CountyScore

Eddy County

North Dakota · ND

#20 in North Dakota
76.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Eddy County, North Dakota

Eddy County ranks solidly above national norms

Eddy County's composite score of 76.1 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 52%, positioning it among the more livable U.S. counties. This solid standing is driven by exceptional affordability and remarkable economic resilience.

Exceeds state average despite income challenges

At 76.1, Eddy County surpasses the North Dakota state average of 74.8 by 1.3 points, making it a strong performer despite ranking below some peers. It competes effectively in the state's livability rankings.

Affordability and stability are exceptional

Eddy County showcases the highest cost score (88.2) in this group, with exceptional affordability: median home value of just $115,500 and rent at $615/month. Its outstanding risk score of 98.2 signals unparalleled economic stability and resilience.

Income is a significant constraint

Eddy County's income score of 19.5 is notably the lowest in this group, with a median household income of only $55,389. This severely limits earning potential and makes the county less suitable for income-focused households.

Best for minimalists and retirees on budgets

Eddy County suits individuals and couples prioritizing ultra-low costs and exceptional stability over earning potential, making it ideal for retirees, remote workers, or those seeking deliberate financial simplicity. It's perfect for people who've accumulated wealth elsewhere and now value affordability and security.

Score breakdown

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

Tax77.3Cost88.2SafetyComing SoonHealth70.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome19.5Risk98.2WaterComing Soon
🏛77.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠88.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼19.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤70.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡98.2
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 Eddy County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Pope County
Illinois
76.1
Median income: $62,500
Switzerland County
Indiana
76.1
Median income: $65,148
Choctaw County
Mississippi
76.1
Median income: $48,321
Sherman County
Oregon
76.1
Median income: $59,500
Clark County
South Dakota
76.1
Median income: $62,885

Deep Dives

Eddy County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.