countyscore
60.4
County Score
Cost of Living 92.5Water Quality 86Health 73.1

County Report Card

About Emmons County, North Dakota

Exceeding the National Livability Median

Emmons County posts a composite score of 60.4, placing it well ahead of the 50.0 national median. It offers a higher-than-average quality of life for its residents.

Consistent with State Standards

The county's score of 60.4 is nearly identical to the North Dakota average of 61.5. It provides a stable and predictable North Dakota living experience.

Remarkable Affordability and Utility Quality

Emmons shines with a Cost score of 92.5, featuring a very low median gross rent of $551. It also scores highly in Water at 86.0 and Health at 73.1, ensuring basic needs are well met.

Room to Improve Public Safety

The Safety score of 40.0 is the county's lowest metric, followed by a Tax score of 45.1. While home values are low at $112,400, the effective tax rate sits at 0.899%.

A Budget-Friendly Rural Retreat

Emmons County is ideal for individuals looking to minimize their cost of living without sacrificing health and water quality. It suits those who appreciate small-town life and the ultimate in housing value.

Score breakdown

Tax45.1Cost92.5Safety40Health73.1Schools48.2Income59.9Risk55.7Water86Weather38.3
🏛45.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠92.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼59.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡40
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤73.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓48.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡55.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤38.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨64.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱56.6
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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Deep Dives

Emmons County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Emmons County

via CrimeByCounty

Solid Safety Score in Emmons

Emmons County holds a safety score of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 1,364.9 per 100K remains well below the national average of 2,385.5.

Just Below State Benchmarks

The county falls slightly behind the North Dakota average safety score of 98.5. Its total crime rate is higher than the state average of 976.6 per 100K.

Monitoring Single-Agency Data

Data from one agency suggests Emmons has a higher crime rate than some adjacent rural counties. Residents should interpret these numbers as a call for continued community awareness.

Theft Drives the Crime Rate

Property crime accounts for 1,304.2 incidents per 100K, making it the primary reported issue. Violent crime is very low at 60.7 per 100K, which is about half the state average.

Protecting Your Assets

Focusing on property security is essential since theft is the most reported local issue. Smart home sensors for doors and windows provide a vital layer of household protection.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Emmons County

via SchoolsByCounty

Distributed Rural Schools Across Four Districts

Emmons County features 7 public schools organized into 4 separate school districts to serve 509 students. The landscape includes 4 elementary schools and 3 high schools, reflecting a highly decentralized rural structure. No charter schools are currently operating within the county.

A Focus on Strengthening Student Outcomes

The county's graduation rate of 82.1% currently trails the state average of 84.8% and the national average of 87.0%. However, per-pupil spending of $9,334 is nearly identical to the state average, providing a solid foundation for improvement. The school score of 54.4 remains competitive with the state median of 54.8.

Linton and Strasburg Anchor the Community

Linton 36 is the largest district in the county, educating 242 students across its two campuses. Other notable districts include Hazelton-Moffit-Braddock 6 with 143 students and Strasburg 15 with 122 students. These districts serve as essential cultural and academic pillars for their respective small towns.

Ultra-Intimate Rural Classrooms

Every school in the county is rural, featuring an exceptionally small average enrollment of only 73 students per school. Linton Elementary is the largest facility with 154 students, while many other schools have fewer than 100 children. This environment offers students an incredibly high level of individual attention and support.

Rural Charm with Personalized Schooling

For families who prefer very small class sizes and a rural lifestyle, Emmons County offers several unique communities. Choosing a home in Linton or Strasburg means joining a neighborhood where the local school is the heart of daily life. Research the local districts to find the right fit for your family's educational goals.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Emmons County

via WeatherByCounty

A Typical Great Plains Climate

Emmons County averages 42.0°F, sitting about 13 degrees below the national median. It occupies a transitional zone between the humid eastern plains and the arid west.

Aligns With North Dakota Norms

The county mirrors state averages almost perfectly, with 42.0°F and 19.1 inches of precipitation. These figures nearly match the 41.0°F and 19.5-inch state benchmarks.

Drier Than the Red River Valley

Emmons is drier than eastern counties like Cass, receiving about 4.5 fewer inches of precipitation. It shares a similar snowfall profile of 41.6 inches with its western neighbors.

Warm Julys and Snowy Winters

July is warm at 70.3°F, while January dips to an average of 11.2°F. The county experiences a significant 16 days of extreme heat where temperatures top 90°F.

Insulate for Extreme Swings

Homeowners should prepare for 16 days of 90°F heat and 41.6 inches of snow. Good attic insulation helps regulate temperatures that range from 11.2°F in January to 70.3°F in July.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Emmons County

via SoilByCounty

Near-Neutral Soil Along the Missouri

Emmons County soil has a pH of 6.99, making it virtually neutral and very close to the national median of 6.5. This is lower than the state average of 7.18, providing a highly versatile environment where most plants can easily access nutrients. This balanced chemistry is a significant asset for local growers.

Loamy Mix with High Sand

The soil composition is 40.8% sand, 38.8% silt, and 20.4% clay. This mixture provides a classic loamy feel that is easy to manage and highly adaptable to different types of agriculture. The moderate clay content provides enough structure to prevent the soil from eroding too easily.

Good Water Storage, Modest Organic Matter

At 3.41%, organic matter is lower than the state average of 4.69% but still well above the national 2.0% baseline. Interestingly, the available water capacity of 0.188 in/in is actually higher than the state average of 0.186. This means the soil is efficient at holding onto every drop of rain it receives.

Reliable Water Management

While drainage class data is not available, the balanced percentages of sand and silt indicate steady water movement through the soil. The above-average water capacity suggests this soil acts as a reliable reservoir for crops during the dry spells common to the Missouri River region. It is a stable choice for both farming and construction.

Versatile Growing in Zone 4a

Emmons County's Zone 4a climate and neutral pH allow for a wide variety of garden favorites, from tomatoes to fruit trees. The soil’s ability to hold water makes it more forgiving for gardeners who might miss a day of watering. This is a prime location to establish a productive, diverse backyard orchard or vegetable patch.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Emmons County

via LawnByCounty

Solid Lawn Potential in Emmons

Emmons County holds a 56.6 lawn score, beating out the state average and the national baseline. Located in Zone 4a, it offers a balanced environment for those willing to monitor summer heat.

Higher Heat Exposure for Turf

The county sees 16 extreme heat days, which is above the North Dakota average of 13 and double what some northern counties experience. Rainfall totals 19.1 inches, meaning you will need to water more frequently during the hot July and August months.

Ideal pH for Maximum Grass Health

Emmons County features a near-perfect soil pH of 6.99, hitting the bullseye of the 6.0-7.0 ideal range. This optimal acidity ensures your grass can access every bit of nitrogen and phosphorus you provide.

Navigating Periodic Dry Spells

With 7 weeks of drought recorded last year, the area is prone to dry stretches that can stress the lawn. Raise your mower blade to three inches or higher during these periods to shade the soil and reduce water loss.

Best Grasses for Emmons Soil

Your perfect pH supports almost any cool-season grass, but Kentucky Bluegrass is a local favorite. Wait for the May 12 frost to pass before seeding, and ensure your lawn is established before the September 29 freeze.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Emmons County's county score?
Emmons County, North Dakota has a composite county score of 60.4 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 Emmons County rank among counties in North Dakota?
Emmons County ranks #36 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 Emmons County, North Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Emmons County is $1,011, with an effective tax rate of 0.90%. This earns Emmons County a tax score of 45.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Emmons County?
The median household income in Emmons County, North Dakota is $67,368 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Emmons County earns an income score of 59.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Emmons County, North Dakota a good place to live?
Emmons County scores 60.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #36 in North Dakota. The best way to evaluate Emmons 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 Emmons 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.