countyscore
62.6
County Score
Safety 89.4Disaster Risk 84.2Health 65.5

County Report Card

About Dickey County, North Dakota

Solid Standing Above National Average

Dickey County achieves a composite score of 62.6, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. It offers a competitive livability profile compared to counties across the United States.

Competitive Within the Peace Garden State

The county's 62.6 score slightly edges out the North Dakota state average of 61.5. It maintains a consistent, high-performing presence in the state's southern tier.

Top-Tier Safety and Low Risk

Dickey boasts an impressive Safety score of 89.4 and a Risk score of 84.2. Residents benefit from a low effective tax rate of 0.920%, which supports a favorable Tax score of 43.7.

Improving Water and School Infrastructure

The Water score of 26.3 represents the county's most significant area for improvement. Additionally, the School score of 52.4 suggests room for growth in local educational outcomes.

The Safe Choice for Families

Dickey County suits those who prioritize personal safety and low environmental risk in a quiet rural setting. It is a great match for residents seeking financial predictability and a secure community.

Score breakdown

Tax43.7Cost63Safety89.4Health65.5Schools52.4Income48.6Risk84.2Water26.3Weather42
🏛43.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠63
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼48.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡89.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤65.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓52.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡84.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧26.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤42
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨59.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱58.6
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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Nearby counties

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42.5
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Sargent County
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Deep Dives

Dickey County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Dickey County

via TaxByCounty

Dickey County near middle of national pack

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Dickey County

via CostByCounty

Dickey rents stay close to national affordability

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Dickey County

via IncomeByCounty

Dickey County falls short nationally

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Dickey County

via CrimeByCounty

Elite Safety Standards in Dickey

Dickey County achieves a near-perfect safety score of 99.7. Its total crime rate of 219.9 per 100K is a tiny fraction of the national average of 2,385.5.

One of the State's Safest

The county's crime rate is over 75% lower than the North Dakota average of 976.6 per 100K. It sits well above the state average safety score of 98.5.

Three Agencies Confirm Low Crime

With three agencies reporting, Dickey shows consistently low crime activity compared to its larger neighbors. This data reflects a stable and peaceful rural atmosphere.

Zero Reported Violent Crimes

The county reported a violent crime rate of 0.0 per 100K in 2022. All reported incidents are property crimes, which still only total a low 219.9 per 100K.

Preventing Property Incidents

Since property theft is the only recorded risk, focusing on home security is effective. A simple smart doorbell can monitor your entrance and provide an extra layer of protection.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Dickey County

via HealthByCounty

Dickey County lags in health metrics

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Dickey County

via SchoolsByCounty

Dedicated Rural Districts Serving the South

Dickey County manages 6 public schools through 2 distinct districts, educating a total of 830 students. The system is comprised of 3 elementary and 3 high schools, with no charter options available. The infrastructure is entirely rural, serving a sprawling agricultural community.

Leading the State in Graduation Success

Dickey County achieves a remarkable 93.4% graduation rate, one of the highest in the region and well above the 87.0% national average. Remarkably, this is achieved with a lean per-pupil expenditure of just $6,522, far below the national $13,000 benchmark. The school score of 54.3 reflects steady performance despite these budget constraints.

Oakes and Ellendale Support Local Students

The Oakes 41 district is the county's largest, enrolling 491 students across its two main schools. Ellendale 40 serves 339 students and manages 4 schools, including the specialized Maple River Colony School. These districts ensure educational access for families across the county's southern plains.

The Classic Rural School Experience

With all 6 schools located in rural settings, the average enrollment is a modest 138 students per school. Oakes Elementary is the largest facility with 257 students, while the Maple River Colony School serves just 50 students. This landscape offers a traditional, quiet educational setting for growing families.

Exceptional Graduation Rates for Home Buyers

If you value high graduation rates and community-oriented schools, Dickey County offers some of the best metrics in the state. Homes in Oakes and Ellendale provide proximity to schools that consistently outperform national standards. Explore the area to find a residence that places your children in a top-tier academic environment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Dickey County

via RiskByCounty

Dickey County maintains very low risk overall

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Dickey County

via WeatherByCounty

Sharp Contrasts on the Plains

Dickey County averages 42.6°F annually, trailing the national median by about 12 degrees. It maintains a continental climate characterized by hot summers and very cold winters.

A Milder Southern Border County

At 42.6°F, Dickey is one of the warmer counties in North Dakota, exceeding the state average of 41.0°F. It is also one of the wetter regions, averaging 23.1 inches of precipitation.

Warmer Than Central Neighbors

Dickey stays warmer than Foster County to its north, benefiting from its position along the South Dakota border. It averages 42.5 inches of snow, consistent with its regional neighbors.

Hot July Days and Snowy Winters

July averages a warm 71.0°F with 12 days of extreme heat reaching 90°F or more. Winter brings 42.5 inches of snow and a January average of 11.1°F.

Equip for Both Heat and Snow

Residents need versatile HVAC systems to manage the 12 annual heat days and the 14.3°F winter average. Clear gutters are important to handle the higher-than-average 23.1 inches of rain.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Dickey County

via SoilByCounty

Consistent Alkaline Soil Chemistry

Dickey County soil registers an average pH of 7.23, staying consistent with the state's typical alkaline profile of 7.18. This is higher than the national median of 6.5, reflecting the mineral-rich glacial till heritage of the region. This pH level is conducive to many regional crops that have adapted to slightly basic environments.

Sandy Texture with Quick Drainage

With 44.1% sand and 35.5% silt, Dickey County has a coarser soil texture than many of its northern neighbors. This higher sand content, paired with 20.4% clay, suggests easier tilling and faster warming in the spring. However, it may require more frequent monitoring of moisture levels during peak summer heat.

Solid Fertility with Moderate Moisture

Organic matter sits at 4.06%, which is double the national average but slightly behind the state average of 4.69%. The available water capacity of 0.183 in/in is just under the state benchmark of 0.186. While not the richest in the state, the soil provides a dependable foundation for standard regional agriculture.

Fast-Moving Water and Aeration

The relatively high sand content implies that water moves through the profile more quickly than in heavier clay soils. Though specific hydrologic groups are not recorded, this composition typically offers better aeration for root systems. This makes the land less prone to waterlogging after spring snowmelt.

Southern Tier Warmth in Zone 4b

Dickey County is in Zone 4b, offering a slightly longer growing window than northern North Dakota. The sandy-leaning soil is perfect for warm-season vegetables and corn that benefit from soils that heat up quickly. It is an excellent spot to start a productive home garden with consistent watering.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Dickey County

via LawnByCounty

Dickey County’s High Lawn Ease Score

Dickey County earns a 58.6 lawn score, placing it among the easier regions in the state for turf management. Being in Hardiness Zone 4b gives residents a slight advantage over northern neighbors with more moderate winter minimums.

Ample Warmth for Southern Lawns

With 2,381 growing degree days, grass here has more energy to establish compared to much of North Dakota. The 23.1 inches of annual rainfall nearly matches the national ideal, providing a strong baseline for hydration.

Sandy Soil and Nutrient Management

A relatively high sand content of 44.1% suggests better drainage but also a need for more frequent fertilization than heavier soils. The 7.23 pH is slightly above the ideal 7.0 threshold, so monitor for iron deficiencies in your turf.

Recent Drought Trends and Resilience

The county saw 7 weeks of drought last year, though it is currently completely free of drought conditions. This break in dry weather allows for deep root development before the heat of mid-summer arrives.

Optimal Planting Windows for 4b

Standard North Dakota mixes like Bluegrass thrive here, especially if seeded between the May 8 spring frost and September 28 fall frost. Start early in May to give roots time to establish before July heat peaks.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dickey County's county score?
Dickey County, North Dakota has a composite county score of 62.6 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 Dickey County rank among counties in North Dakota?
Dickey County ranks #26 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 Dickey County, North Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Dickey County is $1,538, with an effective tax rate of 0.92%. This earns Dickey County a tax score of 43.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Dickey County?
The median household income in Dickey County, North Dakota is $63,125 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Dickey County earns an income score of 48.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Dickey County, North Dakota a good place to live?
Dickey County scores 62.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #26 in North Dakota. The best way to evaluate Dickey 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 Dickey County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

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