CountyScore

Foster County

North Dakota · ND

#34 in North Dakota
73.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Foster County, North Dakota

Foster County outpaces national median

Foster County's composite score of 73.9 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 48%, ranking it among the more livable U.S. counties overall. This solid standing reflects balanced strength across affordability, health, and economic stability.

Closely aligned with state standards

At 73.9, Foster County sits just 0.9 points below the North Dakota state average of 74.8, making it a representative county for statewide livability. It competes solidly in the state's middle-to-upper tier.

Affordability and economic resilience excel

Foster County boasts a strong cost score of 82.9 with affordable housing (median value $162,800, rent $756/month) and an outstanding risk score of 92.6 signaling excellent economic stability. The income score of 37.8 with median household income of $83,412 also ranks favorably in this group.

Tax burden is comparatively higher

Foster County's tax score of 66.1 and effective tax rate of 1.285% represent the highest tax burden in this profile. This limitation may reduce appeal for tax-conscious households.

Perfect for balanced families valuing stability

Foster County suits families seeking a well-rounded livability package combining decent incomes, economic resilience, and affordability—though with higher taxes than some peers. It appeals to those willing to trade moderate tax burden for strong community stability and reasonable earning opportunities.

Score breakdown

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

Tax66.1Cost82.9SafetyComing SoonHealth75.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome37.8Risk92.6WaterComing Soon
🏛66.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼37.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤75.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡92.6
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 Foster County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Las Animas County
Colorado
73.9
Median income: $50,408
Phillips County
Colorado
73.9
Median income: $60,372
Blackford County
Indiana
73.9
Median income: $47,560
O'Brien County
Iowa
73.9
Median income: $68,216
Allen County
Kentucky
73.9
Median income: $59,029

Deep Dives

Foster County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Foster County

via TaxByCounty

Foster County taxes among nation's highest

At 1.285%, Foster's effective tax rate ranks in the 79th percentile nationally—among the steepest-taxing counties in America. The median property tax of $2,092 approaches the national median of $2,690 despite much lower home values here.

Highest tax rate in North Dakota

Foster County ranks first among all 53 North Dakota counties with a 1.285% effective tax rate, surpassing Cavalier (1.246%) and Cass (1.212%). It significantly exceeds the state average of 0.885%, making it the priciest county in the state.

Stands out as regional tax leader

Foster's 1.285% rate far exceeds neighboring Eddy (0.889%), Emmons (0.899%), and Dickey (0.920%), as well as distant peers Divide (0.597%) and Dunn (0.604%). It represents the steepest tax burden across northeastern North Dakota.

Pay $2,092 on $162,800 median home

With a median home value of $162,800 and a 1.285% effective rate, Foster County homeowners pay approximately $2,092 in annual property tax. Mortgaged owners average $1,987, while non-mortgaged owners pay around $2,188.

Assessment appeals worth serious consideration

Given Foster's notably high tax rate, verify that your property is fairly assessed. Many homeowners overpay due to inflated assessments—filing a free appeal with your county assessor could result in meaningful annual tax savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Foster County

via CostByCounty

Foster County rents align with national affordability

At 10.9%, Foster County's rent-to-income ratio runs below the national median, indicating strong housing affordability for renters. With a solid median income of $83,412 and monthly rent of $756, Foster delivers rental value that exceeds the typical U.S. household's housing burden.

Foster ranks among North Dakota's most affordable

Foster County's 10.9% rent-to-income ratio beats North Dakota's state average of 12.8%, positioning it as one of the state's most affordable rental markets. At $756 monthly rent, Foster residents enjoy below-state-average costs while earning a above-average $83,412 median income.

Foster balances strong income with modest rents

Foster County renters earning $83,412—third-highest among these eight counties—pay $756 rent, yielding a 10.9% burden that ranks second-best only to Emmons' 9.8%. Foster delivers strong affordability without sacrificing local earning power, making it attractive for balanced-lifestyle seekers.

Foster income covers housing comfortably

Foster County renters earning $83,412 spend $756 monthly—10.9% of income—while homeowners pay $788 on a median value of $162,800, demonstrating that housing demands remain manageable. Both rental and ownership pathways consume roughly one-ninth of household income.

Foster offers Goldilocks balance: income and affordability

Foster County attracts relocating families seeking middle ground: $83,412 median income paired with 10.9% rent-to-income ratio creates genuine housing ease without extreme sacrifice. Whether renting at $756 or buying at $162,800, Foster delivers rural stability with urban-level financial breathing room.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Foster County

via IncomeByCounty

Foster County exceeds national income

Foster County's median household income of $83,412 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by $8,657, placing it in the upper half of U.S. counties. This 11.6% premium reflects a stronger-than-average rural economy.

Well above North Dakota average

Foster County's $83,412 median household income exceeds the state average of $72,537 by $10,875, ranking it among North Dakota's higher-earning counties. This solid performance reflects a diversified local economy.

Strong performer among peers

Foster County's $83,412 income ranks third in its region behind Dunn County ($94,688) and Divide County ($89,297), and outpaces agricultural neighbors like Dickey County ($63,125) and Cavalier County ($67,064). This positions Foster as a reliable income generator.

Low housing costs support families

Foster County's rent-to-income ratio of 10.9% is among the state's lowest, providing substantial financial breathing room for households. The median home value of $162,800 is highly accessible for county earners, supporting homeownership and equity building.

Build on above-average earnings

Foster County households earning above the state average should maximize this advantage through retirement savings, home equity investment, and diversified portfolios. The combination of solid income and low housing costs creates excellent conditions for long-term wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Foster County

via HealthByCounty

Foster County matches national health trends

At 77.2 years, Foster County's life expectancy mirrors the U.S. average of 77.0 years. With 14.3% reporting poor or fair health, the county outperforms the national average of 16.8%.

Slightly below state average outcomes

Foster County's 77.2-year life expectancy trails North Dakota's state average of 77.5 years by 0.3 years. The county performs near the middle of the state's health outcomes distribution.

Competitive health with regional peers

Foster County's 77.2-year life expectancy is comparable to Dunn County (77.2) but trails Divide County (81.8) and Cavalier County (80.6). The county's 14.3% poor/fair health rate is competitive with Cass County (14.1%).

Adequate coverage with modest access

At 7.9%, Foster County's uninsured rate is near the state average of 7.5%, indicating solid baseline coverage. The county provides 30 primary care providers and 91 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, offering regional support for most health needs.

Protect what you have built

Foster County's steady health outcomes depend on sustained insurance coverage—keep your protection active. Visit healthcare.gov to verify your coverage and explore options that maintain your family's access to the primary and mental health services your community offers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Foster County

via RiskByCounty

Foster County enjoys very low disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 7.41, Foster County ranks as Very Low—substantially below the national average. This favorable profile reflects minimal exposure to the major natural hazards affecting most U.S. counties.

Well protected by North Dakota standards

Foster County's score of 7.41 sits far below the state average of 22.19, placing it among North Dakota's safest counties overall. Residents benefit from a remarkably stable natural hazard environment for long-term planning.

Safest county in northeast quadrant

Foster County's 7.41 score edges out Cavalier County (11.83) and Dickey County (15.84) nearby, making it the most stable community in northeastern North Dakota. This regional leadership in safety makes it particularly attractive for risk-conscious families.

Wildfire is your sole notable hazard

Wildfire risk at 48.38 is Foster County's only meaningful exposure; all other hazards score negligibly. Tornadoes (18.32), floods (3.18), and earthquakes (1.40) pose minimal threats to county residents.

Standard policy sufficient with vigilance

Foster County's exceptional safety profile means standard homeowners insurance provides adequate protection for most properties. Maintain wildfire awareness through the dry season—clear vegetation near your home and know your evacuation route—but otherwise focus on typical home maintenance and safety.

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.