64.3
County Score
Disaster Risk 92.6Income & Jobs 87.2Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Foster County, North Dakota

Foster County Beats National Trends

With a 64.3 composite score, Foster County ranks significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. It is a standout performer in the heart of the Great Plains.

Outpacing the North Dakota Average

The county's 64.3 score sits above the state average of 61.5. This positioning makes it one of the more desirable rural counties in North Dakota.

Safety, Income, and Stability

Foster excels with a Risk score of 92.6, an Income score of 87.2, and a Safety score of 85.7. A median household income of $83,412 provides residents with strong purchasing power.

High Effective Tax Rates

The Tax score of 21.6 is the county's primary weakness, resulting from an effective tax rate of 1.285%. School performance also shows room for improvement with a score of 51.8.

Best for Secure, High-Earning Families

This county is a great fit for families who prioritize safety and high wages over low taxes. It offers a secure environment and strong economic fundamentals for long-term residency.

Score breakdown

Tax21.6Cost65.2Safety85.7Health74.4Schools51.8Income87.2Risk92.6Water86Weather44.3
🏛21.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠65.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼87.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡85.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
74.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓51.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
92.6
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
🪨57.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱59.4
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

Foster County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

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.

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.

Safety in Foster County

via CrimeByCounty

Elite Safety in Foster County

Foster County is exceptionally safe with a 99.5 safety score. Its total crime rate of 324.6 per 100K is a small fraction of the national average.

Leading the State in Safety

The county ranks among the safest in North Dakota, easily beating the state average score of 98.5. Its total crime rate is only about one-third of the state average.

A Quiet Rural Outlier

Two reporting agencies confirm that Foster is a quiet outlier compared to busier transit corridors in the state. Crime remains very low even when compared to similar neighbors.

Low Risk Across Categories

The property crime rate is just 236.1 per 100K, while the violent crime rate is 88.5. These low figures reflect a community where both residents and property are very secure.

Community-Based Security

In this safe environment, maintaining strong community ties is a top security measure. Simple precautions like yard lighting help preserve the peace and protect your home.

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.

Schools in Foster County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Schools in a Rural Landscape

Foster County manages its 697 students through 3 public schools and a single primary school district. The infrastructure includes one elementary school and two high schools, with no charter options available. All schools are situated in rural settings, serving the local Carrington and Midkota areas.

Impressive Grad Rates with Efficient Spending

Foster County maintains a 90.0% graduation rate, significantly outpacing the state average of 84.8%. This success is achieved with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,533, which is well below the state average and the national $13,000 average. The school score of 54.7 aligns almost perfectly with the North Dakota state median.

Carrington 49 Powers the County

The Carrington 49 district is the primary educational provider, serving 613 of the county's 697 students. It operates two of the county's schools, while the remaining students are served by the Midkota 7 district. These districts provide a cohesive and community-focused education for local families.

Small, Focused Rural High Schools

The average school size in the county is 232 students, providing a medium-sized rural environment. Carrington Elementary is the largest school with 358 students, while Midkota High School is much smaller with only 84 students. Students enjoy a rural setting that combines modern academic standards with a traditional town feel.

Excellent Outcomes for Foster County Families

With graduation rates hitting the 90% mark, Foster County is an excellent choice for families looking for academic reliability. Homes near Carrington offer easy access to high-performing schools and a stable, rural community atmosphere. Consider a property in this area to take advantage of the efficient and effective local school system.

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.

Weather & Climate in Foster County

via WeatherByCounty

A Snow-Heavy Continental Climate

Foster County averages 40.3°F, which is far below the 55°F national median. It is characterized by a harsh continental climate and significant annual snowfall.

Colder and Much Snowier

At 40.3°F, Foster is slightly cooler than the state average. It stands out for its 59.8 inches of annual snowfall, which is nearly 20 inches higher than many other counties.

Leader in Regional Snowfall

Foster is much snowier than nearby Cass or Dickey, receiving nearly 17 more inches of snow than Cass annually. Its 8.2°F January average makes it one of the colder spots in central North Dakota.

Mild Summers and Long Winters

Summer is brief and mild with only 8 days of extreme heat. Winter dominates the year, featuring a 11.5°F seasonal average and nearly 60 inches of total snow.

Heavy Snow Equipment Needed

Invest in professional-grade snow removal tools to handle the 59.8 inches of annual snowfall. Winterize homes early to withstand the long periods of 11.5°F winter weather.

Soil Quality in Foster County

via SoilByCounty

High Alkalinity in Central North Dakota

Foster County has a soil pH of 7.26, which is more alkaline than the state average of 7.18 and the national median of 6.5. This chemical profile is typical for the region's glacial till soils. While the specific taxonomic order is not listed, the pH suggests a soil rich in calcium and other minerals.

Sandy Loam Texture Dominates

The soil is comprised of 47.4% sand, 34.5% silt, and 18.1% clay. This high sand percentage makes the soil light and easy to till, offering excellent aeration for plant roots. It is less prone to the heavy compaction seen in the clay-heavy soils of the eastern part of the state.

Solid Organic Matter, Lower Water Capacity

Organic matter content is 4.01%, double the national average but trailing the state average of 4.69%. The available water capacity of 0.179 in/in is below the state average of 0.186, likely due to the higher sand content. This means the soil may require more careful water management during dry periods.

Excellent Drainage and Aeration

The coarse, sandy texture of Foster County’s soil suggests that water drains through the profile quickly. Although specific hydrologic group data is unavailable, this composition is generally good for preventing standing water and mud. It is an ideal soil for crops and plants that do not like 'wet feet'.

Early Starts and Hardy Crops in Zone 4a

In USDA Zone 4a, the sandy nature of Foster County soil is a benefit because it warms up early in the spring. It is perfect for potatoes, carrots, and other root crops that thrive in loose, well-drained earth. To maximize your garden's potential, consider adding compost to help boost that water-holding capacity.

Lawn Care in Foster County

via LawnByCounty

Foster County’s Strong Lawn Performance

Foster County earns a 59.4 lawn difficulty score, nearly ten points higher than the national median. It is a highly favorable location for gardening in Hardiness Zone 4a.

Steady Growth with Low Heat Stress

Only 8 extreme heat days per year mean your grass avoids the summer dormancy common in hotter regions. Annual precipitation of 21.0 inches provides a solid foundation, exceeding the state average of 19.5 inches.

Fast-Draining Sandy Soil Mix

A high sand content of 47.4% and 18.1% clay creates a soil that drains quickly after the spring thaw. The pH of 7.26 is slightly alkaline, so consider adding compost to increase acidity and moisture retention.

Zero Drought Weeks for Healthy Growth

Foster County has seen zero weeks in drought over the past year, putting it in an elite category for moisture stability. This consistent hydration makes it much easier to maintain a thick, weed-resistant turf.

Reliable Planting Windows in Foster

Mixes featuring Fine Fescue work well here to complement the well-draining soil. The growing season typically kicks off after May 12 and offers a reliable window until the first frost hits around September 28.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Foster County's county score?
Foster County, North Dakota has a composite county score of 64.3 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 Foster County rank among counties in North Dakota?
Foster County ranks #23 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 Foster County, North Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Foster County is $2,092, with an effective tax rate of 1.28%. This earns Foster County a tax score of 21.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Foster County?
The median household income in Foster County, North Dakota is $83,412 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Foster County earns an income score of 87.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Foster County, North Dakota a good place to live?
Foster County scores 64.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #23 in North Dakota. The best way to evaluate Foster 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 Foster County with other counties side by side.