countyscore
60.3
County Score
Disaster Risk 98.2Cost of Living 88.5Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Eddy County, North Dakota

Strong Value Above National Median

Eddy County earns a composite score of 60.3, outperforming the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high degree of livability driven by exceptional affordability.

Holding Steady Near State Average

With a score of 60.3, Eddy County sits just slightly below the North Dakota state average of 61.5. It remains a competitive option for those looking for a balanced rural lifestyle.

Extreme Affordability and Safety

Eddy County boasts a nearly perfect Risk score of 98.2 and a high Cost score of 88.5. Median gross rent is just $615, making it one of the most affordable places to live in the region.

Opportunity for Income and School Growth

Income is a notable challenge with a score of 25.9, reflecting a median household income of $55,389. The School score of 35.9 also suggests that educational investment is a key local need.

Perfect for Retirees and Value-Seekers

This county is a top choice for those with fixed incomes or remote jobs who prioritize low housing costs and environmental safety. It offers peace of mind and financial breathing room.

Score breakdown

Tax45.8Cost88.5Safety65.4Health54.3Schools35.9Income25.9Risk98.2Water86Weather44.3
🏛45.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠88.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼25.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡65.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤54.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓35.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡98.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤44.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨59
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱64.6
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

Foster County
North Dakota
64.3
Benson County
North Dakota
63.2
Ramsey County
North Dakota
50.4
Nelson County
North Dakota
71.5
Griggs County
North Dakota
70
Wells County
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Stutsman County
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Steele County
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75.8

Deep Dives

Eddy County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Eddy County

via TaxByCounty

Eddy County taxes fall near national median

At 0.889%, Eddy's effective tax rate ranks around the 42nd percentile nationally. The median property tax of $1,027 is far below the national median of $2,690, reflecting modest home values in the county.

At state average for North Dakota

Eddy County's 0.889% effective rate essentially matches North Dakota's 0.885% state average. It ranks squarely in the middle tier among the state's 53 counties, representing typical property tax conditions statewide.

Balanced tax rates across central region

Eddy (0.889%) sits near Dickey (0.920%) and Emmons (0.899%), creating a band of fairly consistent tax rates in central North Dakota. Nearby Divide and Dunn charge less, while Cass and Foster tax considerably more.

Median tax bill: $1,027 on $115,500 home

With a median home value of $115,500 and a 0.889% effective rate, Eddy County homeowners pay approximately $1,027 in annual property tax. Those with mortgages average $1,177, while non-mortgaged owners pay around $910.

Check your assessment for accuracy

Property assessments can be incorrect even in fairly-taxed counties. Compare your assessed value to recent sales of similar homes—if yours appears overvalued, file a free appeal with your county assessor.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Eddy County

via CostByCounty

Eddy offers rock-bottom rents for lower earners

At 13.3%, Eddy County's rent-to-income ratio sits just above the national median, yet the county's modest median income of $55,389 and bargain rents of $615 create genuine affordability for budget-conscious renters. Eddy delivers the region's lowest absolute rent prices, making it appealing to those prioritizing low monthly payments over income.

Eddy ranks among North Dakota's cheapest rentals

Eddy County's median rent of $615 ranks as the state's lowest, running $155 below North Dakota's average of $770, though a rent-to-income ratio of 13.3% slightly exceeds the state's 12.8% average. The county trades strong rent affordability for below-average local earning power.

Eddy's rents are the region's most accessible

At $615 monthly, Eddy renters pay the absolute lowest rent among all eight counties—$244 less than Cavalier ($859), $134 less than Dickey ($749), and nearly $450 less than Divide ($1,064). Eddy's housing costs create genuine affordability advantage for those with modest incomes.

Eddy balances low costs with modest earnings

Eddy County's median income of $55,389 stands lowest among these eight counties, yet renters spending $615 monthly allocate a manageable 13.3% to housing, while homeowners pay $613 on a median value of just $115,500. Both pathways demand minimal income, though ownership costs equal rental costs—unusual affordability.

Eddy suits remote workers and budget-conscious movers

Eddy County's $615 monthly rent—the region's lowest—makes it ideal for remote workers, early retirees, or anyone prioritizing minimal housing expense over local wages. If your income comes from outside Eddy and you seek maximum affordability, this county's $615 rents and $115,500 home values deliver unmatched value.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Eddy County

via IncomeByCounty

Eddy County significantly lags nationally

Eddy County's median household income of $55,389 falls $19,366 short of the national median of $74,755, placing it among the nation's lowest-earning counties. This 25.9% gap reflects severe economic headwinds in rural northeastern North Dakota.

Lowest income county in North Dakota

Eddy County ranks as the lowest-earning county in North Dakota at $55,389, trailing the state median of $72,537 by $17,148. The shortfall indicates significant economic distress relative to state peers.

Struggling compared to region

Eddy County's $55,389 income trails every regional neighbor, from Dickey County ($63,125) to Foster County ($83,412), and falls nearly $40,000 behind boom-economy Dunn County ($94,688). This positions Eddy among the state's most economically challenged counties.

Low housing costs ease the burden

Eddy County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.3% provides some relief, with households spending just over one-eighth of income on rent. The median home value of $115,500 remains accessible despite low county income, supporting modest homeownership opportunity.

Build wealth through strategic planning

Eddy County households should focus on reducing debt, exploring career advancement opportunities, and leveraging the county's affordable housing for long-term wealth building. Even small, consistent savings can generate meaningful returns over decades when invested wisely.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Eddy County

via CrimeByCounty

Secure Stats for Eddy County

Eddy County earns a safety score of 98.7, indicating a very secure environment. The total crime rate of 810.2 per 100K is about one-third of the national figure.

Safer than the State Average

The county outperforms the state safety score of 98.5. Its total crime rate of 810.2 per 100K also stays below the North Dakota average of 976.6.

A Calm Central Region

Reported by a single agency, Eddy shows lower crime activity than several of its central North Dakota neighbors. This suggests a quiet local environment with few major safety disruptions.

Property Crimes Lead Reports

Property crimes make up the bulk of local reports at 724.9 per 100K. Violent crime is minimal at 85.3 per 100K, which keeps the risk of personal harm low.

Habits for a Safer Home

Because property crime is the primary local risk, double-checking window locks is an effective habit. A well-lit exterior further helps keep your property secure.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Eddy County

via HealthByCounty

Eddy County's health outcomes lag badly

At 74.4 years, Eddy County's life expectancy is 2.6 years below the U.S. average of 77.0 years. With 17.9% of residents reporting poor or fair health—above the national average of 16.8%—the county faces significant health challenges.

Lowest life expectancy in state

Eddy County ranks last in North Dakota for life expectancy at 74.4 years, trailing the state average of 77.5 years by 3.1 years. The county's 17.9% poor/fair health rate is the highest in the state.

Significant health disparity regionally

Eddy County's 74.4-year life expectancy is 7.4 years below Divide County (81.8) and 5.2 years below Dickey County (76.9). The county's 17.9% poor/fair health rate markedly exceeds all regional neighbors.

Limited data and likely access barriers

At 7.8%, Eddy County's uninsured rate is near the state average, but specific primary care and mental health provider data is unavailable. This data gap likely masks significant barriers to accessing specialized services in this rural county.

Urgent: expand your health access

Eddy County's health disparities demand immediate action—coverage is the foundation. Visit healthcare.gov today and contact local health officials about Medicaid expansion, free community health screenings, and disease prevention programs that can improve life expectancy outcomes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Eddy County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Single District Serving New Rockford

Eddy County operates a streamlined school system with just 2 public schools managed by a single district. The total enrollment of 332 students is split between one elementary and one high school. There are no charter schools, ensuring all educational efforts are centralized in the New Rockford area.

High Success Rates on a Lean Budget

Despite a very low per-pupil expenditure of $6,280, the county maintains a high graduation rate of 90.0%. This rate beats both the state average of 84.8% and the national 87.0% benchmark. While the school score of 52.0 is slightly below the state average, student completion remains a clear strength.

New Rockford-Sheyenne Leads the Way

All public education in the county is provided by the New Rockford-Sheyenne 2 district. This district serves 332 students, providing a consistent educational path from preschool through 12th grade. The community relies on this single district to prepare its youth for the future.

Small-Town Feel in a Rural Setting

Both schools are rural, with an average size of 166 students, ensuring that educators know every student personally. New Rockford-Sheyenne Elementary is the larger of the two, with 205 students enrolled. This small enrollment creates a safe and predictable environment for children and teens alike.

Stable Schools for Your Next Move

Eddy County offers a stable and high-performing school district that consistently graduates 90% of its students. For families seeking a home in a quiet, rural town, New Rockford provides a welcoming community anchored by its local schools. Explore residential options nearby to benefit from this dedicated educational system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Eddy County

via RiskByCounty

Eddy County ranks among nation's safest

With an extraordinarily low composite risk score of 1.84, Eddy County ranks as Very Low and sits at the absolute bottom of national disaster risk. This exceptional profile reflects near-minimal exposure to the major natural hazards that affect most U.S. counties.

Exceptional stability across all hazards

Eddy County's score of 1.84 ranks second only to Divide County in North Dakota, sitting far below the state average of 22.19. Residents enjoy one of North Dakota's most secure natural disaster environments.

Safest zone in north-central North Dakota

Eddy County's remarkable 1.84 score compares favorably even to nearby Foster County (7.41), making it the most protected community in its region. This exceptional stability makes the county stand out statewide for natural disaster resilience.

Wildfire is only meaningful hazard exposure

Wildfire risk at 63.01 is Eddy County's sole notable exposure; all other hazards score negligibly. Tornadoes (14.15), earthquakes (1.24), and floods (1.40) present virtually no risk to county residents.

Minimal coverage needed, prevention key

Your exceptional safety profile means standard homeowners insurance is more than adequate for Eddy County properties. Focus preparedness efforts on wildfire season awareness—maintaining vegetation clearance around structures and having an evacuation plan—rather than expensive specialty insurance.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Eddy County

via SoilByCounty

Strongly Alkaline Soils in Eddy

Eddy County features an average pH of 7.28, which is more alkaline than both the state average of 7.18 and the national median of 6.5. This chemical profile is common in the central plains of the state where limestone-based minerals are prevalent. Plants that prefer acidic conditions may require specific amendments here.

High Sand Content for Fast Drainage

With 47.7% sand, Eddy County has one of the highest sand concentrations in the region, paired with 34.1% silt and only 17.7% clay. This coarse texture means the soil is very loose and unlikely to form heavy clods. However, it also means it may lose moisture and nutrients faster than heavier soils.

Resilient Organic Matter Levels

Organic matter stands at 4.19%, which is more than double the national average of 2.0% but slightly below the state average. The available water capacity of 0.182 in/in is also just under the North Dakota benchmark of 0.186. The high sand content limits water storage, but the organic matter helps maintain essential fertility.

Superior Aeration and Drainage

Specific drainage data is missing, but the 47.7% sand content suggests excellent drainage and high aeration. This soil is unlikely to stay waterlogged, making it ideal for building foundations and preventing root rot in sensitive plants. Gardeners will find this soil warms up very quickly once the spring sun hits.

Early Season Advantage in Zone 4a

Located in Zone 4a, Eddy County’s sandy soils allow for early spring planting because they drain and warm rapidly. Root vegetables like carrots and radishes will thrive in this loose, stone-free texture. Consistent mulching can help you retain the moisture that these sandy soils tend to lose.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Eddy County

via LawnByCounty

North Dakota’s Top Tier for Lawns

Eddy County boasts an impressive 64.6 lawn difficulty score, the highest in this group and well above the national median. This indicates a very high success rate for homeowners looking to maintain a healthy green space.

Mild Summers Support Healthy Turf

The county enjoys a temperate summer with only 8 extreme heat days, far below the state average of 13. While annual rainfall of 21.0 inches is below the national ideal, the lack of intense heat prevents excessive evaporation.

Sandy Loam Advantages in Eddy

With a sand content of 47.7%, the soil here drains exceptionally well, though the pH of 7.28 is slightly alkaline. You should prioritize organic fertilizers to help lower the pH and improve the soil's water-holding capacity.

Unmatched Resilience Against Drought

The county recorded zero weeks in drought over the last year, a rare feat in North Dakota. This lack of water stress allows your lawn to remain thick and lush throughout the growing season without heavy intervention.

Take Advantage of Ideal Conditions

Standard Zone 4a grasses like Perennial Ryegrass and Bluegrass will flourish in this environment. While specific local frost dates are variable, most residents find success seeding in late May as the soil warms.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Eddy County's county score?
Eddy County, North Dakota has a composite county score of 60.3 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 Eddy County rank among counties in North Dakota?
Eddy County ranks #38 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 Eddy County, North Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Eddy County is $1,027, with an effective tax rate of 0.89%. This earns Eddy County a tax score of 45.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Eddy County?
The median household income in Eddy County, North Dakota is $55,389 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Eddy County earns an income score of 25.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Eddy County, North Dakota a good place to live?
Eddy County scores 60.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #38 in North Dakota. The best way to evaluate Eddy 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 Eddy 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.