countyscore
61.5
County Score
Income & Jobs 94.1Disaster Risk 89.2Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Dunn County, North Dakota

Reliable Performance Above National Median

Dunn County scores a 61.5, placing it more than ten points above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a solid standard of living relative to the rest of the country.

The Definition of North Dakota Average

Dunn County's composite score of 61.5 matches the North Dakota state average perfectly. It serves as a benchmark for livability in the western part of the state.

Wealth and Low Natural Risk

An Income score of 93.8 is the county's crown jewel, fueled by a high median income of $94,688. The Risk score of 89.2 and Tax score of 74.1 further bolster its financial appeal.

Balancing Costs and Safety

Cost is a moderate challenge with a score of 45.9, reflecting median home values of $244,000. Safety also has room for improvement with a current score of 55.6.

Ideal for Wealth-Building Families

Dunn County is best for high-earning households looking to maximize their take-home pay through low taxes and high salaries. It is a fantastic location for those prioritizing financial growth and environmental stability.

2040608010071.44855.665.25694.189.28634.9Tax71.4Cost48Safety55.6Health65.2Schools56Income94.1Risk89.2Water86Weather34.961.5/100
This county
National avg
5 above average1 below average

Dunn County DNA

Doverall

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

Dunn County excels in 5 of 9 measured dimensions, led by Income (94.1/100). A few areas trail the national average, including Weather & Climate (34.9/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
71.4+19.400000000000006
Cost
48
Safety
55.6
Health
65.2+15.200000000000003
Schools
56
Income
94.1+43.099999999999994
Risk
89.2+42.2
Water
86+28
Weather
34.9-21.1
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Compare mortgage rates in Dunn County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$275,000

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$922/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$275,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$36,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $97,689/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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Counties with similar scores

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Lee County
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Dickey County
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Door County
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Nearby counties

Mercer County
North Dakota
60.4
Stark County
North Dakota
47.2
Mountrail County
North Dakota
59.2
Billings County
North Dakota
84.6
McKenzie County
North Dakota
48.5
McLean County
North Dakota
59.9
Oliver County
North Dakota
72.9
Williams County
North Dakota
43.2

Deep Dives

Dunn County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Dunn County

via TaxByCounty

Dunn County taxes rank in bottom 10 nationally

At 0.604%, Dunn's effective tax rate places it in the 9th percentile—among the lowest-taxing counties nationwide. The median property tax of $1,473 remains well below the national median of $2,690.

Second-lowest tax rate in North Dakota

Dunn County ranks second among all 53 North Dakota counties with its 0.604% effective rate, trailing only Divide County's 0.597%. Both counties sit far below the state average of 0.885%, making them exceptional values for property owners.

Dunn competes with Divide for lowest rates

Dunn (0.604%) and Divide (0.597%) form a low-tax corridor in northwestern North Dakota, while neighboring Cass (1.212%) and Foster (1.285%) charge roughly double. Dunn offers significant tax advantages over most of the state.

Annual tax: $1,473 on $244,000 median home

With a median home value of $244,000 and a 0.604% effective rate, Dunn County homeowners pay approximately $1,473 in property tax per year. Owners with mortgages average $1,390, while those without mortgages pay around $1,543.

Appeal if your assessed value seems high

Even in tax-friendly counties, individual assessments can miss the mark. Request your property's assessment details from the county and compare to recent home sales in your area—appealing is free and could lower your bill further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Dunn County

via IncomeByCounty

Dunn County's exceptional national standing

Dunn County's median household income of $94,688 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $19,933, placing it among the nation's top earners. This remarkable $26.7% premium reflects a thriving energy-driven economy.

North Dakota's highest earner

Dunn County's $94,688 median household income leads all North Dakota counties, exceeding the state average of $72,537 by an impressive $22,151. The county's oil and gas sector generates the state's strongest household earnings.

Clear income leader of the region

Dunn County's $94,688 income towers above all regional peers, from Divide County ($89,297) to Cass County ($75,023), and dramatically outpaces agricultural counties like Eddy ($55,389). This dominance reflects concentrated energy sector employment and high-wage jobs.

Premium income with low housing costs

Dunn County's rent-to-income ratio of 11.9% is the state's lowest, meaning households dedicate less than 12% of income to rent. The median home value of $244,000 is highly affordable for county earners, enabling rapid wealth accumulation.

Seize the wealth-building window

Dunn County's exceptional income and housing affordability create a rare opportunity for aggressive wealth-building through retirement contributions, investment portfolios, and real estate. Households should capitalize on this window by maximizing savings now, as energy-sector booms can be cyclical.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Dunn County

via CrimeByCounty

Consistent Safety in Dunn County

Dunn County maintains a strong safety score of 98.4. Its total crime rate of 1,012.6 per 100K is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Aligning with State Averages

The county's total crime rate of 1,012.6 per 100K is slightly higher than the state average of 976.6. Its safety score sits just a hair below the North Dakota average of 98.5.

Stable Environment in the West

Data from two agencies indicates Dunn is safer than many high-traffic neighbors in the Bakken region. It provides a more stable environment than many of its western counterparts.

Theft is the Primary Concern

Property crime accounts for 938.5 incidents per 100K, making it the most likely risk for residents. Violent crime remains low at 74.1 per 100K, well below national benchmarks.

Deterring Property Crime at Home

With property crime as the main driver of local stats, home security systems are a smart investment. Visible cameras are highly effective at deterring theft in rural residential areas.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Dunn County

via WeatherByCounty

Semi-Arid and Wide Ranging

Dunn County's 41.9°F annual average trails the national median by roughly 13 degrees. The climate is semi-arid, featuring wide temperature swings and limited moisture.

Standard Temps with Less Rain

The average temperature of 41.9°F is very close to the state average of 41.0°F. However, the county is drier than most, receiving 17.5 inches of precipitation versus the 19.5-inch state mean.

More Heat Than Northern Peers

Dunn experiences double the extreme heat days of Divide County, logging 21 days above 90°F. Snowfall remains similar to regional neighbors at 41.6 inches per year.

Hot Summers and Moderate Cold

Summers feature 21 days of 90°F heat and a July average of 69.0°F. Winters are somewhat milder than the east, with a January average of 13.9°F.

Prepare for Summer Heatwaves

Reliable air conditioning is vital for the 21 days of extreme summer heat. Winter preparations should focus on wind protection to manage the 41.6 inches of annual snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Dunn County

via SoilByCounty

Near-Perfect Soil Chemistry in Dunn

Dunn County boasts a pH of 7.06, which is much closer to the neutral 7.0 mark than most of North Dakota. This puts it nearer to the national median of 6.5 and makes it one of the most chemically balanced soils in the state. This ideal pH is a major factor in the county's high soil score of 72.4.

Silty Texture with Excellent Workability

The soil is rich in silt at 41.3%, combined with 36.9% sand and 21.8% clay. This high silt content gives the soil a smooth, floury feel that is excellent for root penetration and moisture retention. It strikes a rare balance that is easy to till yet structurally sound.

High Fertility and Water Storage

Organic matter in Dunn County is an impressive 5.85%, far exceeding both the state (4.69%) and national (2.0%) averages. The available water capacity of 0.197 in/in is also significantly above the state average of 0.186. This creates a nutrient-dense, sponge-like soil that can sustain crops through long periods without rain.

Efficient Water Management

The soil's high water capacity indicates a superior ability to store rainfall for later use. While specific drainage classes are not listed, the silty composition typically allows for even water distribution throughout the root zone. This minimizes the risk of sudden nutrient leaching during heavy storms.

Top-Tier Gardening in Zone 4a

In Zone 4a, Dunn County offers some of the best gardening potential in the state due to its high organic matter and neutral pH. You can grow a wide variety of vegetables, from leafy greens to root crops, with minimal soil amendments. This fertile land is a gardener’s dream—get your seeds in the ground and watch them thrive.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Dunn County

via LawnByCounty

Dunn County’s Tough Lawn Environment

With a score of 44.8, Dunn County is one of the more difficult places in North Dakota to maintain a lush lawn. High heat and low precipitation combine to make turf management a constant battle against the elements.

Extreme Heat and Limited Moisture

Residents face 21 extreme heat days per year, which is significantly higher than the state average of 13. Combined with only 17.5 inches of annual rain, your lawn will likely require supplemental irrigation to survive July.

Excellent Soil pH for Nutrient Uptake

One bright spot is the soil pH of 7.06, which is the closest to the ideal range (6.0-7.0) in the region. The balance of 36.9% sand and 21.8% clay provides a stable foundation for root systems if moisture is managed.

Battling Significant Drought Conditions

Dunn County endured 22 weeks of drought over the past year, indicating a persistent need for water conservation. Consider installing rain barrels or smart irrigation controllers to manage your 17.5-inch annual water budget.

Strategic Planting for a Hardier Yard

Choose heat-tolerant cool-season blends to withstand the 21 days of 90-degree weather. Your growing window sits between the May 20 spring frost and the September 23 fall frost, requiring quick establishment.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dunn County's county score?
Dunn 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 Dunn County rank among counties in North Dakota?
Dunn County ranks #28 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 Dunn County, North Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Dunn County is $1,665, with an effective tax rate of 0.61%. This earns Dunn County a tax score of 71.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Dunn County?
The median household income in Dunn County, North Dakota is $97,689 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Dunn County earns an income score of 94.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Dunn County, North Dakota a good place to live?
Dunn County scores 61.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #28 in North Dakota. The best way to evaluate Dunn 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 Dunn 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.