countyscore
65.2
County Score
Disaster Risk 92.6Income & Jobs 88.8Water 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.

2040608010023.867.785.774.451.888.892.68644.3Tax23.8Cost67.7Safety85.7Health74.4Schools51.8Income88.8Risk92.6Water86Weather44.365.2/100
This county
National avg
6 above average2 below average

Foster County DNA

D+overall

How Foster County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Foster County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Disaster Risk (92.6/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
23.8-28.2
Cost
67.7+19.700000000000003
Safety
85.7+30.700000000000003
Health
74.4+24.400000000000006
Schools
51.8
Income
88.8+37.8
Risk
92.6+45.599999999999994
Water
86+28
Weather
44.3-11.700000000000003
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Think property taxes are too high in Foster County?

Many homeowners in Foster County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$167,500

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$780/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$167,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,200/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $87,831/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

29.7

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Eddy County
North Dakota
57.5
Stutsman County
North Dakota
47.5
Griggs County
North Dakota
70
Wells County
North Dakota
69.1
Benson County
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Nelson County
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Ramsey County
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48.7
Kidder County
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71.3

Deep Dives

Foster County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

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.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

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.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Foster County's county score?
Foster County, North Dakota has a composite county score of 65.2 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 #22 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 $1,991, with an effective tax rate of 1.19%. This earns Foster County a tax score of 23.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Foster County?
The median household income in Foster County, North Dakota is $87,831 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Foster County earns an income score of 88.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Foster County, North Dakota a good place to live?
Foster County scores 65.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #22 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.