CountyScore

Emmons County

North Dakota · ND

#26 in North Dakota
75
County Score

County Report Card

About Emmons County, North Dakota

Emmons County ranks solidly nationally

Emmons County's composite score of 75.0 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 50%, placing it among the more livable U.S. counties. This strength stems from exceptional affordability and balanced tax advantages.

Virtually at North Dakota's state average

At 75.0, Emmons County slightly exceeds the state average of 74.8 by 0.2 points, placing it right at the heart of North Dakota's livability profile. It represents a microcosm of the state's overall character.

Housing affordability is among the best

Emmons County excels with the highest cost score (90.0) in this group, featuring remarkably affordable housing with median home value at $112,400 and rent at just $551/month. The solid tax score of 77.0 and 0.899% effective tax rate enhance overall affordability.

Risk score indicates moderate vulnerability

The risk score of 55.7 is notably lower than most peers, suggesting moderate economic vulnerability or exposure. Income performance (27.4 score, $67,368 median) also trails some neighboring counties.

Ideal for cost-conscious families seeking value

Emmons County suits budget-minded families and individuals seeking maximum housing affordability without sacrificing community stability. It's particularly attractive to those valuing a traditional rural lifestyle and lowest-possible living costs, though those prioritizing high incomes should look elsewhere.

Score breakdown

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

Tax77Cost90SafetyComing SoonHealth75.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome27.4Risk55.7WaterComing Soon
🏛77
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠90
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼27.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤75.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡55.7
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 Emmons County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Boise County
Idaho
75
Median income: $77,349
Hardin County
Illinois
75
Median income: $57,155
Clay County
Indiana
75
Median income: $67,676
Nicholas County
Kentucky
75
Median income: $53,616
Douglas County
Missouri
75
Median income: $49,828

Deep Dives

Emmons County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Emmons County

via TaxByCounty

Emmons County at national tax median

At 0.899%, Emmons's effective tax rate ranks around the 44th percentile nationally, nearly matching the American average. The median property tax of just $1,011 falls well short of the national median of $2,690, due to lower home values.

Slightly above state average in North Dakota

Emmons County's 0.899% effective rate sits just above North Dakota's 0.885% state average. It ranks in the middle group among the state's 53 counties, offering fairly typical property tax conditions.

Central North Dakota tax cluster

Emmons (0.899%) groups closely with Eddy (0.889%) and Dickey (0.920%), forming a stable central tax corridor. To the west, Divide and Dunn offer lower rates; to the east, Cass and Foster charge significantly more.

Budget $1,011 per year for median home

With a median home value of $112,400 and a 0.899% effective rate, Emmons County homeowners pay approximately $1,011 in annual property tax. Mortgaged owners average $1,085, while non-mortgaged owners pay around $985.

Verify your assessment accuracy

Even in fairly-taxed counties, individual properties may be overassessed. Request your property's assessed value from the county and compare it to recent sales of similar homes—if the gap seems large, a free appeal could reduce your tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Emmons County

via CostByCounty

Emmons County achieves exceptional rental affordability

At 9.8%, Emmons County's rent-to-income ratio stands far below the national median, representing one of North Dakota's strongest rental bargains. With median income of $67,368 and rents of just $551—the state's second-lowest—Emmons renters spend barely one-tenth of earnings on housing, leaving maximum flexibility for other needs.

Emmons delivers North Dakota's affordability crown

Emmons County's 9.8% rent-to-income ratio ranks as the state's best among these eight counties, beating even North Dakota's 12.8% average by three full percentage points. At just $551 monthly rent, Emmons offers extraordinary housing value relative to the state norm.

Emmons' rents set region's affordability standard

Emmons renters pay $551 monthly—$64 less than Eddy County, $198 less than Dickey, and nearly $400 less than Divide—yet earn a respectable $67,368 median income. Only Foster County approaches Emmons' affordability ratio, though Foster's slightly higher income and rent leave Emmons as the affordability champion.

Emmons achieves minimal housing cost burden

Emmons County residents earning $67,368 spend just $551 monthly on rent—a mere 9.8% of income—while homeowners pay $576 on a median value of $112,400. This exceptional affordability across both rental and ownership pathways creates maximum discretionary income.

Emmons County: Maximum value for frugal families

Emmons County's 9.8% rent-to-income ratio edges every neighboring county, making it North Dakota's affordability sweet spot for families seeking maximum purchasing power. Budget just $551 for rent or $576 for a $112,400 home, and you'll have resources remaining for savings, education, or other priorities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Emmons County

via IncomeByCounty

Emmons County below national average

Emmons County's median household income of $67,368 lags the national median of $74,755 by $7,387, reflecting rural economic conditions below U.S. averages. The 9.9% shortfall is typical for agricultural-dependent counties nationwide.

Slightly below North Dakota median

Emmons County's $67,368 median household income trails the state average of $72,537 by $5,169, placing it in the lower-middle tier of North Dakota counties. The modest gap indicates an economy somewhat weaker than state averages.

Mixed position in regional comparison

Emmons County's $67,368 exceeds Dickey County ($63,125) and Eddy County ($55,389), but falls short of Cass County ($75,023) and Cavalier County ($67,064). The variation reflects the diverse economic engines across central North Dakota.

Excellent housing cost ratio

Emmons County boasts the state's best rent-to-income ratio at 9.8%, with households spending less than one-tenth of income on rent. The median home value of $112,400 is exceptionally affordable, enabling strong homeownership opportunity.

Leverage affordability for wealth building

Emmons County's exceptional housing affordability creates an ideal environment for building home equity and long-term wealth despite modest income levels. Households should prioritize stable employment, automatic savings, and homeownership to compound gains over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Emmons County

via HealthByCounty

Emmons County near national averages

At 77.0 years, Emmons County's life expectancy matches the U.S. average of 77.0 years precisely. With 14.1% reporting poor or fair health, the county performs slightly better than the national average of 16.8%.

Below-average state performance

Emmons County's 77.0-year life expectancy trails North Dakota's state average of 77.5 years by 0.5 years. The county's health metrics place it near the state midpoint for outcomes.

Mixed performance among regional peers

Emmons County's 77.0-year life expectancy is comparable to Dunn County (77.2) but significantly trails Divide County (81.8) and Cavalier County (80.6). The county's 14.1% poor/fair health rate is competitive with Cass County (14.1%).

Moderate coverage, limited provider data

At 8.2%, Emmons County's uninsured rate slightly exceeds the state average of 7.5%, affecting health access for a portion of residents. Specific primary care and mental health provider data is unavailable, suggesting residents may rely on regional health systems.

Close coverage gaps for your family

With 8.2% of residents uninsured, Emmons County has room to improve health security. Check your coverage at healthcare.gov and explore local health department resources to find affordable plans that connect your family to needed care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Emmons County

via RiskByCounty

Emmons County faces relatively low risk

With a composite risk score of 44.27, Emmons County ranks as Relatively Low—above the national average but moderate by U.S. standards. This profile reflects moderate exposure to natural hazards, particularly wildfire and tornado threats.

Highest risk in central North Dakota region

Emmons County's score of 44.27 sits well above the state average of 22.19, making it one of North Dakota's higher-risk counties. This elevated standing is driven primarily by wildfire and tornado exposure that residents should actively monitor.

Significantly riskier than nearby counties

Emmons County's 44.27 score substantially exceeds surrounding areas like Dunn County (10.78) and Foster County (7.41), creating a pronounced high-risk pocket in central North Dakota. This contrast underscores the county's unique hazard geography.

Wildfire and tornadoes dominate your threats

Wildfire risk reaches 93.16—Emmons County's most severe hazard—while tornadoes follow at 40.52, placing these two hazards far above typical exposures. Together they create the county's elevated composite risk profile and demand serious preparedness planning.

Enhanced coverage protects your investment

Emmons County's elevated risk profile warrants comprehensive homeowners coverage that includes wildfire damage and tornado protection riders. Review your policy annually, maintain defensible space around your property year-round, and ensure your family has a practiced 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.