countyscore
72.2
County Score
Disaster Risk 94.2Income & Jobs 91.7Safety 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.

2040608010074.852.884.483.370.391.794.230.641.4Tax74.8Cost52.8Safety84.4Health83.3Schools70.3Income91.7Risk94.2Water30.6Weather41.472.2/100
This county
National avg
6 above average2 below average

Divide County DNA

Coverall

How Divide County compares to the national average across 9 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
74.8+22.799999999999997
Cost
52.8
Safety
84.4+29.400000000000006
Health
83.3+33.3
Schools
70.3+16.299999999999997
Income
91.7+40.7
Risk
94.2+47.2
Water
30.6-27.4
Weather
41.4-14.600000000000001
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$173,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,064/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$173,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$42,560/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $89,297/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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Nearby counties

Burke County
North Dakota
72.5
Williams County
North Dakota
42.7
Sheridan County
Montana
49.3
Mountrail County
North Dakota
60.7
McKenzie County
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Ward County
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Roosevelt County
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Renville County
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66.8

Deep Dives

Divide County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Cost of Living in Divide County

via CostByCounty

Divide County rents rise above national baseline

At 14.3%, Divide County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national median, yet the county's unusually high median household income of $89,297 provides substantial cushion. Renters paying $1,064 monthly—the highest among these eight counties—benefit from earnings well above the $74,755 national average, masking what would otherwise be significant affordability pressure.

Divide offers highest incomes and highest rents

Divide County's median household income of $89,297 leads all eight counties by nearly $13,000, enabling its 14.3% rent-to-income ratio to remain manageable despite the state's priciest rents at $1,064 monthly. The county's oil and energy economy drives both high wages and elevated housing costs.

Divide's rents reflect energy economy premium

At $1,064 monthly, Divide County renters pay the region's highest rates—$205 more than Cass County ($930) and $449 more than Eddy County ($615). However, Divide's exceptional median income of $89,297 makes these rents proportionally more affordable than they appear; the county effectively trades higher costs for higher wages.

High earnings offset Divide's elevated costs

Divide renters earning $89,297 annually spend $1,064 monthly—just 14.3% of income—while homeowners pay only $604, an unusually low rate reflecting the county's quirky housing market. The median home value of $173,100 remains surprisingly modest given local incomes, suggesting strong ownership affordability.

Divide attracts high earners with premium lifestyle

If your job or business brings you to North Dakota's oil region, Divide County's $89,297 median income and robust economy create strong purchasing power for both renters and buyers. Despite the state's highest rents, Divide's wage premium makes housing proportionally affordable; relocate here for career opportunity, not budget constraints.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Schools in Divide County

via SchoolsByCounty

Consolidated Excellence in Divide County

Divide County simplifies its education through a single unified school district that serves 383 students. The infrastructure consists of one elementary school and one high school, both located in rural settings. This centralized model ensures that all county resources are focused on a single student body.

High Performance with Strong Local Investment

The graduation rate stands at a solid 90.0%, easily beating the state average of 84.8% and the national average of 87.0%. The county invests $10,463 per pupil, which is higher than the state average of $9,385. This commitment is reflected in a school score of 61.0, indicating high quality across the curriculum.

Unified Under the Divide County 1 District

The Divide County 1 district is the sole provider of public education in the county, managing both local schools. There are no charter schools, meaning the district serves as the primary academic and social hub for the community. This consolidation creates a strong, unified identity for all local students.

Small Schools with Personalized Attention

Education here is entirely rural, with an average school size of 192 students. Divide County Elementary is the largest school with 222 students, followed by the High School with 161. Attending school here feels like being part of a large family where students and staff are closely connected.

Find a Home in a Unified Community

Families seeking a district where every student is part of the same community will love Divide County. With high scores and a 90% graduation rate, the local schools are a major draw for home buyers. Look for properties in the area to join a community that truly values its educational future.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Divide County

via RiskByCounty

Divide County boasts lowest state risk level

With a composite risk score of just 5.79, Divide County ranks as Very Low and sits dramatically below the national average. This exceptional profile places it among the safest counties in the nation for natural disaster exposure.

North Dakota's lowest composite risk score

Divide County's 5.79 score represents the minimum risk level across all North Dakota counties—far below the state average of 22.19. Residents enjoy extraordinary protection from most major natural hazards statewide.

Safest county in the northern region

Divide County's 5.79 score edges out even Foster County (7.41) and Eddy County (1.84 overall but higher in wildfire), making it the most stable area in northwestern North Dakota. This unmatched regional safety appeals strongly to risk-averse families and businesses.

Wildfire poses mild concern only

Wildfire risk at 59.10 is Divide County's only notable exposure, though all other hazards score remarkably low. Tornadoes (19.97), earthquakes (12.88), and floods (6.08) all pose minimal threats, creating one of the nation's most stable environments.

Minimal insurance requirements needed

Divide County's exceptional safety profile means standard homeowners insurance provides ample protection for most properties. Focus your preparedness efforts on wildfire awareness—clear brush from your home and maintain evacuation knowledge—rather than extensive specialty coverage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Divide County

via WaterByCounty

Health violations trigger a low grade

Divide County receives an F grade due to a health violation rate of 64.0 per 100,000 people. This rate surpasses the state average of 47.0, despite only having one violation in five years because of the small population size. Compliance with federal health standards remains a critical area for improvement.

Clean results for assessed water bodies

None of the nine assessed water bodies in Divide County show impairments according to 2022 reporting. This 0% impairment rate is far better than the 19.3% state average. While the assessment pool is small, the results suggest healthy surface water conditions.

Primary monitoring focused on four sites

Local agencies have collected 1,625 measurements from four monitoring sites over the past five years. Most measurements track physical characteristics and nutrient levels. This data provides the evidence used to confirm the county's low impairment rates.

Critical low flow on Long Creek

The USGS gauge near Noonan shows a current flow of just 8 cubic feet per second. This is a mere 18% of the long-term mean, indicating severe drought-like conditions in the stream. Such low flow can significantly impact local water availability.

Action needed for water compliance and quantity

The F grade suggests residents should verify their water provider's latest reports and use filtration if needed. While surface waters are currently clean, the extreme low flow of Long Creek at 18% of mean is a warning for water security. Conserving water now helps protect the limited supply remaining in local basins.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

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 72.2 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 $1,034, with an effective tax rate of 0.60%. This earns Divide County a tax score of 74.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Divide County?
The median household income in Divide County, North Dakota is $89,297 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Divide County earns an income score of 91.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Divide County, North Dakota a good place to live?
Divide County scores 72.2/100 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 Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.