countyscore

Cavalier County, North Dakota — County Report Card

ND

#17 in North Dakota

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
67.4
County Score
Health 91Disaster Risk 88.2Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Cavalier County, North Dakota

Cavalier County Outperforms National Median

Cavalier County earns a composite score of 66.0, comfortably exceeding the national median of 50.0. This performance suggests a higher quality of life than the average American county.

Leading the North Dakota Average

The county ranks above the North Dakota state average composite of 61.5. It stands out as a strong performer within the state's northeastern corner.

Exceptional Health and Environmental Stability

Strengths include a Health score of 91.0 and a Risk score of 88.2, indicating a very safe environmental profile. The Water score of 86.0 also places it among the state's best for utility quality.

Navigating the Local Tax Burden

The Tax score of 23.5 is the county's primary challenge, driven by an effective tax rate of 1.246%. While housing is affordable at a $122,300 median value, the tax load is higher than many neighboring jurisdictions.

A Haven for Wellness Seekers

This county is ideal for families and retirees who value health outcomes and environmental safety above all else. It offers a secure, high-quality rural lifestyle for those willing to pay slightly higher local taxes.

2040608010017.365.180.79176.360.888.28647.8Tax17.3Cost65.1Safety80.7Health91Schools76.3Income60.8Risk88.2Water86Weather47.867.4/100
This county
National avg
6 above average1 below average

Cavalier County DNA

C-overall

How Cavalier County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Cavalier County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Disaster Risk (88.2/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
17.3-34.7
Cost
65.1+17.099999999999994
Safety
80.7+25.700000000000003
Health
91+41
Schools
76.3+22.299999999999997
Income
60.8+9.799999999999997
Risk
88.2+41.2
Water
86+28
Weather
47.8-8.200000000000003
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Think property taxes are too high in Cavalier County?

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$125,800

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$786/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$125,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,440/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $69,531/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

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

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Towner County
North Dakota
59.7
Ramsey County
North Dakota
48.7
Walsh County
North Dakota
55.4
Pembina County
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68.5
Benson County
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Rolette County
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Nelson County
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Eddy County
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57.5

Deep Dives

Cavalier County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Cavalier County

via TaxByCounty

Cavalier County taxes rank in top 25 nationally

Cavalier's 1.246% effective tax rate places it in the 77th percentile nationwide—among the highest-taxing counties in America. Yet the median property tax is just $1,524, reflecting the county's lower median home values compared to the national median of $281,900.

Highest effective tax rate in North Dakota

Cavalier County leads all 53 North Dakota counties with a 1.246% effective tax rate, well above the state average of 0.885%. This makes it the priciest county in the state relative to home value.

Neighbors pay less despite lower home values

Eddy County (0.889%) and Emmons County (0.899%) both sit near state average, while even nearby Cass County pays a lower rate at 1.212%—wait, that's higher. Cavalier stands alone as the state's steepest tax burden, even as median home values remain modest.

Median tax: $1,524 on $122,300 home

Cavalier County homeowners with a median home value of $122,300 pay approximately $1,524 in annual property tax. Those with mortgages typically pay $1,670, while owners without mortgages average $1,449.

Assessment appeals could save you money

Given Cavalier's outsized tax rate, it's worth checking if your home was fairly assessed. Many county assessors overvalue properties, and filing an appeal—which is free—may result in a lower assessment and immediate tax relief.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cavalier County

via IncomeByCounty

Cavalier lags national income standards

Cavalier County's median household income of $67,064 falls $7,691 short of the national median of $74,755, placing it below the U.S. average. This gap reflects the economic challenges many rural counties face relative to national trends.

Below the North Dakota average

Cavalier County's $67,064 median household income trails the state average of $72,537 by $5,473, ranking it in the lower-middle tier of North Dakota counties. The shortfall indicates less robust income generation than most state peers.

Struggles among regional peers

Cavalier County earns less than neighbors Cass County ($75,023) and Foster County ($83,412), and trails the state's high-performers like Dunn County ($94,688). However, it outpaces Dickey County ($63,125) and Eddy County ($55,389), showing mixed rural economics.

Housing costs remain manageable

Cavalier County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.4% stays below the 30% threshold, meaning households allocate less than one-sixth of income to rent. The low median home value of $122,300 makes homeownership realistic for county earners.

Strengthen savings despite income gaps

Cavalier County households can offset lower income by prioritizing automatic savings, exploring tax-advantaged accounts, and reducing debt. The affordable housing market creates an opportunity to build equity through homeownership despite income trailing national benchmarks.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cavalier County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety in Cavalier County

Cavalier County boasts a safety score of 99.3 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 460.6 per 100K is less than one-fifth of the national average of 2,385.5.

Beating State Safety Averages

The county is significantly safer than the North Dakota average, with a crime rate roughly half the state's 976.6 per 100K. It comfortably exceeds the state's average safety score of 98.5.

Quiet even Among Neighbors

Data from a single agency suggests a very peaceful environment compared to busier eastern counties. Residents experience far fewer reported incidents than those in more populated North Dakota regions.

Violent Crime Remains Low

The violent crime rate is just 108.4 per 100K, well below national levels. Property crime accounts for most local reports at 352.2 per 100K, though totals remain very low.

Maintaining a Secure Community

Even in high-safety areas, basic measures like locking doors provide essential peace of mind. Consistent vigilance helps maintain Cavalier County's impressive safety record.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cavalier County

via WeatherByCounty

One of the Nation's Coldest Spots

Cavalier County averages a chilly 37.1°F, nearly 18 degrees below the national median temperature. It represents one of the coldest inhabited environments in the lower 48 states.

Well Below the State Average

The county's 37.1°F average is nearly four degrees colder than the North Dakota state average of 41.0°F. Its annual precipitation of 20.8 inches is slightly higher than the state norm of 19.5 inches.

Colder and Snowier Than Cass

Cavalier is significantly colder than Cass County, with a January average that is nearly 5 degrees lower. It also deals with more snow, averaging 47.3 inches every year.

Short Summers and Intense Winters

Summers are mild with only 3 extreme heat days, but winters are brutal with a December-February average of 7.2°F. January is the toughest month, averaging a mere 3.7°F.

Winterize for Severe Cold

Extreme cold-weather gear is a necessity for the frigid 3.7°F January nights. Homeowners must also prepare for significant snow drifting given the 47.3-inch annual accumulation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cavalier County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral to Alkaline High-Quality Soil

Cavalier County features a soil pH of 7.20, which is nearly identical to the state average and moderately higher than the national median of 6.5. This near-neutrality is ideal for many commercial crops, preventing the nutrient lock-out often seen in acidic soils. This chemical balance contributes to the county's impressive overall soil score of 71.4.

Silty Loam Texture Prevails

The soil is comprised of 37.8% sand, 37.2% silt, and 22.8% clay. This texture offers a fine balance between drainage and nutrient retention, making the land highly workable for diverse agricultural uses. The moderate clay percentage ensures the soil stays together without becoming overly compacted.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

With a massive 6.22% organic matter content, Cavalier County significantly outperforms the state average of 4.69% and triples the national average. The available water capacity of 0.199 in/in is also well above the state norm of 0.186. This combination creates a powerhouse of fertility and moisture resilience for any grower.

Superior Water Storage Potential

While specific drainage class data is unavailable, the high available water capacity indicates these soils are excellent at buffering against dry spells. The soil's ability to hold nearly 0.20 inches of water per inch of soil depth is a major asset for dryland farming. Builders and gardeners should expect these soils to stay moist longer than those in neighboring counties.

Resilient Growing in Zone 3b

In the cool climate of Zone 3b, the high organic matter in Cavalier County provides a vital nutrient boost for a shorter growing season. Cereal grains, sunflowers, and potatoes are ideal matches for this rich, moisture-retentive soil. Despite the cold winters, this is some of the most fertile ground in the state for a dedicated gardener.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cavalier County

via LawnByCounty

Cold-Hardy Lawns in Cavalier County

Cavalier County scores a 56.2 for lawn difficulty, which is slightly better than the state average of 54.0. Residents in this Zone 3b region must choose extremely hardy grass types to survive the exceptionally cold winters.

Short Growing Seasons and Low Heat

The area experiences only 3 extreme heat days per year, minimizing the risk of grass scorching compared to the state average of 13. While precipitation reaches 20.8 inches, the 1,749 growing degree days reflect a shorter window for active lawn growth.

Navigating Clay-Heavy Soil Foundations

The soil contains 22.8% clay and 37.8% sand with a pH of 7.20. You may need to aerate regularly to prevent compaction in these clay-rich soils and maintain the slightly alkaline balance.

Low Current Drought Risk for Grass

Cavalier County faced 8 weeks of drought in the last year, but currently reports 0% drought coverage. This provides a perfect window to establish new growth while natural moisture levels remain stable.

Hardy Grasses for Northern Climates

Smooth Bromegrass or specialized cold-hardy Fescues are ideal for Zone 3b. Aim to start your lawn after the May 17 spring frost, but act quickly before the September 26 fall frost ends the season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cavalier County's county score?
Cavalier County, North Dakota has a composite county score of 67.4 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 Cavalier County rank among counties in North Dakota?
Cavalier County ranks #17 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 Cavalier County, North Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Cavalier County is $1,686, with an effective tax rate of 1.34%. This earns Cavalier County a tax score of 17.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cavalier County?
The median household income in Cavalier County, North Dakota is $69,531 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cavalier County earns an income score of 60.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cavalier County, North Dakota a good place to live?
Cavalier County scores 67.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #17 in North Dakota. The best way to evaluate Cavalier 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 Cavalier County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.