countyscore
64.9
County Score
Disaster Risk 97.9Income & Jobs 87.7Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Bowman County, North Dakota

Outranking the National Median Score

Bowman County scores a 64.9, placing it firmly ahead of the national median of 50.0. This indicates a high quality of life rooted in financial and environmental stability.

Exceeding North Dakota's High Standards

The county outperforms the state average of 61.5 with its 64.9 composite score. It stands out as a top-performing option for residents within North Dakota.

Economic Strength and Minimal Risk

Bowman County features a Risk Score of 97.9 and an Income Score of 87.7. Residents enjoy a high median household income of $83,773 while living in a very safe environmental zone.

Modest Scores in Housing and Schools

The Cost Score of 55.9 and School Score of 56.1 represent the county's primary areas for growth. While these scores are not poor, they lag behind the county's elite economic metrics.

A Secure Hub for Prosperous Living

Bowman County is perfect for those seeking economic security and low environmental disaster risk. It offers a stable, high-income lifestyle for workers and their families.

Score breakdown

Tax57.3Cost55.9Safety71.9Health69.3Schools56.1Income87.7Risk97.9Water86Weather35
🏛57.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠55.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼87.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡71.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤69.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓56.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡97.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤35
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨54.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱48.1
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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Nearby counties

Harding County
South Dakota
74.8
Slope County
North Dakota
77.4
Fallon County
Montana
72.4
Adams County
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Carter County
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Golden Valley County
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Perkins County
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Hettinger County
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Deep Dives

Bowman County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Bowman County

via TaxByCounty

Bowman County below U.S. tax average

Bowman County's 0.754% effective tax rate runs 15% below the national median of 0.89%, making it a more affordable jurisdiction for property owners. The median property tax of $1,330 equals just 49% of the national median of $2,690, thanks to homes averaging $176,400—37% below the national median value.

Lower-taxed county in North Dakota

At 0.754%, Bowman County's effective rate sits 15% below the North Dakota state average of 0.885%, ranking in the lower-tax segment statewide. Its median property tax of $1,330 approaches the state median of $1,460, balancing lower rates with slightly cheaper homes than state average.

Competitive rates with nearby counties

Bowman County's 0.754% rate sits between Burke County (0.682%) to the south and Bottineau County (0.699%) to the east, with all three running well below Adams (1.021%) and Barnes (1.096%). Its $1,330 median tax falls in the middle of the region's range.

Typical home generates $1,330 tax

A median Bowman County home valued at $176,400 incurs an estimated annual property tax of $1,330 at the 0.754% effective rate. This estimate applies to homeowners without outstanding mortgages; mortgage holders may see slight variations.

Check for assessment errors

Bowman County property owners should compare their assessment notices against recent comparable sales to identify overvaluation. Even modest assessment reductions can yield annual savings on your $1,330 tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Bowman County

via CostByCounty

Bowman County rents strain even strong incomes

At 12.4%, Bowman County's rent-to-income ratio edges above the national average, with median rent of $869 per month approaching levels in higher-cost regions. The silver lining: median household income of $83,773 ranks among the highest in North Dakota, providing cushion despite elevated rents.

Above-average rents for North Dakota

Bowman County ranks below middle in affordability, with renters spending 12.4% of income on housing versus the state average of 12.8%. The median rent of $869 significantly exceeds the state average of $770, suggesting tight local housing markets despite rural location.

Highest rents in the comparison set

Bowman County's $869 median rent is the steepest among these eight counties, exceeding even Burleigh County's $996—wait, no. Bowman is second-highest after Burleigh, and substantially above Benson ($616), Adams ($545), and Billings ($630). However, its $83,773 income is strong enough to make these rents manageable.

Higher rents require higher incomes here

Bowman County renters spend $869 monthly (12.4% of income), the second-highest burden in this group, while homeowners pay $730. A median household income of $83,773—likely linked to energy sector employment—makes these costs sustainable for current residents but may challenge relocators without similar earning power.

Relocate here only with secure income

Bowman County suits relocators earning $80,000+ with stable employment, particularly those in energy, agriculture, or remote work. If your household income falls below $75,000, the 12.4% rent burden may exceed comfort levels—compare carefully to lower-cost alternatives like Benson or Billings counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Bowman County

via IncomeByCounty

Bowman County surpasses national income standard

Bowman County's median household income of $83,773 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by roughly 12%, reflecting strong regional economic performance. The energy sector and agriculture both contribute to solid earnings.

Top earner in North Dakota

Bowman County ranks among the highest in North Dakota at $83,773 median household income, second only to Burke County. The county's diversified energy and agricultural economy generates consistent, above-average wages.

Leads northwest North Dakota income race

Bowman County's $83,773 income significantly outpaces neighboring Burke and Billings counties in the northwest. The county's strategic location and economic diversity drive competitive wage levels.

Healthy income covers all essentials

Bowman County's 12.4% rent-to-income ratio remains within healthy limits despite strong housing demand. The $83,773 median income comfortably supports families' needs with money left for savings.

Build legacy wealth through investing

Bowman County's strong income positions families to maximize retirement contributions and investment accounts. Prioritize long-term wealth strategies like real estate, education trusts, and diversified stock portfolios.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Bowman County

via CrimeByCounty

Bowman County Maintains High Safety Scores

Bowman County earns a safety score of 98.9, indicating a very secure environment compared to the national average. The total crime rate of 672.2 per 100,000 residents is far lower than the U.S. rate of 2,385.5.

Strong Performance Within the State

The county's safety score of 98.9 exceeds the North Dakota average of 98.5. Its total crime rate of 672.2 is also significantly lower than the state's average rate of 976.6 per 100,000 residents.

Proximity and Safety Trends

Bowman County reports a slightly higher crime rate than neighboring Adams County, which sits at 639.3. Despite this, both counties offer some of the highest levels of safety in the region.

The Local Crime Breakdown

Violent crime in Bowman County is low at 100.8 per 100,000 residents, which is better than the state average of 121.0. Property crime makes up the rest of the activity at a rate of 571.4 incidents.

Ensuring Continued Protection

A safety score of 98.9 reflects a vigilant community where neighbors look out for one another. Installing a basic alarm system provides an extra layer of defense against property-related incidents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Bowman County

via HealthByCounty

Bowman County above national health averages

At 79.0 years, Bowman County residents live 0.1 years longer than the U.S. average of 78.9 years, matching national life expectancy. The county's 16.4% poor or fair health rate exceeds the national average of 15%, indicating room for improvement.

Slightly below state average

Bowman County's 79.0-year life expectancy ranks 1.5 years above North Dakota's 77.5-year state average. At 16.4% reporting poor or fair health, the county performs near the state median.

Middle-range regional outcomes

Bowman County's 79.0-year life expectancy ranks between Barnes County (77.2 years) and Burke County (81.4 years). Provider availability at 34 per 100K primary care is limited, similar to several neighboring counties.

Highest uninsured rate, sparse mental health providers

Bowman County's uninsured rate of 9.5% is the highest among the eight counties and well above the state average of 7.5%, leaving one in eleven residents without coverage. With just 34 primary care providers per 100K and no mental health provider data available, access to care is constrained.

Getting covered is critical

Nearly 1 in 10 Bowman County residents lack health insurance—the highest rate in the region. Contact the North Dakota Insurance Department or visit healthcare.gov to explore subsidies, Medicaid, and marketplace plans that fit your budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Bowman County

via SchoolsByCounty

Comprehensive Rural School Network

Bowman County educates 635 students across six public schools within two districts. This diverse setup includes three elementary schools, two high schools, and one specialized educational facility.

Strong Success Metrics in Bowman

The county’s 85.7% graduation rate outperforms the state average of 84.8%. This success is backed by a per-pupil investment of $9,873, which sits comfortably above the state benchmark of $9,385.

Bowman Co 1 Dominates Enrollment

Bowman Co 1 is the primary district, managing four schools and 498 students. The remaining students attend Scranton 33, as there are no charter school options currently available in the county.

Consistent Rural Learning Environments

Every school in the county operates in a rural setting, maintaining an average size of 106 students. Bowman Co High School is the largest with 227 students, while Bowman Co Preschool serves as the smallest specialized facility with 37 students.

Invest Near Top-Performing Schools

With graduation rates that beat the state average, Bowman County is a smart choice for families moving to North Dakota. Explore homes near Bowman or Scranton to take advantage of these well-funded rural schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bowman County

via RiskByCounty

Bowman County ranks exceptionally safe

Bowman County scores just 2.10 on the composite risk scale, placing it among the nation's lowest-risk counties overall. This rating indicates minimal natural disaster exposure across most major hazard categories.

Among North Dakota's safest counties

At 2.10, Bowman County ranks near the very bottom of North Dakota's disaster risk profile, well below the state average of 22.19. Residents enjoy substantially less multi-hazard exposure than most North Dakotans.

Safest in the western subregion

Bowman County's 2.10 composite score is lower than nearby Burke County (1.05) and ranks among the safest counties statewide. This western county benefits from a comparatively protected natural disaster profile.

Wildfire is the lone concern

Wildfire (56.71) is Bowman County's most significant hazard, though still below state averages for many counties. Tornado (11.51) and earthquake (7.73) risks remain low, while flood risk is negligible at 2.45.

Standard insurance generally adequate

Bowman County's low overall risk means standard homeowner's insurance typically provides sufficient protection for most properties. Confirm wildfire coverage is included in your policy given the 56.71 wildfire risk during active fire season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Bowman County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cooler Southwestern Climate Profile

Bowman County averages 42.3°F annually, placing it well below the national median temperature. The climate is continental and characterized by extreme seasonal shifts.

One of the Milder Counties

At 42.3°F, Bowman stays above the North Dakota state average of 41.0°F. Its southwestern position provides a slight temperature advantage over the rest of the state.

Drier and Sunnier Than Average

The county receives 17.1 inches of precipitation annually, which is less than the state average of 19.5 inches. This creates a drier environment than much of eastern North Dakota.

Heavy Snow Meets Summer Heat

The county receives a substantial 48.2 inches of annual snow, despite having 21 days of heat above 90°F. January is relatively mild for the state at 16.4°F, while July peaks at 69.2°F.

Dual-Season Preparedness is Required

Residents need heavy-duty snow removal for the 48-inch totals and efficient cooling for the 21 extreme heat days. Winter tires and reinforced roofs are recommended to handle the snow-heavy 18.5°F winters.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Bowman County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral pH in the High Plains

Bowman County features a pH of 7.08, making it one of the most neutral soil profiles in North Dakota. It is closer to the national median of 6.5 than the state average of 7.18. This makes it highly versatile for a variety of specialty crops and native flora.

Sand-Forward Texture for Better Aeration

Composition is 42.7% sand, 35.7% silt, and 21.7% clay. This sandier mix provides great drainage and keeps the soil from becoming too heavy during wet periods. It is an ideal texture for deep-rooted prairie plants.

Lean but Clean Soil Fertility

Organic matter is lower at 2.56%, trailing the state average of 4.69% but still exceeding the national 2.0% average. The available water capacity of 0.177 in/in is below the state average of 0.186. Gardeners here should focus on moisture-retention techniques like mulching.

Fast-Draining Semi-Arid Profiles

While specific drainage classes are not provided, the high sand content generally leads to rapid drainage. This is beneficial for preventing salt buildup in the soil over time. Irrigation management is key here to keep plants thriving during the heat.

Resilient Gardening in Zone 4b

The 4b hardiness zone allows for a good variety of warm-season crops if watered properly. Although the soil score of 54.9 is below the state average, the neutral pH makes it easy to amend and improve. It is a rewarding environment for a dedicated backyard grower.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Bowman County

via LawnByCounty

Dry Land Challenges in Bowman County

Bowman County’s lawn difficulty score of 48.1 reflects the hurdles of gardening in the state's southwestern corner. Located in zone 4b, it sits below both the state average of 54.0 and the national median of 50.0.

Managing Heat with Low Rainfall

The county receives just 17.1 inches of rain annually, while enduring 21 extreme heat days. This combination dries out soil quickly, requiring residents to prioritize water conservation for their landscapes.

Neutral pH and Sandy Textures

The soil pH of 7.08 is excellent for grass health, but the 42.7% sand content can lead to rapid leaching of nutrients. While specific drainage classes aren't recorded, the 21.7% clay content helps provide some necessary structure.

Preparing for Recurring Dry Spells

Lawns in Bowman County spent 14 weeks in drought over the last year. To increase resilience, homeowners should allow grass to go dormant during peak heat rather than forcing growth with excessive water.

Spring Seeding for Best Results

The best time to start your lawn is after the May 16th frost date. Because the first frost hits by September 25th, choose hardy varieties that can establish deep roots quickly in the zone 4b climate.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bowman County's county score?
Bowman County, North Dakota has a composite county score of 64.9 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 Bowman County rank among counties in North Dakota?
Bowman County ranks #21 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 Bowman County, North Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Bowman County is $1,330, with an effective tax rate of 0.75%. This earns Bowman County a tax score of 57.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bowman County?
The median household income in Bowman County, North Dakota is $83,773 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bowman County earns an income score of 87.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bowman County, North Dakota a good place to live?
Bowman County scores 64.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #21 in North Dakota. The best way to evaluate Bowman 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 Bowman County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.