Burke County scores 81.5 on the CountyScore composite index, far above the national median of 50.0. This exceptional score places the county in the top 15-20% of American counties for livability.
2 / 5
Among North Dakota's highest-scoring counties
Burke County's score of 81.5 substantially exceeds North Dakota's state average of 74.8, making it one of the top-performing counties in the entire state. Only Billings County ranks higher in this analysis.
3 / 5
Highest incomes and exceptional financial security
Burke County leads this group with a median household income of $96,339 and an Income Score of 46.3, reflecting strong earning potential. The county also boasts a nearly perfect Risk Score of 99.0 and Health Score of 80.8, with a low effective tax rate of 0.682%.
4 / 5
Limited data on schools and safety
School quality and safety metrics are not yet available, which prevents a fully comprehensive livability assessment. Median home values of $141,900, while reasonable, reflect market conditions that differ from lower-cost counties.
5 / 5
Top choice for high-earning families seeking stability
Burke County attracts successful professionals and executives seeking maximum income potential combined with exceptional financial security. Its combination of the highest incomes in this group, outstanding economic resilience, and strong health infrastructure makes it a premier choice.
Burke County scores 81.5 on the CountyScore composite index, far above the national median of 50.0. This exceptional score places the county in the top 15-20% of American counties for livability.
Among North Dakota's highest-scoring counties
Burke County's score of 81.5 substantially exceeds North Dakota's state average of 74.8, making it one of the top-performing counties in the entire state. Only Billings County ranks higher in this analysis.
Highest incomes and exceptional financial security
Burke County leads this group with a median household income of $96,339 and an Income Score of 46.3, reflecting strong earning potential. The county also boasts a nearly perfect Risk Score of 99.0 and Health Score of 80.8, with a low effective tax rate of 0.682%.
Limited data on schools and safety
School quality and safety metrics are not yet available, which prevents a fully comprehensive livability assessment. Median home values of $141,900, while reasonable, reflect market conditions that differ from lower-cost counties.
Top choice for high-earning families seeking stability
Burke County attracts successful professionals and executives seeking maximum income potential combined with exceptional financial security. Its combination of the highest incomes in this group, outstanding economic resilience, and strong health infrastructure makes it a premier choice.
Score breakdown
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🏛83.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Burke County's 0.682% effective tax rate ranks 23% below the national median of 0.89%, placing it among America's more affordable counties for property taxation. The median property tax of $968 is just 36% of the national median of $2,690, reflecting median home values of $141,900—50% below the national average.
Among North Dakota's cheapest taxes
Burke County's 0.682% effective rate is the lowest among the eight counties profiled and ranks well below North Dakota's 0.885% state average. Its median property tax of $968 is the second-lowest in the dataset, offering substantial savings for rural homeowners.
Lowest taxes in the regional cluster
Burke County's 0.682% rate and $968 median tax are the most affordable in the immediate region, beating Bowman (0.754%, $1,330) and Bottineau (0.699%, $1,335). Only Benson County ($724) offers lower absolute tax bills, though at similar rates.
Median tax bill just under $968
Applying Burke County's 0.682% effective rate to the median home value of $141,900 yields an estimated annual property tax of $968, among the state's lowest. This affordability extends across the county's rural residential stock.
Verify your home's assessment value
Burke County's low-tax environment doesn't mean assessments are always accurate—overassessments, however modest, still erode your budget over time. Request a review if you believe your property has been valued above its true market worth.
At just 9.0%, Burke County's rent-to-income ratio ranks among America's best, matching or exceeding many rural counties nationwide. The median rent of $725 per month is deeply affordable, and the exceptional $96,339 median household income—highest in this group—creates a powerful affordability advantage.
Best combined income and affordability ratio
Burke County ranks in North Dakota's top tier for affordability, with a 9.0% rent-to-income ratio beating the state average of 12.8% by a substantial margin. The county's elevated median income is the primary driver of this exceptional efficiency.
Strong income, moderate rents, best ratio
Burke County's $725 rent is moderate—higher than Adams ($545) and Benson ($616), lower than Bowman ($869) and Burleigh ($996)—but the $96,339 income far exceeds all peers. This income-to-cost advantage delivers the second-best rent-to-income ratio in the eight-county set after Billings County.
Exceptional income supports reasonable costs
Burke County renters spend just $725 monthly (9.0% of income) while homeowners pay $663, among the state's best efficiency levels. The median home value of $141,900 is highly accessible on a $96,339 income, making both renting and buying remarkably affordable here.
Premier choice for economic opportunity seekers
Burke County attracts relocators seeking the combination of high income and low housing burden—rare in rural America. If you can secure employment here, you'll enjoy a 9.0% rent-to-income ratio and financial flexibility that most counties can't match.
Burke County's median household income of $96,339 towers 29% above the U.S. median of $74,755, making it one of the nation's highest-earning rural counties. Per capita income of $53,659 reflects exceptionally strong individual earnings.
Highest earner in North Dakota
Burke County ranks first in North Dakota for median household income at $96,339, significantly ahead of the state average of $72,537. The 33% income premium reflects a concentrated energy economy and high-wage employment.
Dramatically outearns surrounding region
Burke County's $96,339 income far surpasses neighboring Billings, Bowman, and Williams counties. The county's small population concentrates high-paying oil and gas sector jobs.
Exceptional income, optimal affordability
Burke County's 9.0% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest in the state, delivering exceptional housing affordability despite $96,339 median income. Families enjoy substantial discretionary income for investments and lifestyle improvements.
Aggressive wealth building opportunity
Burke County's exceptional $96,339 income enables aggressive savings rates and investment strategies rarely possible elsewhere. Maximize 401(k) contributions, fund children's education accounts, and build diversified investment portfolios to preserve wealth across generations.
At 81.4 years, Burke County residents live 2.5 years longer than the U.S. average of 78.9 years, one of the nation's longest life expectancies. With only 12.8% reporting poor or fair health versus the national average of 15%, Burke County demonstrates exceptional health outcomes.
Highest life expectancy in North Dakota
Burke County's 81.4-year life expectancy ranks 3.9 years above North Dakota's 77.5-year state average, making it the state's healthiest county. The 12.8% poor or fair health rate is also among the best in the state.
Regional leader in health outcomes
Burke County's 81.4-year life expectancy outpaces all neighboring counties, including Bottineau County (80.3 years) and Bowman County (79.0 years). The county's exceptional longevity stands out in the region.
Strong coverage, limited data on providers
Burke County's uninsured rate of 7.5% matches North Dakota's state average, showing good coverage overall. Provider density data is unavailable, yet the county's outstanding health outcomes suggest either adequate access or a particularly health-conscious population.
Protect your health momentum
Burke County's exceptional health outcomes show what strong coverage and community health commitment can achieve. Keep up that success by ensuring you have continuous coverage—visit healthcare.gov or the North Dakota Insurance Department to review your options.
Burke County scores just 1.05 on the composite risk scale, making it one of the lowest-risk counties in the entire United States. This exceptional rating reflects minimal exposure across virtually all major natural disaster categories.
North Dakota's second-safest county
At 1.05, Burke County ranks second-lowest in North Dakota's risk profile, far below the state average of 22.19. Residents experience dramatically reduced multi-hazard exposure compared to nearly all other North Dakotans.
Safest in the entire region
Burke County's 1.05 score is lower than all surrounding counties except Billings County (0.86), and far below moderately-riskier areas like Benson County (24.27). This county represents one of the nation's safest places.
Wildfire poses minimal concern
Even Burke County's highest hazard—wildfire at 46.85—is well-controlled compared to state averages. Tornado (9.48), flood (1.69), and earthquake (0.89) risks are all negligible.
Basic homeowner's insurance sufficient
Burke County's exceptionally low risk profile means standard homeowner's insurance typically provides comprehensive protection for most properties. Focus on ensuring your policy is current and covers your home's replacement cost.