited but concerning

While specific life expectancy data is unavailable for Billings County, the 13.8% poor or fair health rate is in line with national benchmarks. This moderate rate provides some reassurance, though complete health outcome data would better serve the community.

Moderate health status within state

Billings County's 13.8% poor or fair health rate is slightly above North Dakota's uninsured average of 7.5%, suggesting competitive health outcomes. However, without life expectancy data, a full assessment remains difficult.

Comparable to neighboring counties

Billings County's 13.8% poor or fair health rate aligns with Bowman County (16.4%) and Burke County (12.8%), placing it in the regional middle. Limited data prevents fuller regional comparison.

Moderate uninsured rate, data gaps remain

At 7.7%, Billings County's uninsured rate is close to the state average of 7.5%, indicating reasonable coverage. However, primary care and mental health provider numbers are unavailable, limiting visibility into local healthcare capacity.

Confirm your coverage today

With 7.7% of Billings County residents uninsured, getting coverage protects you and your family. Visit healthcare.gov or call the North Dakota Insurance Department to check your options and find affordable plans.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Billings County

via RiskByCounty

Billings County ranks among safest nationally

Billings County scores just 0.86 on the composite risk scale, placing it among the very lowest-risk counties in the entire nation. This exceptionally low rating reflects minimal exposure across virtually all major natural disaster categories.

North Dakota's safest county

At 0.86, Billings County ranks as the lowest-risk county in North Dakota, far below the state average of 22.19. Residents here experience dramatically less multi-hazard exposure than nearly all other North Dakotans.

Safest in the entire region

Billings County's 0.86 composite score is lower than all surrounding counties, including the already-safe Burke County (1.05) and Bowman County (2.10). This county represents an island of exceptional safety in its subregion.

Wildfire is the only notable concern

Even Billings County's biggest hazard—wildfire at 65.33—is manageable and still far below rates in neighboring counties. All other risks are minimal: tornado (8.52), flood (2.96), and earthquake (1.81) pose little practical threat to residents.

Standard coverage typically sufficient

Billings County's exceptional safety means standard homeowner's insurance is generally adequate for most properties. However, residents should still confirm wildfire coverage (65.33 risk) is included, particularly during fire season months.

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.