countyscore
61.5
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.

2040608010041.856.689.465.552.45984.226.342Tax41.8Cost56.6Safety89.4Health65.5Schools52.4Income59Risk84.2Water26.3Weather4261.5/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Dickey County DNA

Doverall

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

Dickey County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (84.2/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (26.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
41.8-10.200000000000003
Cost
56.6+8.600000000000001
Safety
89.4+34.400000000000006
Health
65.5+15.5
Schools
52.4
Income
59+8
Risk
84.2+37.2
Water
26.3-31.7
Weather
42-14
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Dickey County?

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

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$162,400

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$840/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$162,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,600/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $68,654/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

20.2

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

Dickey County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dickey County's county score?
Dickey County, North Dakota has a composite county score of 61.5 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 #27 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 $1,488, with an effective tax rate of 0.92%. This earns Dickey County a tax score of 41.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Dickey County?
The median household income in Dickey County, North Dakota is $68,654 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Dickey County earns an income score of 59/100 on CountyScore.
Is Dickey County, North Dakota a good place to live?
Dickey County scores 61.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #27 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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