Bottineau County, North Dakota — County Report Card

ND

#31 in North Dakota
61.3
County Score
Income & Jobs 87.3Disaster Risk 81.4Soil Quality 75.6

County Report Card

About Bottineau County, North Dakota

Competitive Performance on a National Level

Bottineau County holds a composite score of 61.3, which is well above the national median of 50.0. It provides a lifestyle that outperforms most of the United States.

Matching the North Dakota Average

The county’s score of 61.3 is almost exactly in line with the North Dakota state average of 61.5. It represents the quintessential North Dakota experience in terms of overall livability.

Strong Earnings and Reliable Health

An Income Score of 87.3 highlights a prosperous community with a median household income of $83,460. The Health Score of 73.8 further supports its status as a robust place to live.

Critical Gaps in Water Infrastructure

The Water Score of 7.9 is a significant outlier that drags down the overall composite. Improvements in water utility quality would dramatically elevate the county's standing.

Ideal for High-Earning Rural Professionals

Bottineau County is a strong fit for those who want high-income potential without urban stress. It offers a great lifestyle for those who can navigate the local water infrastructure challenges.

Score breakdown

Tax63.4Cost68.3Safety52Health73.8Schools50Income87.3Risk81.4Water7.9Weather44
🏛63.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠68.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼87.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡52
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
73.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓50
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
81.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧7.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤44
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨75.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱51.9
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

Bottineau County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Bottineau County

via TaxByCounty

Bottineau County taxes below national average

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.

Cost of Living in Bottineau County

via CostByCounty

Bottineau County beats national housing burden

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.

Income & Jobs in Bottineau County

via IncomeByCounty

Bottineau County well above national income

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.

Safety in Bottineau County

via CrimeByCounty

Bottineau County's National Safety Standing

Bottineau County maintains a strong safety score of 98.3, well above the national median. Its total crime rate of 1,076.3 per 100,000 residents is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Contextualizing Safety in North Dakota

Bottineau's safety score of 98.3 sits just below the state average of 98.5. With only one reporting agency, the crime rate of 1,076.3 is slightly higher than the statewide average of 976.6 per 100,000 people.

Comparing Local County Rates

Bottineau County sees more reports than nearby Burke County, which has a lower rate of 457.9 per 100,000. It acts as a more active hub in the region compared to its quieter neighbors to the west.

Violent vs. Property Crime

The violent crime rate stands at 124.8, which is nearly identical to the state average of 121.0. Property crimes represent the majority of reports, occurring at a rate of 951.5 per 100,000 residents.

Keeping Bottineau Secure

Security awareness is key in areas where property crime is the primary concern. Simple upgrades like reinforced door frames and window locks can significantly reduce the risk of home burglary.

Health in Bottineau County

via HealthByCounty

Bottineau County extends life expectancy

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.

Schools in Bottineau County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rural High Schools and Primaries

Bottineau County supports 907 students through six public schools organized into three districts. The system is split evenly between three elementary schools and three high schools.

Balanced Investment and Solid Scores

The county spends $9,624 per pupil, exceeding the state average of $9,385. With an 82.6% graduation rate and a school score of 55.3, the county performs competitively compared to state benchmarks of 84.8% and 54.8 respectively.

Bottineau District 1 Leads Enrollment

Bottineau 1 is the dominant district, serving 660 students across two schools. There are no charter schools in the county, so families rely on traditional districts like Westhope and Newburg-United for education.

A Purely Rural School Experience

All six county schools are rural, with an average size of 151 students. Bottineau Elementary is the largest campus with 349 students, while Newburg-United Elementary offers a much smaller environment with only 60 students.

Find Your Home in Bottineau

Bottineau County offers a reliable public school system with spending that exceeds the state average. Families should consider school district boundaries as a primary factor when choosing a new home in this region.

Disaster Risk in Bottineau County

via RiskByCounty

Bottineau County shows very low risk

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.

Weather & Climate in Bottineau County

via WeatherByCounty

Among the Nation's Coldest Counties

Bottineau County's 38.4°F annual average is one of the lowest in the United States. Its proximity to the Canadian border ensures a climate that is vastly colder than the national median.

Colder Than the State Norm

Averaging 38.4°F, the county is nearly three degrees colder than the North Dakota state average of 41.0°F. It consistently ranks as one of the state's most northern and frigid locales.

Persistent Snow and Regional Cold

With 18.9 inches of precipitation, the county is just under the state average of 19.5 inches. However, its high snowfall of 49.8 inches makes it one of the snowiest regions in the state.

Bitter Januaries and Cool Summers

January is exceptionally cold with a 5.7°F average, while summer heat is rare with only 7 days reaching 90°F. The seasonal snowfall of nearly 50 inches persists throughout the long winter.

Invest in High-Performance Winter Gear

Residents must plan for a 9.0°F winter average and significant snow accumulation. Heavy insulation and backup heating sources are essential for the extreme 5.7°F January lows.

Soil Quality in Bottineau County

via SoilByCounty

Standard State pH on the Border

Bottineau County exactly matches the North Dakota state average pH of 7.18. This is higher than the national median of 6.5, representing the typical alkaline soil found in the northern plains. It provides a consistent chemical base for local agriculture.

Light and Air-Filled Soil Texture

The soil contains 39.7% sand, 32.3% silt, and 18.9% clay. With less clay than other counties, this soil resists the heavy compaction that can hinder root growth. It is exceptionally workable and warms up quickly as the snow melts.

Unmatched Organic Richness

The organic matter in Bottineau is a staggering 11.40%, over double the state average of 4.69%. Combined with an available water capacity of 0.199 in/in, this is some of the most fertile soil in the region. It holds nutrients and water far better than the national average.

Sponge-Like Hydrologic Resilience

Though specific drainage data is missing, the extreme organic matter makes this soil incredibly resilient to moisture fluctuations. It acts as a massive reservoir for plant life while maintaining good structure. You will find it handles both wet and dry years better than most.

Superior Soils in Zone 3b

While Zone 3b brings a shorter growing season, the elite soil score of 75.6—well above the 63.2 state average—more than compensates. Focus on cold-hardy, nutrient-hungry crops like brassicas and heavy-feeding vegetables. This is arguably some of the best soil in the state for gardening.

Lawn Care in Bottineau County

via LawnByCounty

North Border Challenges in Bottineau

Bottineau County scores a 51.9 for lawn difficulty, placing it slightly above the national median but below the state average of 54.0. Residing in USDA zone 3b, it is one of the coldest regions for turf management.

Short Seasons and Cold Nights

With an average annual temperature of only 38.4°F, the growing window is tight despite the 1,858 growing degree days. The county sees just seven days over 90°F, meaning heat stress is rare but winter kill is a primary concern.

Managing Sandy Soil Components

The soil features a pH of 7.18 and a sand content of 39.7%. While drainage class data is missing, the combination of sand and 18.9% clay usually requires frequent, light watering to keep the root zone hydrated.

Planning for Moderate Moisture Gaps

The county experienced 15 weeks in drought over the last year, requiring careful monitoring of soil moisture. Using mulch-mowing techniques can help retain what little moisture the 18.9 inches of annual rain provides.

Selecting Cold-Hardy Zone 3b Grass

Only the most cold-tolerant grasses, like Creeping Red Fescue, should be used in this zone 3b environment. Start your lawn after the May 17th frost to maximize the short summer before the frost returns on September 25th.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bottineau County's county score?
Bottineau County, North Dakota has a composite county score of 61.3 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 Bottineau County rank among counties in North Dakota?
Bottineau County ranks #31 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 Bottineau County, North Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Bottineau County is $1,335, with an effective tax rate of 0.70%. This earns Bottineau County a tax score of 63.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bottineau County?
The median household income in Bottineau County, North Dakota is $83,460 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bottineau County earns an income score of 87.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bottineau County, North Dakota a good place to live?
Bottineau County scores 61.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #31 in North Dakota. The best way to evaluate Bottineau 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 Bottineau County with other counties side by side.