countyscore
72.5
County Score
Disaster Risk 99Income & Jobs 94.4Health 87

County Report Card

About Burke County, North Dakota

Impressive National Livability Ranking

Burke County earns a high composite score of 72.5, placing it far above the national median of 50.0. It is a standout performer among rural American counties.

A Top Choice in North Dakota

With a 72.5 score, Burke County easily beats the state average of 61.5. It is recognized as one of the most livable counties in North Dakota for those seeking balance.

High Incomes and Excellent Health

The county boasts an elite Income Score of 94.4 and a Health Score of 87.0. The median household income is an impressive $96,339, providing significant financial comfort.

Addressing Water and Educational Needs

A low Water Score of 9.4 is the county's most pressing challenge for infrastructure. The School Score of 50.3 also suggests that educational services are average rather than exceptional.

Wealth and Wellness in the Plains

Burke County is an excellent destination for high-earning individuals who prioritize health and safety. It offers an elite economic environment for those who can overlook low water scores.

2040608010065.178.280.98750.394.4999.444.1Tax65.1Cost78.2Safety80.9Health87Schools50.3Income94.4Risk99Water9.4Weather44.172.5/100
This county
National avg
6 above average2 below average

Burke County DNA

Coverall

How Burke County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Burke County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Disaster Risk (99/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
65.1+13.099999999999994
Cost
78.2+30.200000000000003
Safety
80.9+25.900000000000006
Health
87+37
Schools
50.3
Income
94.4+43.400000000000006
Risk
99+52
Water
9.4-48.6
Weather
44.1-11.899999999999999
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Think property taxes are too high in Burke County?

Many homeowners in Burke County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$141,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$725/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$141,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $96,339/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

Jackson County
Minnesota
Median income: $69,955
72.5
Lac qui Parle County
Minnesota
Median income: $71,639
72.5
Elliott County
Kentucky
Median income: $40,074
72.6
Carter County
Montana
Median income: $52,171
72.6
Fallon County
Montana
Median income: $72,284
72.4
Rockcastle County
Kentucky
Median income: $48,367
72.7
Murray County
Minnesota
Median income: $74,475
72.7
Pershing County
Nevada
Median income: $72,007
72.3

Nearby counties

Renville County
North Dakota
66.8
Divide County
North Dakota
72.2
Ward County
North Dakota
48.2
Mountrail County
North Dakota
60.7
Williams County
North Dakota
42.7
McKenzie County
North Dakota
48.8
Bottineau County
North Dakota
61.3
Dunn County
North Dakota
61.5

Deep Dives

Burke County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Burke County

via TaxByCounty

Burke County taxes well below U.S. norm

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Burke County

via CostByCounty

Burke County offers elite housing affordability

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Burke County

via IncomeByCounty

Burke County far exceeds national income

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Burke County

via CrimeByCounty

Burke County Among Safest in Country

Burke County boasts an impressive safety score of 99.3, far exceeding national averages. Its total crime rate of 457.9 per 100,000 residents is roughly five times lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Beating State Averages in Burke

The county's safety score of 99.3 is notably higher than the state average of 98.5. Additionally, its total crime rate of 457.9 is less than half of the North Dakota average of 976.6.

Safety Leader in Northwest North Dakota

Burke County is significantly safer than neighboring Bottineau County, which has a crime rate of 1,076.3. It maintains a much quieter profile than many other counties in the northern part of the state.

Minimal Violent Crime Reports

Violent crime is very rare in Burke County, occurring at a rate of just 45.8 per 100,000 residents. Property crime is also low at 412.1, which is significantly better than the national average of 2,015.7.

Sustaining a Safe Community

High safety scores are best maintained through consistent property maintenance and neighborhood awareness. Simple actions like securing garage doors and locking sheds can prevent the most common local crimes.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Burke County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small Schools with High Investment

Burke County provides education for 412 students across six public schools and three districts. Each district typically operates one elementary and one high school to serve its local community.

Nationally Competitive Per-Pupil Spending

Burke County spends $12,732 per student, nearing the national average of $13,000 and far exceeding the state's $9,385. While the 75% graduation rate is lower than the state average, the county's school score of 58.0 remains strong.

Powers Lake 27 Leads Districts

Powers Lake 27 is the largest district, enrolling 239 students across two schools. Public education is the only option here, as 100% of schools are traditional public institutions with no charter schools present.

An Intimate Rural Academic Setting

All six schools are rural, featuring an average size of just 69 students. Powers Lake Elementary is the largest with 166 students, while Bowbells High School offers a very small class experience with just 41 students.

Quality Education in Burke County

If high per-pupil spending is a priority for your child's education, Burke County is a top contender. Check out homes in Powers Lake or Bowbells to find the right fit for your family's needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Burke County

via RiskByCounty

Burke County is among safest nationwide

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Burke County

via WaterByCounty

High Drinking Water Violation Rate

Burke County receives an 'F' grade after recording four health-based violations in the last five years. The county's violation rate of 365.0 per 100,000 people is nearly eight times the state average of 47.0. These results highlight significant ongoing issues with drinking water safety in the region.

Significant Impairment in County Watersheds

Assessment data from 2022 shows that 30.0% of the 20 assessed water bodies in Burke County are impaired. This is much higher than the North Dakota average of 19.3%. The most common problems involve dissolved oxygen levels, nutrient loading, and excessive sedimentation.

Limited Data in Monitoring Portal

Burke County has 1,000 recorded measurements across six monitoring sites over the past five years. While lower in volume than neighboring counties, these records still track essential nutrient and metal levels. This limited footprint makes it harder to pinpoint exact sources of watershed impairment.

Live Streamflow Monitoring Not Available

Burke County does not currently have an active USGS streamgage providing live flow data. In the absence of real-time discharge figures, environmental health must be judged by compliance and watershed assessment records. The high violation rate of 365.0 per 100,000 people is the most critical available signal.

Testing Urged for All Residents

Due to the 'F' grade and high violation rate, residents should prioritize independent testing or certified filtration for their drinking water. With 30.0% of local water bodies failing standards due to low oxygen and high nutrients, outdoor water use should be managed carefully. Stay alert for official health advisories from local water utilities.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Burke County

via WeatherByCounty

Burke County Faces Frigid Norms

Burke County has an annual average of 38.0°F, marking it as one of the coldest counties in the continental United States. This is far below the national median and reflects its high-latitude position.

The Coldest Reach of the State

At 38.0°F, Burke County sits three degrees below the state average of 41.0°F. It is consistently one of the coldest spots in North Dakota during the winter months.

Drier Than Most State Regions

With 15.7 inches of annual precipitation, Burke is notably drier than the North Dakota average of 19.5 inches. This leads to a landscape dominated by dry prairies and limited humidity.

Short Summers and Intense Cold

Summer heat is limited with only 7 days reaching 90°F, and the July average is a cool 66.3°F. Winter is the dominant season, with January temperatures averaging just 7.7°F.

Focus on Extreme Cold Protection

While local snowfall totals are not available, the 10.2°F winter average necessitates top-tier home heating systems. Residents should prioritize cold-weather survival gear and engine block heaters for vehicles.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Burke County

via SoilByCounty

The Alkaline Soils of the Northwest

Burke County soils average a pH of 7.24, slightly higher than the state average of 7.18 and the national median of 6.5. This alkaline profile reflects the mineral-rich glacial till found across the northwestern part of the state. It is a robust base for traditional prairie agriculture.

Balanced Particles for Dependable Structure

The soil mix is 40.9% sand, 37.3% silt, and 21.8% clay. This creates a balanced texture that is neither too sandy to lose water nor too clay-heavy to work. It provides a dependable medium for a variety of local land uses.

Solid Organic Matter and Water Storage

Organic matter sits at 4.04%, more than double the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity is 0.187 in/in, which is slightly better than the North Dakota state average of 0.186. This ensures the soil remains productive even when rainfall is inconsistent.

Moderate Permeability and Hydrology

Specific drainage class data is not available, but the balanced composition suggests moderate internal drainage. The soil is capable of holding significant moisture while still allowing for air to reach plant roots. This is a reliable profile for both farming and building.

Reliable Yields in Zone 4a

Hardiness Zone 4a is well-suited for legumes, small grains, and hardy garden vegetables. Burke County's soil score of 61.6 is very close to the state average of 63.2. This consistency makes it a great place to start a successful home vegetable patch.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Burke County

via LawnByCounty

Low Moisture Hurdles in Burke County

Burke County has a lawn difficulty score of 49.3, making it slightly harder than the national average. In USDA zone 4a, growers face some of the driest conditions in the state.

The State's Lowest Precipitation

With only 15.7 inches of annual precipitation, Burke County is significantly drier than the state average of 19.5 inches. However, the cool summers with only seven extreme heat days help prevent the turf from scorching.

Alkaline Soil and Sand Balance

The soil pH of 7.24 is slightly alkaline, and the sand content of 40.9% suggests it may not hold water long. Without specific drainage data, adding organic compost is the best way to improve this soil's water-holding capacity.

Navigating 13 Weeks of Drought

Last year, the county faced 13 weeks of drought, which is a major concern given the low overall rainfall. Drought-resistant grasses and smart irrigation controllers are highly recommended for this region.

Beat the Early September Frost

Seeding should happen after the May 20th frost, but growers must move quickly. The first fall frost arrives on September 19th, leaving a narrow window for your zone 4a lawn to take hold.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Burke County's county score?
Burke County, North Dakota has a composite county score of 72.5 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 Burke County rank among counties in North Dakota?
Burke County ranks #5 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 Burke County, North Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Burke County is $968, with an effective tax rate of 0.68%. This earns Burke County a tax score of 65.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Burke County?
The median household income in Burke County, North Dakota is $96,339 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Burke County earns an income score of 94.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Burke County, North Dakota a good place to live?
Burke County scores 72.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #5 in North Dakota. The best way to evaluate Burke 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 Burke County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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