CountyScore

Divide County

North Dakota · ND

#6 in North Dakota
79.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Divide County, North Dakota

Divide County ranks among nation's best

Divide County's composite score of 79.2 towers 58% above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper echelon of U.S. counties for livability. This elite standing reflects balanced strength across income, tax, health, and stability dimensions.

A top performer in North Dakota

Divide County's score of 79.2 significantly exceeds the state average of 74.8, making it one of North Dakota's most livable counties. It ranks among the state's top performers across multiple livability categories.

Income, taxes, and resilience excel

Divide County leads with the highest income score (41.7) in this group, supported by a median household income of $89,297, paired with an exceptional tax score of 85.5 and a 0.597% effective tax rate. Its outstanding risk score of 94.2 signals exceptional economic resilience and stability.

Health outcomes could improve

The health score of 79.3, while solid, ranks lower relative to the county's other dimensions and lags behind a few peers in this profile. Additional investment in health infrastructure might strengthen the county's overall competitive position.

Best for ambitious professionals valuing stability

Divide County suits higher-earning professionals and established families seeking the ideal blend of income opportunity, tax efficiency, and economic safety. It's particularly attractive to those wanting to maximize wealth accumulation while minimizing tax burden in a stable, resilient community.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax85.5Cost79.9SafetyComing SoonHealth79.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome41.7Risk94.2WaterComing Soon
🏛85.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠79.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼41.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤79.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡94.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Divide County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Dundy County
Nebraska
79.2
Median income: $56,563
Thomas County
Nebraska
79.2
Median income: $72,708
Hinsdale County
Colorado
79.3
Median income: $64,327
Harding County
New Mexico
79.3
Median income: $41,250
Bear Lake County
Idaho
79.1
Median income: $67,304

Deep Dives

Divide County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Divide County

via HealthByCounty

Divide County shows strong longevity

At 81.8 years, Divide County residents live nearly five years longer than the U.S. average of 77.0 years. This exceptional life expectancy places the county among the nation's healthiest communities.

State's longest-living population

Divide County's 81.8-year life expectancy is the highest in North Dakota, surpassing the state average of 77.5 years by 4.3 years. The county stands as a model for healthy aging statewide.

Exceptional health longevity regionally

At 81.8 years, Divide County residents live longer than any neighboring county, outpacing Cavalier County (80.6) and significantly exceeding Cass County (79.1). The county's 15.0% poor/fair health rate remains competitive with regional peers.

Good coverage, limited provider data

Divide County's 7.4% uninsured rate sits just below the state average of 7.5%, indicating solid insurance coverage. Specific primary care and mental health provider counts are not available, suggesting residents may access some services through regional centers.

Sustain your community's health gains

Divide County's strong longevity reflects years of healthy choices and access to care—maintain that advantage through continuous coverage. Check your insurance status at healthcare.gov to ensure your family maintains the protection that supports this vibrant, healthy community.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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