CountyScore

Bowman County

North Dakota · ND

#15 in North Dakota
77.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Bowman County, North Dakota

Bowman County ranks well above national median

Bowman County scores 77.3 on the CountyScore composite index, substantially higher than the national median of 50.0. This strong performance indicates above-average livability compared to most American counties.

Above state average with strong fundamentals

Bowman County scores 77.3 against North Dakota's state average of 74.8, placing it among the more livable counties in the state. Its composite score reflects balanced strength across multiple livability dimensions.

Outstanding financial security and resilient economy

Bowman County excels with a Risk Score of 97.9 and a median household income of $83,773, reflecting economic strength and stability. The Tax Score of 81.1 and Health Score of 73.8 further demonstrate well-rounded livability fundamentals.

Cost of living slightly above most peers

Median housing rent of $869/month is the highest in this analysis group, though median home values of $176,400 remain reasonable. Income levels, while strong, don't fully offset the relatively higher cost of living.

Ideal for professionals seeking economic resilience

Bowman County appeals to professionals and established families prioritizing financial security and stable economic foundations. Its exceptional resilience score and decent income levels make it an excellent choice for those seeking a prosperous, stable community.

Score breakdown

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

Tax81.1Cost81.6SafetyComing SoonHealth73.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome38.1Risk97.9WaterComing Soon
🏛81.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼38.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤73.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡97.9
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 Bowman County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Caribou County
Idaho
77.3
Median income: $66,653
Stevens County
Minnesota
77.3
Median income: $71,060
Bottineau County
North Dakota
77.3
Median income: $83,460
Renville County
North Dakota
77.3
Median income: $76,311
Emery County
Utah
77.3
Median income: $69,956

Deep Dives

Bowman County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.