Billings County, North Dakota — County Report Card

ND

#1 in North Dakota
84.1
County Score
Disaster Risk 99.2Property Tax 95.6Schools 94.1

County Report Card

About Billings County, North Dakota

An Elite National Livability Leader

Billings County earns a stellar composite score of 84.1, far surpassing the national median of 50.0. This score places it among the highest-rated counties in the entire country.

A Top-Tier North Dakota Destination

Ranking dramatically higher than the state average of 61.5, Billings County is a premier North Dakota location. It sets a high bar for excellence across nearly every measured dimension.

Superior Schools and Minimal Tax Burden

The county shines with a Risk Score of 99.2 and a Tax Score of 95.6, driven by a very low 0.369% effective tax rate. Educational quality is also elite, evidenced by a School Score of 94.1.

Higher Home Values Limit Entry

While still affordable by national standards, the median home value of $322,500 is higher than many neighbors. This makes it more difficult for first-time buyers to enter the local market.

The Gold Standard for Families

Billings County is the ultimate choice for families seeking top-tier schools and a very low tax burden. Its combination of high income and safety makes it one of the best places to live in the region.

Score breakdown

Tax95.6Cost71.8Safety88.7Health78.3Schools94.1Income85.1Risk99.2Water86Weather34.6
🏛95.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠71.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼85.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡88.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
78.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓94.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
99.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤34.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨66.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱44.7
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty
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Deep Dives

Billings County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

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.

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.

Safety in Billings County

via CrimeByCounty

Billings County Leads the Nation in Safety

Billings County achieves a near-perfect safety score of 99.6, placing it among the safest areas in the country. The total crime rate of 238.4 per 100,000 residents is roughly ten times lower than the national average.

A Benchmark for North Dakota Safety

The county's safety score of 99.6 is well above the state average of 98.5. Its total crime rate of 238.4 is significantly lower than the North Dakota state average of 976.6 per 100,000 residents.

Comparing Regional Safety Profiles

Billings County is even safer than neighboring Bowman County, which has a crime rate of 672.2. It remains one of the least active areas for law enforcement in the entire state.

No Violent Crimes Reported

In a remarkable statistic, Billings County reports a violent crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents. All 238.4 incidents per 100,000 residents are classified as property crimes, indicating a very peaceful community.

Defending Your Peaceful Community

While violent crime is non-existent in recent data, protecting against property theft remains important. Using timed lighting when away from home can help maintain the county's excellent safety reputation.

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.

Schools in Billings County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused Elementary Education in Billings

Billings County operates a very small educational system with just two public schools serving a total of 102 students. Both schools are elementary campuses managed by a single school district.

High Investment in Young Learners

The county spends $12,109 per pupil, which is significantly higher than the North Dakota average of $9,385. While graduation data is not available due to the elementary focus, the county maintains a baseline school score of 38.6.

The Billings County District 1

The Billings Co 1 district oversees both local schools, enrolling 102 students total. There are no charter schools in the county, ensuring a consistent public school experience for all families.

Small, Rural, and Intimate Classrooms

Both campuses are situated in rural locales with an average school size of just 51 students. DeMores Elementary is the largest at 55 students, while Prairie Elementary serves just 47 children in a deeply personalized setting.

Personalized Learning for Your Family

If you are looking for a home where your child will never be just a number, Billings County offers unmatched school intimacy. Consider the benefits of high per-pupil spending when evaluating properties in this quiet corner of the state.

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.

Weather & Climate in Billings County

via WeatherByCounty

Rugged Climate in the Badlands

Billings County averages 43.0°F annually, which is roughly 10 degrees colder than the national median. The humid continental climate here is heavily influenced by the dry, high-elevation topography of western North Dakota.

Warmth Amidst a Cold State

Averaging two degrees warmer than the state mean of 41.0°F, Billings County is one of North Dakota's warmer regions. This relative warmth is most noticeable during the winter months.

Notable Dryness in the West

Precipitation totals 16.6 inches annually, well below the state average of 19.5 inches. This creates a semi-arid landscape that differs sharply from the state's eastern borders.

Hot Summers and Moderate Snow

Residents see 23 extreme heat days a year and a July average of 70.2°F. Winter is less snowy than the east, with 30.1 inches of snow and a 16.2°F January average.

Prepare for Heat and Drought

The 23 extreme heat days require reliable air conditioning and water conservation efforts. For the 18.3°F winter, standard cold-weather gear is sufficient compared to the state's colder northern counties.

Soil Quality in Billings County

via SoilByCounty

Near-Neutral Foundation in the Badlands

Billings County has a pH of 7.10, making it one of the more neutral soil profiles in the state compared to the 7.18 average. It remains above the national median of 6.5. This balanced chemistry is ideal for a wide variety of native grasses and shrubs.

The Perfect Balance of Particles

The soil is remarkably balanced with 40.5% sand, 39.1% silt, and 20.3% clay. This distribution creates a loamy quality that supports plant roots without being too loose or too dense. It provides a stable and versatile medium for land management.

Above-Average Fertility and Storage

Organic matter levels reach 4.78%, beating the state average of 4.69% and the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.189 in/in also exceeds the state average of 0.186. These stats indicate a highly fertile soil that manages water efficiently.

Resilient Water Handling Capabilities

While specific drainage classes are not listed for this county, the high water capacity suggests a soil that acts like a sponge. This helps sustain vegetation during the dry periods common in the western Badlands. The particle mix supports good internal moisture movement.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 4b

Zone 4b allows for a longer growing season than many northern ND counties, making it great for hardy tomatoes and peppers. A soil score of 66.9 puts this county above the state average of 63.2. It is an excellent environment for anyone looking to cultivate the land.

Lawn Care in Billings County

via LawnByCounty

The Hardest Lawn Care in the State

Billings County is a tough environment for lawns, with a difficulty score of 44.7. This is nearly 10 points lower than the state average, requiring specific strategies to maintain a green yard in zone 4b.

Struggling with Aridity and Heat

Low precipitation of 16.6 inches and 23 extreme heat days create a high-evaporation environment. Lawns require supplemental irrigation to survive these conditions, as the rainfall sits well below the 30-50 inches needed for natural lushness.

Neutral pH Meets Sandy Soil

The soil pH of 7.10 is very close to the ideal range for grass growth. With a high sand content of 40.5% and lack of official drainage data, homeowners should focus on adding organic matter to improve water retention.

Surviving 22 Weeks of Drought

Lawns here endured a staggering 22 weeks of drought over the past year, the highest in the region. Drought-tolerant species like Buffalograss or fine fescues are essential choices to minimize water waste and lawn death.

Tough Turf for a Late Season

Wait until after May 12th to seed your lawn to avoid the last spring frost. Since the first fall frost arrives by September 28th, prioritize fast-establishing varieties that can handle the dry western North Dakota air.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Billings County's county score?
Billings County, North Dakota has a composite county score of 84.1 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 Billings County rank among counties in North Dakota?
Billings County ranks #1 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 Billings County, North Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Billings County is $1,189, with an effective tax rate of 0.37%. This earns Billings County a tax score of 95.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Billings County?
The median household income in Billings County, North Dakota is $81,250 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Billings County earns an income score of 85.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Billings County, North Dakota a good place to live?
Billings County scores 84.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #1 in North Dakota. The best way to evaluate Billings 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 Billings County with other counties side by side.