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Cavalier County, North Dakota — County Report Card

ND

#20 in North Dakota

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
66
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.

Score breakdown

Tax23.5Cost53.5Safety80.7Health91Schools76.3Income59.2Risk88.2Water86Weather47.8
🏛23.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠53.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼59.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡80.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤91
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓76.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡88.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤47.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨71.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱56.2
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Deep Dives

Cavalier County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Cost of Living in Cavalier County

via CostByCounty

Cavalier rents strain incomes above national baseline

Cavalier County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.4% exceeds the national median, placing affordability pressure on renters despite a below-average household income of $67,064. At $859 monthly, rents consume a larger wage share here than typical across the United States, signaling tighter housing affordability for the county's renters.

Cavalier's rents rank above North Dakota average

At 15.4%, Cavalier County's rent-to-income ratio ranks among the state's highest, exceeding North Dakota's 12.8% average by 2.6 percentage points. With median rent at $859—nearly $90 above the state median of $770—Cavalier presents one of the state's tightest rental markets relative to local earnings.

Cavalier renters pay more than most neighbors

Cavalier County renters pay $859 monthly, placing it in the middle-to-upper range among its peers; Eddy County renters spend just $615, while Cass County residents face $930. Despite similar incomes to Eddy County, Cavalier's higher rents create a noticeably steeper affordability challenge.

Renting and owning both require careful budgeting

With median household income of just $67,064, Cavalier renters spending $859 monthly allocate 15.4% of income to housing, while homebuyers face $774 monthly payments on a median home value of $122,300. Both rental and ownership pathways demand significant financial discipline in this lower-income county.

Cavalier offers affordable ownership, tighter rentals

Cavalier County appeals to homebuyers seeking modest prices—median home value of $122,300 ranks among the state's most affordable—but renters should note above-average rent-to-income ratios of 15.4%. If you value small-town living with reasonable ownership costs and don't mind rental affordability constraints, Cavalier merits consideration.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Cavalier County

via HealthByCounty

Cavalier County leads in longevity

Cavalier County residents live to 80.6 years on average—nearly four years longer than the U.S. average of 77.0 years. With 13.6% reporting poor or fair health, the county outperforms the national rate of 16.8%.

Second-best health outcomes statewide

At 80.6 years, Cavalier County ranks second in the state for life expectancy, trailing only Cass County. The county exceeds North Dakota's state average of 77.5 years by 3.1 years.

Outstanding health compared to peers

Cavalier County's 80.6-year life expectancy stands 3.7 years above Dickey County (76.9) and 3.4 years above Divide County (81.8, though Divide slightly edges ahead). The county maintains the lowest poor/fair health rate among its regional neighbors at 13.6%.

Low uninsured rate, limited providers

Cavalier County boasts a 6.0% uninsured rate—the lowest in the state and well below the state average of 7.5%. However, primary care access is limited at just 27 providers per 100,000 residents, requiring residents to access some services regionally.

Maintain your insurance advantage

Cavalier County's strong insurance coverage (6.0% uninsured) is a community asset worth protecting. Verify your current coverage and explore options at healthcare.gov to ensure continuous access to the limited local providers and regional resources.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Cavalier County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Education in the Heart of Rural ND

Cavalier County operates a focused educational system with just 4 public schools across 2 school districts. Total enrollment stands at 506 students, primarily split between two elementary and two high schools. No charter schools exist in this rural landscape, ensuring a traditional community-focused approach.

Exceptional Graduation Rates and School Scores

The county boasts a 91.3% graduation rate, significantly higher than the national 87.0% average and the state's 84.8%. With a school score of 63.1, Cavalier County outperforms most of North Dakota despite spending $11,110 per pupil. This investment in small class sizes appears to be paying significant dividends for students.

Langdon Area Districts Command the Region

Langdon Area 23 is the primary district, serving 415 students across its two campus buildings. The smaller Munich 19 district serves the remaining 91 students in the county. These districts are the lifeblood of their respective towns, providing central hubs for community activity.

Intimate Rural Learning Environments

Every school in the county is classified as rural, creating a close-knit atmosphere where the average school size is just 127 students. Langdon Area Elementary is the largest school with 239 students, while Munich High School is remarkably small with only 24 students. Students here benefit from highly personalized attention that larger districts cannot replicate.

Invest in a Community-Centered Education

Families looking for a high-performing, safe, and small-town school environment will find Cavalier County very attractive. High graduation rates and high school scores make Langdon and Munich ideal spots for home buyers focused on student success. Discover the benefits of a rural lifestyle where every teacher knows your child's name.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cavalier County

via RiskByCounty

Cavalier County enjoys very low disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 11.83, Cavalier County ranks as Very Low—well below the national average. This favorable profile means residents face significantly reduced exposure to major natural disasters compared to most U.S. counties.

Among North Dakota's safest counties

Cavalier County's score of 11.83 sits far below the state average of 22.19, placing it in the lower half of North Dakota risk rankings. This means residents benefit from one of the state's most stable natural hazard environments.

Similar safety profile to surrounding areas

Cavalier County's 11.83 score aligns closely with nearby Dickey County (15.84) and Foster County (7.41), reflecting a consistent low-risk zone across northeastern North Dakota. This regional stability provides reassurance for families and businesses throughout the area.

Wildfire is your primary natural hazard

Wildfire risk at 52.80 is Cavalier County's most significant exposure, though it remains moderate in absolute terms. Tornadoes (16.89) and floods (6.77) pose minimal threats, positioning the county as one of North Dakota's safest communities overall.

Standard coverage meets your needs here

Your low overall risk means standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate protection without costly flood or specialized coverage. Still, wildfire preparedness—maintaining clear brush around your home and having an evacuation plan—remains smart practice for all residents.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 66 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 #20 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 $1,524, with an effective tax rate of 1.25%. This earns Cavalier County a tax score of 23.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cavalier County?
The median household income in Cavalier County, North Dakota is $67,064 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cavalier County earns an income score of 59.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cavalier County, North Dakota a good place to live?
Cavalier County scores 66/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #20 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.

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