Bottineau County scores 77.3 on the CountyScore composite index, significantly outperforming the national median of 50.0. This strong performance places the county in the top tier nationally for livability.
2 / 5
Exceeds North Dakota state average
Bottineau County's score of 77.3 surpasses the state average of 74.8, establishing it as a top-tier livable county within North Dakota. The county ranks among the highest performers in this eight-county analysis.
3 / 5
Strong income and stable health outcomes
Bottineau County posts a median household income of $83,460, supported by a strong Income Score of 37.9. Health outcomes are solid at 75.7, and the county maintains good financial stability with a Risk Score of 81.4 and reasonable tax burden at 0.699%.
4 / 5
Housing affordability higher than lowest-cost peers
With a median home value of $190,900 and monthly rent of $763, Bottineau County is less affordable than the most budget-friendly counties in this group. Limited data on schools, safety, and water quality leaves some livability dimensions unmeasured.
5 / 5
Great fit for middle-class families seeking balance
Bottineau County suits families valuing a balance of reasonable income levels, decent health infrastructure, and moderate affordability. Its above-average composite score makes it an excellent choice for those seeking stability without the premium costs of top-tier counties.
Bottineau County scores 77.3 on the CountyScore composite index, significantly outperforming the national median of 50.0. This strong performance places the county in the top tier nationally for livability.
Exceeds North Dakota state average
Bottineau County's score of 77.3 surpasses the state average of 74.8, establishing it as a top-tier livable county within North Dakota. The county ranks among the highest performers in this eight-county analysis.
Strong income and stable health outcomes
Bottineau County posts a median household income of $83,460, supported by a strong Income Score of 37.9. Health outcomes are solid at 75.7, and the county maintains good financial stability with a Risk Score of 81.4 and reasonable tax burden at 0.699%.
Housing affordability higher than lowest-cost peers
With a median home value of $190,900 and monthly rent of $763, Bottineau County is less affordable than the most budget-friendly counties in this group. Limited data on schools, safety, and water quality leaves some livability dimensions unmeasured.
Great fit for middle-class families seeking balance
Bottineau County suits families valuing a balance of reasonable income levels, decent health infrastructure, and moderate affordability. Its above-average composite score makes it an excellent choice for those seeking stability without the premium costs of top-tier counties.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛82.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Bottineau County's 0.699% effective tax rate sits 21% below the U.S. median of 0.89%, offering relief compared to most American counties. The median property tax of $1,335 is just 50% of the national median of $2,690, reflecting a median home value of $190,900 that's 32% below the national average.
Middle-of-the-pack among North Dakota counties
Bottineau County's 0.699% effective rate sits about 21% below North Dakota's state average of 0.885%, placing it in the lower-tax tier statewide. Its median property tax of $1,335 is slightly below the state median of $1,460, balancing moderate rates with moderately priced homes.
Lower rates than most adjacent counties
Bottineau County's 0.699% rate beats nearby Adams (1.021%) and Barnes (1.096%), making it a tax-friendly neighbor in the region. Its $1,335 median tax is comparable to Burke County ($968) to the west and notably cheaper than Barnes ($1,842) to the southeast.
Estimate $1,335 yearly property tax
Multiplying Bottineau County's median home value of $190,900 by the 0.699% rate yields an estimated annual property tax of $1,335 for the typical homeowner. This mid-range bill reflects both moderate home prices and moderate tax rates for the county.
Appeal if you're paying too much
Bottineau County homeowners should verify that their assessments reflect recent market sales and current property conditions. An overassessment of just 10% could cost you $133+ annually—reason enough to review your assessment notice.
With an 11.0% rent-to-income ratio, Bottineau County runs below the national average and delivers genuine affordability to renters. The median rent of $763 is a bargain by national standards, and the median household income of $83,460 sits comfortably above the national average of $74,755.
Strong affordability ranks in middle-top tier
Bottineau County's 11.0% rent-to-income ratio ranks in the upper half of North Dakota's affordability, beating the state average of 12.8%. The county's above-average income helps offset slightly higher rents than some rural peers.
More expensive rents, higher incomes than peers
Bottineau County's $763 rent exceeds Benson ($616) and Adams ($545) but trails Burleigh ($996), while its $83,460 income is among the strongest in the comparison set. Homebuyers face median values of $190,900, placing it between Benson's lower-cost market and Burleigh's premium.
Strong income supports moderate housing costs
Bottineau County renters spend $763 monthly (11.0% of income) while homeowners pay $739, both reasonable by state standards. The $83,460 median household income—second-highest in this group—provides financial cushion for housing and other expenses.
Solid choice for middle-income relocators
Bottineau County works well for families earning $80,000+ who want genuine affordability without moving to isolated rural areas. Compare its 11.0% ratio to your current housing burden—you'll likely find significant savings while accessing better-resourced communities than more rural counties.
Bottineau County's median household income of $83,460 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by over 11%, placing it among stronger-earning counties nationally. Per capita income of $48,356 also surpasses state averages significantly.
Second-highest earner in North Dakota
Bottineau County ranks second in North Dakota for median household income at $83,460, trailing only Burke County. The strong income reflects a robust local economy and diverse employment base.
Regional income leader in northern ND
Bottineau County's $83,460 income leads surrounding counties in north-central North Dakota, including Renville and Minot. The county has successfully attracted employers and maintained economic stability.
Solid income supports comfortable living
Bottineau County's 11.0% rent-to-income ratio is excellent, meaning housing costs remain well-controlled despite higher home prices. The $83,460 median provides strong purchasing power for quality of life investments.
Invest surplus income strategically
With above-average income, Bottineau County households can aggressively fund retirement accounts and diversified investments. Consider college savings plans, real estate investment, and tax-efficient wealth strategies to capitalize on earning power.
At 80.3 years, Bottineau County residents live 1.4 years longer than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. With only 17.1% reporting poor or fair health compared to the national average of 15%, the county shows strong overall health.
Well above state average
Bottineau County's 80.3-year life expectancy ranks 2.8 years above North Dakota's 77.5-year state average, placing it among the state's healthiest counties. The 17.1% poor or fair health rate is moderate for the state.
Leading regional health outcomes
Bottineau County's 80.3-year life expectancy outpaces neighboring Adams County (77.1 years) and Barnes County (77.2 years), making it a regional leader. Only Burke County (81.4 years) exceeds Bottineau's longevity.
Strong coverage with provider limitations
Bottineau County's uninsured rate of 7.9% is slightly higher than the state average of 7.5%, though most residents have coverage. With only 47 primary care providers and 32 mental health providers per 100K, residents may face wait times for specialized care.
Maintain your coverage
Bottineau County's strong health outcomes depend on consistent healthcare access. Make sure you stay covered—visit healthcare.gov or contact the North Dakota Insurance Department to review your options.
Bottineau County scores 18.67 on the composite risk scale, slightly below the national average and rated Very Low overall. This reflects broadly modest hazard exposure across the county, though specific risks warrant targeted attention.
Below North Dakota average risk
At 18.67, Bottineau County falls below North Dakota's state average of 22.19, placing it in the safer half of the state's risk profile. Residents experience less compound disaster exposure than a typical North Dakota county.
Safer than most surrounding areas
Bottineau County's 18.67 score sits below nearby Benson County (24.27) and well above the safest counties like Burke (1.05) and Billings (0.86). It occupies a relatively favorable position in its regional risk landscape.
Wildfire and tornado threats
Wildfire (84.99) and tornado (25.95) represent Bottineau County's primary hazards, with wildfire being exceptionally elevated compared to state averages. Flood risk is moderate at 11.64, while earthquake risk (12.44) remains relatively minor.
Wildfire coverage is critical
Bottineau County's wildfire risk (84.99) is among the highest in the state and should be your top insurance priority. Ensure your homeowner's policy includes wildfire coverage and maintain defensible space around your property during fire season.