Burleigh County

North Dakota · ND

#47 in North Dakota
68.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Burleigh County, North Dakota

Burleigh County above national livability median

Burleigh County scores 68.2 on the CountyScore composite index, significantly above the national median of 50.0. Despite being the lowest-scoring county in this analysis, it still ranks above-average compared to most American counties.

Below North Dakota average despite strengths

Burleigh County scores 68.2 against the state average of 74.8, making it the weakest performer among these eight counties. However, as North Dakota's capital county, it offers urban amenities that rural counties cannot match.

Strong income and health infrastructure

Burleigh County posts a median household income of $84,948 and strong health outcomes with a Health Score of 80.5. The county also maintains a reasonable Tax Score of 77.6, reflecting moderate tax burden for an urban area.

Financial risk exposure is critical concern

The county's Risk Score of 14.9 is by far the lowest in this analysis, indicating significant vulnerability to economic downturns or financial disruption. Housing affordability also trails most peers, with median home values of $314,700 and monthly rent of $996.

Best for urban professionals accepting higher costs

Burleigh County suits professionals and families who value urban amenities, healthcare access, and career opportunities despite higher costs and economic risk. The county is ideal for those who prioritize city living over rural affordability and financial stability.

Score breakdown

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

Tax77.6Cost72.5SafetyComing SoonHealth80.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome38.8Risk14.9WaterComing Soon
🏛77.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠72.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼38.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
80.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
14.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Burleigh County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Burleigh County

via TaxByCounty

Burleigh County near national tax average

At 0.878%, Burleigh County's effective tax rate nearly matches the U.S. median of 0.89%, making it a nationally typical jurisdiction for property taxation. The median property tax of $2,764 exceeds the national median of $2,690 by just 3%, despite homes valued at $314,700—12% above the national median.

Highest tax bill in North Dakota

Burleigh County's median property tax of $2,764 ranks highest among all North Dakota counties in the eight-county dataset, nearly doubling the state median of $1,460. This reflects both the county's 0.878% effective rate (slightly below state average) and its $314,700 median home value—among the state's highest.

Significantly higher taxes than region

Burleigh County's $2,764 median tax dwarfs surrounding rural counties: Bottineau ($1,335), Bowman ($1,330), and Burke ($968) all charge less than half. Only Billings County ($1,189) and Benson County ($724) offer comparisons, but both serve much lower-value housing markets.

High-value homes drive high tax bills

Burleigh County's median home value of $314,700 combined with a 0.878% effective rate generates an estimated annual property tax of $2,764. This highest tax bill in the dataset reflects the county's status as North Dakota's capital county with stronger property values and greater demand.

Challenge your assessment if inflated

With property taxes topping $2,764 annually, even a small percentage overassessment costs hundreds of dollars yearly in Burleigh County. Compare your assessment against documented recent sales of comparable properties to uncover potential appeal opportunities and reclaim overpaid taxes.

Cost of Living in Burleigh County

via CostByCounty

Burleigh County rents press against affordability

At 14.1%, Burleigh County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national average and approaches the threshold where housing becomes financially burdensome. The median rent of $996 per month reflects a major urban area (Bismarck, the state capital), though the $84,948 median household income slightly exceeds the national median.

Least affordable county in North Dakota

Burleigh County ranks lowest in North Dakota for housing affordability, with renters spending 14.1% of income on rent versus the state average of 12.8%. The median rent of $996 is the highest in the state comparison, reflecting Bismarck's role as the largest metro area in North Dakota.

Most expensive rents and mortgages

Burleigh County's $996 rent and $1,174 monthly owner cost far exceed rural peers—nearly twice Adams County's costs and substantially higher than all other comparison counties. The median home value of $314,700 is second only to Billings County, reflecting Bismarck's regional economic hub status.

Housing takes largest bite from paychecks

Burleigh County renters spend $996 monthly (14.1% of income) and homeowners pay $1,174, the highest burdens in this eight-county set. On a median household income of $84,948, a family spends roughly $13,000 annually on rent or $14,000 on mortgage—leaving less for other needs.

Urban amenities come with a cost here

Relocate to Burleigh County for Bismarck's services, jobs, and urban infrastructure—but budget carefully for housing at 14.1% of income. If affordability is your priority, consider rural alternatives like Benson or Billings counties; if you need city amenities, Burleigh is worth the premium despite the highest housing burden in the state.

Income & Jobs in Burleigh County

via IncomeByCounty

Burleigh County tops national income average

Burleigh County's median household income of $84,948 surpasses the U.S. median of $74,755 by 14%, positioning it among the nation's stronger-earning counties. Per capita income of $44,873 also exceeds national norms significantly.

Third-highest earner in North Dakota

Burleigh County ranks third statewide at $84,948 median household income, well above the state average of $72,537. As home to Bismarck, the county benefits from government employment and a diverse economic base.

Strong income across central ND

Burleigh County's $84,948 income leads surrounding counties including Morton and Emmons. The capital city's presence drives employment diversity and wage competitiveness.

Strong income despite high housing costs

Burleigh County's 14.1% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among these eight counties, reflecting elevated housing demand in Bismarck. However, the $84,948 income still provides comfortable purchasing power and savings capacity.

Invest wisely amid capital growth

Burleigh County's strong income and growing property values create wealth-building opportunities through real estate and equities. Prioritize diversified portfolios, tax-advantaged retirement accounts, and education savings to leverage your earning advantages.

Health in Burleigh County

via HealthByCounty

Burleigh County exceeds national health standards

At 79.4 years, Burleigh County residents live 0.5 years longer than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. With only 13.0% reporting poor or fair health compared to the national average of 15%, Burleigh County demonstrates strong population health.

Well above state average

Burleigh County's 79.4-year life expectancy ranks 1.9 years above North Dakota's 77.5-year state average. At 13.0% reporting poor or fair health, the county ranks among the state's healthiest.

Strong outcomes with excellent resources

Burleigh County's 79.4-year life expectancy ranks second in the region behind Burke County (81.4 years), matching Bottineau County. The county's 112 primary care and 335 mental health providers per 100K far exceed all neighbors, reflecting a robust healthcare infrastructure.

Best insurance coverage and provider access

Burleigh County's uninsured rate of 5.9% is the lowest among all eight counties and well below the state average of 7.5%. With 112 primary care providers per 100K and an exceptional 335 mental health providers per 100K, Burleigh County has the region's densest healthcare workforce.

Maintain coverage in Burleigh County

Burleigh County leads the region in health outcomes and healthcare access. Keep building on that success by ensuring continuous coverage—visit healthcare.gov or the North Dakota Insurance Department to review and maintain your plan.

Disaster Risk in Burleigh County

via RiskByCounty

Burleigh County faces significant risk

Burleigh County scores 85.11 on the composite risk scale, placing it among the highest-risk counties in the nation and rated Relatively Moderate overall. This score reflects substantial exposure across multiple major disaster categories.

North Dakota's riskiest county

At 85.11, Burleigh County ranks as the highest-risk county in North Dakota, nearly four times the state average of 22.19. Residents experience far greater multi-hazard exposure than any other North Dakotans.

Dramatically riskier than surrounding counties

Burleigh County's 85.11 score vastly exceeds neighboring counties like Benson County (24.27) and Bottineau County (18.67). This county faces dramatically higher compound disaster risks than any surrounding area.

Triple threat: flood, wildfire, tornado

Burleigh County faces exceptionally elevated risks across three major hazards: flood (77.35), wildfire (84.13), and tornado (83.02). These overlapping seasonal threats create substantial year-round disaster exposure for residents and properties.

Comprehensive protection is essential

Burleigh County residents must prioritize comprehensive coverage including separate flood insurance (77.35 risk), wildfire protection (84.13 risk), and strong wind/hail coverage for tornadoes. Review and upgrade your policies immediately to ensure adequate protection for all three major threats.

ByCounty Network

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