countyscore
61.5
County Score
Income & Jobs 93.8Disaster 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.

Score breakdown

Tax74.1Cost45.9Safety55.6Health65.2Schools56Income93.8Risk89.2Water86Weather34.9
🏛74.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠45.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼93.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡55.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤65.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓56
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡89.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤34.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨72.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱44.8
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Mercer County
North Dakota
60.6
Stark County
North Dakota
46.8
Mountrail County
North Dakota
60.7
Billings County
North Dakota
84.1
McKenzie County
North Dakota
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McLean County
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60.1
Oliver County
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Williams County
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42.7

Deep Dives

Dunn County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Cost of Living in Dunn County

via CostByCounty

Dunn County delivers strong affordability nationwide

At 11.9%, Dunn County's rent-to-income ratio falls below the national median, marking it as one of the nation's more affordable rental markets. With the highest median household income among these eight counties at $94,688 and rents of just $941, Dunn renters enjoy exceptional financial flexibility compared to typical U.S. households.

Dunn ranks as North Dakota's affordability leader

Dunn County's 11.9% rent-to-income ratio bests North Dakota's state average of 12.8%, making it the state's most affordable rental market among these eight counties. The combination of $94,688 median income and $941 rent creates the region's healthiest housing-to-wage ratio.

Dunn offers best affordability-to-income balance

Dunn renters earn $94,688—highest among neighbors—while paying $941 rent, yielding the region's lowest rent-to-income ratio at 11.9%. Even Divide County, with higher rents of $1,064, can't match Dunn's affordability advantage because Dunn's wage advantage more than compensates.

Dunn renters enjoy surplus income after housing

With median income of $94,688, Dunn renters spending $941 monthly allocate just 11.9% to housing—the lowest burden among all eight counties—leaving ample resources for other expenses. Homeowners pay $789 monthly on a median value of $244,000, though this represents a steeper ownership bar than rentals.

Dunn County: Best bang for relocating families

If you're weighing North Dakota relocation, Dunn County delivers the region's strongest income-to-housing ratio at 11.9%, meaning your paycheck stretches furthest here. With median income of $94,688 and rents of just $941, Dunn families retain maximum discretionary income—a compelling advantage for any move.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Dunn County

via HealthByCounty

Dunn County faces health headwinds

At 77.2 years, Dunn County's life expectancy matches the U.S. average of 77.0 years, but 15.6% of residents report poor or fair health, below the national average of 16.8%. The county sits at the national inflection point.

Below-average state health outcomes

Dunn County's 77.2-year life expectancy falls 0.3 years below North Dakota's state average of 77.5 years. The county's health metrics place it among the state's lower-performing communities.

Lagging behind surrounding counties

Dunn County's 77.2-year life expectancy trails Emmons County (77.0 is comparable, but context matters) and substantially lags Divide County (81.8) and Cavalier County (80.6). At 15.6% poor/fair health, the county exceeds most regional neighbors.

Highest uninsured rate creates barriers

At 10.1%, Dunn County has the highest uninsured rate among profiled North Dakota counties, well above the state average of 7.5%. Specific provider data is unavailable, but limited health infrastructure likely compounds coverage barriers.

Coverage is the starting point

With 10.1% of residents uninsured, Dunn County faces its greatest health challenge in access. Visit healthcare.gov immediately to explore Medicaid, ACA marketplace plans, and community health resources that can improve outcomes for your family.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Dunn County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rural Schooling Across the High Plains

Dunn County supports 702 students across 3 public schools and 2 school districts. The infrastructure consists of 2 elementary schools and 1 high school, all situated in rural locales. There are no charter schools, keeping the focus on local district management.

Investing in the Future of Dunn County

The county spends $10,955 per pupil, outstripping the North Dakota state average of $9,385. While the 84.0% graduation rate is slightly below the state and national averages, the school score of 58.9 suggests high potential for student growth. This level of funding supports local initiatives to boost academic outcomes.

Killdeer 16 Anchors the County System

Killdeer 16 is the dominant district, enrolling 646 students across its two schools. The smaller Twin Buttes 37 district manages a single elementary school with 56 students. These districts provide essential educational services to a geographically dispersed population.

Spacious Rural Campuses for Local Kids

Schools in Dunn County average 234 students per campus, providing a balance of size and intimacy. Killdeer Elementary is the largest school with 396 students, while Twin Buttes Elementary offers a very small setting for 56 children. Every school is classified as rural, reflecting the county's open-space character.

Rural Living with High Educational Investment

Prospective residents are drawn to Dunn County for its high per-pupil spending and rural charm. The local districts in Killdeer and Twin Buttes are central to the community's identity and long-term stability. Consider the area for a home purchase if you are looking for a district that is actively investing in its students.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Dunn County

via RiskByCounty

Dunn County presents very low disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 10.78, Dunn County ranks as Very Low—well below the national average. This favorable profile reflects minimal exposure to the major natural hazards that affect many U.S. counties.

Safe county by North Dakota standards

Dunn County's score of 10.78 sits substantially below the state average of 22.19, placing it among North Dakota's safest communities. The county's stable hazard profile offers residents reliable long-term security from most natural disasters.

Lower risk than surrounding northwestern counties

Dunn County's 10.78 score outperforms nearby Emmons County (44.27) significantly, placing it in a lower-risk pocket of northwestern North Dakota. This relative advantage makes the county particularly attractive for those seeking stability in the region.

Wildfire is your principal hazard exposure

Wildfire risk reaches 83.87—notably high and Dunn County's primary concern, though tornadoes (24.05) and floods (10.11) remain minor threats. The elevated wildfire score reflects the county's geographical characteristics in western North Dakota's grasslands.

Prioritize wildfire preparedness today

Standard homeowners insurance meets most property needs given your overall low risk, but wildfire readiness is essential given your 83.87 wildfire score. Create defensible space around your home, trim tree branches near structures, and maintain a current evacuation plan for fire season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 #30 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 $1,473, with an effective tax rate of 0.60%. This earns Dunn County a tax score of 74.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Dunn County?
The median household income in Dunn County, North Dakota is $94,688 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Dunn County earns an income score of 93.8/100 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 #30 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.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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