countyscore
72.4
County Score
Disaster Risk 94.2Income & Jobs 91.5Safety 84.4

County Report Card

About Divide County, North Dakota

Divide County Reaches National Elite

A composite score of 72.2 places Divide County far above the national median of 50.0. It ranks among the top tier of counties nationwide for overall quality of life.

A Top Performer in North Dakota

Divide County's 72.2 score significantly exceeds the state average of 61.5. It represents one of the strongest livability profiles in the northern plains.

High Incomes and Environmental Resilience

The county shines with a 94.2 Risk score and a 91.7 Income score, supported by a median household income of $89,297. Taxes are also a major plus, with an effective rate of just 0.597%.

Limited Water Quality Metrics

The Water score of 30.6 is the only major outlier in an otherwise stellar profile. Cost also presents a moderate challenge at 52.8, as rents average $1,064 per month.

Premier Living for High Earners

This county is perfectly suited for professionals and families seeking high incomes and maximum environmental safety. It offers a rare combination of low taxes and high financial security.

2040608010072.355.684.483.370.391.594.230.641.4Tax72.3Cost55.6Safety84.4Health83.3Schools70.3Income91.5Risk94.2Water30.6Weather41.472.4/100
This county
National avg
6 above average2 below average

Divide County DNA

Coverall

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

Divide County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Disaster Risk (94.2/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
72.3+20.299999999999997
Cost
55.6
Safety
84.4+29.400000000000006
Health
83.3+33.3
Schools
70.3+16.299999999999997
Income
91.5+40.5
Risk
94.2+47.2
Water
30.6-27.4
Weather
41.4-14.600000000000001
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Compare mortgage rates in Divide County

Whether buying or refinancing in Divide County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$167,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,105/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$167,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$44,200/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $91,852/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Steele County
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Buffalo County
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Nearby counties

Burke County
North Dakota
75.2
Williams County
North Dakota
43.2
Sheridan County
Montana
50.2
Mountrail County
North Dakota
59.2
McKenzie County
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48.5
Ward County
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48
Roosevelt County
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46.7
Renville County
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68.8

Deep Dives

Divide County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Divide County

via TaxByCounty

Divide County offers bargain property taxes

At 0.597%, Divide's effective tax rate ranks in the 8th percentile nationally—among the lowest-taxing counties in America. The median property tax of just $1,034 is less than 40% of the national median of $2,690.

Third-lowest tax rate in North Dakota

Divide County ranks third among all 53 North Dakota counties with its 0.597% effective rate, well below the state average of 0.885%. It stands as one of the most tax-friendly places to own property in the state.

Lowest-taxing county in the region

Neighboring Dunn County charges 0.604%, but most other regional counties tax at higher rates—Cass (1.212%), Cavalier (1.246%), Foster (1.285%). Divide offers the steepest tax savings for property owners across northwestern North Dakota.

Pay just $1,034 on median $173,100 home

With a median home value of $173,100 and a 0.597% effective rate, Divide County homeowners pay approximately $1,034 in annual property tax. Non-mortgaged owners average $886, while those with mortgages pay around $1,630 due to escrow adjustments.

Still worth checking your assessment

Low tax rates don't guarantee accurate assessments for every property. Review your property tax statement and compare your home's assessed value to recent comparable sales—even in Divide County, appeals are free and sometimes successful.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Divide County

via IncomeByCounty

Divide County well above national income

Divide County's median household income of $89,297 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $14,542, ranking it among the nation's higher-earning counties. This strong performance reflects the economic benefits of the energy sector.

One of North Dakota's income leaders

Divide County's $89,297 median household income towers over the state average of $72,537 by $16,760, making it one of the state's top earners. This premium reflects the county's significant oil and gas industry presence.

Energy boom drives regional advantage

Divide County's $89,297 income ranks second only to Dunn County ($94,688) in this region and substantially exceeds agricultural neighbors like Cavalier ($67,064) and Dickey ($63,125). The disparity shows how energy development reshapes rural county economics.

Strong income supports housing investment

With a rent-to-income ratio of 14.3%, Divide County households comfortably manage housing costs while maintaining financial flexibility. The median home value of $173,100 is highly accessible for county earners, supporting wealth accumulation through homeownership.

Capitalize on energy economy gains

Divide County's above-average income creates an excellent opportunity to build substantial wealth through retirement savings, real estate investment, and diversified portfolios. Households should prioritize locking in these gains through disciplined financial planning while energy markets remain strong.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Divide County

via CrimeByCounty

Safe Living in the Northwest

Divide County earns a high safety score of 99.4. Its total crime rate of 364.5 per 100K is roughly 85% lower than the national average.

Outperforming North Dakota Norms

The county's safety score exceeds the state average of 98.5. Its total crime rate of 364.5 per 100K is also significantly lower than the state average of 976.6.

Calmer than Energy-Belt Neighbors

A single reporting agency shows Divide is much quieter than counties involved in western energy production. It maintains a peaceful profile even when compared to similar low-population neighbors.

Property Concerns Over Personal Safety

Violent crime is very low at 45.6 per 100K, while property crime is 318.9. Nearly 90% of all reported incidents in the county involve non-violent property offenses.

Simple Steps for Home Security

Vigilance and secure habits are the best defense in this low-crime area. Reliable locks and outdoor lighting ensure your home stays as safe as the rest of the county.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Divide County

via WeatherByCounty

Dry and Cold Northern Latitudes

Divide County's 39.1°F average is significantly lower than the 55°F national median. This northwestern corner of the state experiences a dry, semi-arid continental climate.

Colder and Drier Than Average

The county sits below the state average temperature of 41.0°F. With only 15.8 inches of annual precipitation, it is much drier than the North Dakota average of 19.5 inches.

Drier Conditions Than the East

Divide is much drier than Cass County, receiving nearly 8 inches less precipitation annually. It also sees less snow than the eastern part of the state, averaging 38.1 inches.

A Long Cold Season

Winters are long with a January average of 8.4°F and a winter seasonal average of 11.4°F. Summers are pleasant at 67.2°F, though the county still sees 10 days of extreme heat.

Conserve Moisture and Stay Warm

Prioritize moisture conservation for landscaping due to the low 15.8-inch precipitation levels. Quality insulation is the best defense against the 11.4°F winter seasonal average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Divide County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Soil in the Northwest Corner

Divide County presents a pH of 7.26, placing it squarely in the alkaline range compared to the national 6.5 median. This level is slightly higher than the state average of 7.18, characteristic of the drier northwestern plains. These levels mean growers should keep an eye on micronutrient availability, as iron and zinc can sometimes be bound in basic soils.

Balanced Sands and Silts

The soil profile is comprised of 41.1% sand, 37.1% silt, and 21.8% clay. This mixture provides a stable medium that is not overly susceptible to compaction or extreme drainage issues. It is a versatile texture that supports the diverse dryland farming typical of the region.

Modest Organic Content for the Region

Divide County has 3.81% organic matter, which is lower than the state average of 4.69% but still significantly higher than the national 2.0% average. The available water capacity of 0.181 in/in is also slightly below the state norm. These numbers reflect the semi-arid climate of the northwest, where organic matter accumulates more slowly.

Managing Dryland Hydrology

With no specific drainage class data provided, the soil’s texture and water capacity suggest it is moderately well-draining. The lower available water capacity means the soil has less of a buffer against drought than eastern counties. Efficient water management is the key to success for both farmers and backyard gardeners here.

Hardy Growing in Zone 4a

Located in Zone 4a, Divide County is well-suited for drought-tolerant crops like spring wheat and pulses. The soil's texture allows for early-season workability as soon as the frost leaves the ground. It is a great environment for a garden filled with native prairie perennials and hardy cool-season vegetables.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Divide County

via LawnByCounty

Challenges in North Dakota’s Northwest Corner

Divide County presents a challenge with a lawn difficulty score of 49.2, falling below both the state and national averages. The combination of low precipitation and Hardiness Zone 4a requires a more strategic approach to lawn care.

Managing Growth with Limited Rainfall

The county receives only 15.8 inches of rain annually, well below the state average of 19.5 and far from the 30-inch ideal for lawns. Lower growing degree days mean grass grows slower, so you will likely mow less frequently than in southern counties.

Analyzing Arid Soil Structures

The soil is comprised of 41.1% sand and 21.8% clay with a pH of 7.26. This sandy mix drains quickly, meaning the limited rainfall the county receives can leave the grass thirsty very fast.

Extended Drought Risks for Northwest Lawns

Divide County suffered through 12 weeks of drought in the past year, nearly double the duration seen in eastern counties. Mulching your grass clippings is essential here to return moisture and nitrogen back into the dry soil.

Drought-Tolerant Grass Selection

Buffalograss or Fine Fescues are better suited for this arid climate than water-hungry Bluegrass. Seed immediately after the May 18 frost, as the short season ends abruptly with the September 20 fall frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Divide County's county score?
Divide County, North Dakota has a composite county score of 72.4 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 Divide County rank among counties in North Dakota?
Divide County ranks #6 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 Divide County, North Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Divide County is $1,006, with an effective tax rate of 0.60%. This earns Divide County a tax score of 72.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Divide County?
The median household income in Divide County, North Dakota is $91,852 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Divide County earns an income score of 91.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Divide County, North Dakota a good place to live?
Divide County scores 72.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #6 in North Dakota. The best way to evaluate Divide 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 Divide 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.