CountyScore

Dunn County

North Dakota · ND

#17 in North Dakota
77.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Dunn County, North Dakota

Dunn County ranks in nation's upper tier

Dunn County's composite score of 77.1 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 54%, placing it among the most livable counties in the United States. This exceptional standing reflects particularly strong performance in income, tax efficiency, and economic stability.

Above-average performer in North Dakota

At 77.1, Dunn County exceeds the state average of 74.8 by 2.3 points, ranking it among North Dakota's top livability counties. It stands in the state's upper tier across most livability metrics.

Income and tax efficiency lead the way

Dunn County boasts the highest income score (45.2) among these counties, with a robust median household income of $94,688, plus an exceptional tax score of 85.3 and 0.604% effective tax rate. The risk score of 89.2 further confirms strong economic resilience and low vulnerability.

Health services could see investment

The health score of 72.4 represents the county's weakest dimension, suggesting potential gaps in health infrastructure or outcomes. While still respectable, additional healthcare investment could elevate Dunn County's overall competitive position.

Ideal for high-earning families seeking security

Dunn County is tailor-made for professional families and business owners seeking to maximize income and minimize taxes while enjoying economic stability. It's especially suited to ambitious households prioritizing wealth building and financial security over other lifestyle factors.

Score breakdown

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

Tax85.3Cost79.4SafetyComing SoonHealth72.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome45.2Risk89.2WaterComing Soon
🏛85.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠79.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼45.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤72.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡89.2
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 Dunn County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Coosa County
Alabama
77.1
Median income: $57,063
Oneida County
Idaho
77.1
Median income: $72,563
West Carroll Parish
Louisiana
77
Median income: $48,514
Craig County
Virginia
77
Median income: $67,778
Lincoln County
Colorado
77.2
Median income: $54,257

Deep Dives

Dunn County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.