Dickey County's composite score of 73.8 significantly outpaces the national median of 50.0 by nearly 48%, positioning it among the top-tier livable U.S. counties. This strength stems primarily from its exceptional tax and cost advantages.
2 / 5
Slightly below North Dakota average
At 73.8, Dickey County is just 1.0 point below the state average of 74.8, placing it among North Dakota's most consistently livable counties. It competes solidly in the state's upper-middle tier.
3 / 5
Taxes and housing are exceptional values
Dickey County boasts the lowest effective tax rate in this group at 0.920% with a strong tax score of 76.4, and a cost score of 82.3 backed by median home values of just $167,100. These advantages make it among the most tax- and cost-efficient counties regionally.
4 / 5
Income and health scores trail peers
With an income score of just 24.6 and median household income of $63,125, Dickey faces notable earning limitations. The health score of 72.8, while respectable, ranks lower than several neighboring counties in this profile.
5 / 5
Perfect for frugal, tax-conscious settlers
Dickey County is ideal for people seeking maximum tax efficiency and rock-bottom housing costs in a rural setting. This county suits retirees on fixed incomes, small business owners, and families making deliberate lifestyle choices to prioritize financial savings over earning maximization.
Dickey County's composite score of 73.8 significantly outpaces the national median of 50.0 by nearly 48%, positioning it among the top-tier livable U.S. counties. This strength stems primarily from its exceptional tax and cost advantages.
Slightly below North Dakota average
At 73.8, Dickey County is just 1.0 point below the state average of 74.8, placing it among North Dakota's most consistently livable counties. It competes solidly in the state's upper-middle tier.
Taxes and housing are exceptional values
Dickey County boasts the lowest effective tax rate in this group at 0.920% with a strong tax score of 76.4, and a cost score of 82.3 backed by median home values of just $167,100. These advantages make it among the most tax- and cost-efficient counties regionally.
Income and health scores trail peers
With an income score of just 24.6 and median household income of $63,125, Dickey faces notable earning limitations. The health score of 72.8, while respectable, ranks lower than several neighboring counties in this profile.
Perfect for frugal, tax-conscious settlers
Dickey County is ideal for people seeking maximum tax efficiency and rock-bottom housing costs in a rural setting. This county suits retirees on fixed incomes, small business owners, and families making deliberate lifestyle choices to prioritize financial savings over earning maximization.
Score breakdown
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🏛76.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 0.920%, Dickey's effective tax rate ranks around the 45th percentile nationally—roughly in line with the American average. The median property tax of $1,538 falls below the national median of $2,690, thanks to lower home values.
Just above state average for North Dakota
Dickey County's 0.920% effective rate sits slightly above North Dakota's 0.885% state average. It ranks in the middle tier among the state's 53 counties, making it a fairly typical North Dakota property tax experience.
In line with central North Dakota counties
Dickey's 0.920% rate mirrors the state average and sits comfortably between lower-taxing counties like Divide (0.597%), Dunn (0.604%), and higher-taxing neighbors like Cass (1.212%) and Foster (1.285%). It represents a balanced tax environment for the region.
Budget $1,538 annually for typical home
With a median home value of $167,100 and a 0.920% effective rate, Dickey County homeowners pay approximately $1,538 per year in property tax. This matches closely between mortgaged and non-mortgaged owners.
Review your assessment annually
Even in fairly-taxed counties, individual properties can be overassessed. Request a copy of your assessment from the county assessor and compare it to recent sales of similar homes in your area—if there's a gap, file an appeal.
At 14.2%, Dickey County's rent-to-income ratio runs slightly above the national median, indicating moderate affordability stress for renters. With a median household income of $63,125 and monthly rent of $749, Dickey residents earn below the national average but benefit from correspondingly lower housing costs.
Dickey's rents sit near state average pricing
Dickey County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.2% exceeds North Dakota's state average of 12.8% by 1.4 percentage points, though its median rent of $749 stays close to the state median of $770. The county ranks mid-range for affordability among North Dakota's counties, neither particularly expensive nor especially cheap.
Dickey offers modest rents in rural North Dakota
At $749 monthly, Dickey renters pay less than Cavalier County ($859) and significantly less than Cass County ($930), positioning it as a rural affordability option. Compared to Eddy County ($615), Dickey rents run somewhat higher, though both counties target similar income demographics.
Housing costs balanced across income bands
Dickey County renters earning $63,125 annually spend $749 monthly—14.2% of income—while homeowners pay $833 on a median home value of $167,100. Both housing pathways demand roughly one-seventh of household income, creating a relatively stable affordability picture across tenure types.
Dickey delivers rural living at modest costs
Dickey County suits relocating families seeking small-town character with below-state-average income requirements; rents at $749 and home values around $167,100 both rank among the region's more accessible options. Budget 14.2% of household income for housing and you'll find Dickey's rural rhythm sustainable.
Dickey County's median household income of $63,125 sits $11,630 below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower quarter nationally. This significant gap underscores the income pressures many agricultural counties experience.
Among North Dakota's lower earners
Dickey County ranks below the state median of $72,537 by $9,412, placing it among the state's lower-income counties. The shortfall reflects a rural economy heavily dependent on agriculture and small-scale enterprise.
Lowest income in its region
Dickey County's $63,125 median trails all nearby counties, from Cass ($75,023) to Foster ($83,412), and falls well behind boom-economy counties like Dunn ($94,688). Only Eddy County ($55,389) earns less among this peer group.
Housing affordability provides relief
Dickey County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.2% is among the state's lowest, giving households breathing room in their budgets. The median home value of $167,100 remains attainable for county earners, offsetting income challenges.
Maximize modest income potential
Dickey County households should focus on maximizing income through skill development and career advancement while leveraging the county's affordable real estate for home equity building. Even modest annual savings, automated and invested, can compound significantly over time.
At 76.9 years, Dickey County's life expectancy falls 0.1 years below the U.S. average of 77.0 years. Nearly 16.3% of residents report poor or fair health, exceeding the national average of 16.8%.
Below-average health outcomes statewide
Dickey County's 76.9-year life expectancy ranks among the lower half of North Dakota counties, falling 0.6 years below the state average of 77.5 years. The 16.3% poor/fair health rate exceeds the state average.
Challenges compared to regional counties
Dickey County's 76.9-year life expectancy trails nearby Cass County (79.1) and Cavalier County (80.6) significantly. The county's 16.3% poor/fair health rate is notably higher than Cass County's 14.1%.
Higher uninsured rate, moderate provider access
At 8.7%, Dickey County's uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 7.5%, leaving more residents without coverage. The county provides 82 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 41 mental health providers per 100,000, creating gaps for vulnerable populations.
Closing coverage gaps matters here
With 8.7% of residents uninsured, Dickey County residents have the most to gain from enrollment assistance. Visit healthcare.gov or contact your local health department to explore Medicaid expansion options and affordable coverage plans for your family.
With a composite risk score of 15.84, Dickey County ranks as Very Low—substantially below the national average. This favorable standing reflects relatively minimal exposure to major natural disasters across most hazard types.
Well below North Dakota's average risk
Dickey County's score of 15.84 sits comfortably below the state average of 22.19, placing it among North Dakota's lower-risk counties. Residents enjoy one of the state's more stable natural hazard environments for long-term planning and investment.
Consistent safety across south-central region
Dickey County's 15.84 score mirrors nearby Cavalier County (11.83) and Foster County (7.41), showing a broad low-risk zone across northeastern and central North Dakota. This regional consistency makes the area attractive for those prioritizing natural disaster stability.
Wildfire and tornadoes warrant attention
Wildfire risk reaches 55.98 and tornado risk stands at 24.84—your two primary hazards, though both remain manageable. Flood and earthquake exposures are minimal, keeping overall risk low for Dickey County residents.
Basic coverage with wildfire awareness
Standard homeowners insurance suffices for most Dickey County properties given your low composite risk. However, maintaining defensible space around your home and having an evacuation route planned provides extra security against the county's primary wildfire hazard.