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Golden Valley County, North Dakota — County Report Card

ND

#15 in North Dakota

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
68.1
County Score
Disaster Risk 87Water Quality 86Health 81.1

County Report Card

About Golden Valley County, North Dakota

Golden Valley Outperforms the National Median

Golden Valley County earns a composite score of 68.1, placing it well above the national median score of 50.0. This score reflects a high overall quality of life relative to thousands of counties across the country.

A Leading Choice in North Dakota

The county exceeds the North Dakota state average composite score of 61.5. With strong performance across multiple sectors, Golden Valley remains a top-tier option for residents in the Peace Garden State.

Elite Environmental Safety and Health

The county boasts an exceptional risk score of 87.0 and a health score of 81.1, indicating high physical well-being and low environmental threats. High incomes also support the local economy, with a median household income of $76,528.

Managing the Local Tax Burden

The tax score of 43.1 represents the county's primary area for improvement, as residents face an effective tax rate of 0.930%. While other scores are high, the tax burden remains higher than in several neighboring North Dakota districts.

Ideal for Health-Conscious High Earners

With a median home value of $119,200 and high income scores, this county suits established professionals seeking stability and safety. It is a premier choice for those prioritizing low environmental risk and strong health outcomes.

Score breakdown

Tax43.1Cost71.1Safety68Health81.1Schools70.2Income79.4Risk87Water86Weather35
🏛43.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠71.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼79.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡68
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤81.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓70.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡87
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤35
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨67.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱43.7
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

Golden Valley County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Golden Valley County

via TaxByCounty

Golden Valley's taxes run lean nationally

Golden Valley's effective tax rate of 0.930% falls well below the national median of 1.1%, placing this county in the lower third of U.S. counties by burden. Homeowners here pay a median of $1,109 annually on a typical property—about 59% less than the national median of $2,690.

Above average in North Dakota

Golden Valley ranks fourth-highest in effective tax rate among North Dakota's 53 counties, at 0.930% versus the state average of 0.885%. Despite this, the median tax bill of $1,109 remains below the state median of $1,460 because homes here are less valuable.

Higher than rural neighbors

Golden Valley's rate of 0.930% exceeds Grant County (0.980% effective) and Griggs County (0.906%), though it's comparable to nearby Logan County (0.932%). The rate reflects local spending on schools, roads, and services in this sparsely populated region.

What a typical homeowner pays

On Golden Valley's median home value of $119,200, the 0.930% rate translates to roughly $1,109 in annual property taxes. For homeowners with mortgages, the bill rises to $1,308 when mortgage insurance taxes are included.

Check if you're overassessed

Many rural North Dakota homeowners pay more than they should due to outdated property valuations. If your assessment hasn't been reviewed in years, consider requesting a reassessment—it could lower your bill significantly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Golden Valley County

via CostByCounty

Golden Valley rents are more affordable than U.S. average

Golden Valley County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.4% sits comfortably above the national benchmark, meaning renters here spend a smaller share of their paychecks on housing. With a median household income of $76,528—slightly above the national median of $74,755—residents enjoy breathing room that many Americans lack.

Better than average across North Dakota

Golden Valley's 13.4% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the state average of 12.8%, placing it in the middle tier of North Dakota affordability. Median rent of $856 runs slightly above the state median of $770, yet incomes here support that difference.

Balanced housing costs in rural heartland

Golden Valley's median rent of $856 and median home value of $119,200 position it as moderately priced compared to nearby counties. Griggs County offers cheaper rents at $606, while Grand Forks County pushes higher at $971 for renters seeking urban amenities.

Rent and ownership both reasonable

Renters in Golden Valley spend about $856 monthly while homeowners pay $525 for mortgages—both manageable on the county's $76,528 median income. Housing consumes roughly 13% of household earnings, leaving funds for other necessities.

Consider Golden Valley for stable housing costs

If you're relocating to rural North Dakota and want solid affordability without sacrificing income potential, Golden Valley deserves a look. Compare your household income against the $856 rent or $119,200 home price to see if the numbers work for you.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Golden Valley County

via IncomeByCounty

Golden Valley earns above the national average

Golden Valley County's median household income of $76,528 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $1,773. This positions the county in the upper half of U.S. counties for household earnings, a solid standing for a rural North Dakota community.

Tops the state income rankings

Golden Valley ranks first among North Dakota's 53 counties with a median household income that outpaces the state average of $72,537 by $3,991. Residents here earn significantly more than their counterparts elsewhere in the state.

Outearns similar rural counties nearby

Golden Valley's $76,528 median household income exceeds neighboring Grant County ($56,750) by nearly $20,000 and surpasses Hettinger County ($70,827) by about $5,700. The county's strong earnings reflect a more resilient local economy than surrounding agricultural communities.

Housing remains very affordable here

Golden Valley's rent-to-income ratio of 13.4% falls well below the national affordability threshold of 30%, meaning housing costs consume a modest share of household budgets. With a median home value of $119,200, homeownership is accessible to most working families in the county.

Build financial security with surplus income

Golden Valley households enjoy above-average incomes and low housing costs, creating room for savings and investments. Consider working with a local financial advisor to build an emergency fund, explore retirement accounts, and invest in long-term wealth strategies suited to rural living.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Golden Valley County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety in Golden Valley

Golden Valley County is significantly safer than the U.S. average, boasting a high safety score of 98.8 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 749.7 per 100,000 residents is less than a third of the national rate of 2,385.5.

Outperforming the State Average

The county outperforms the North Dakota state average safety score of 98.5. Its total crime rate remains well below the state average of 976.6 incidents per 100,000 people.

A Quiet Western Neighborhood

While single-agency data warrants careful interpretation, Golden Valley reports lower crime than neighboring McKenzie County. It maintains a peaceful profile even as other western North Dakota areas see higher industrial activity.

Property Concerns Over Violence

Violent crime sits at 230.7 per 100,000, while property crime accounts for 519.0 incidents. This means most law enforcement activity focuses on theft or burglary rather than person-to-person violence.

Staying Secure in Golden Valley

Maintaining a high safety score starts with personal vigilance and community awareness. Residents should consider basic home security systems to deter opportunistic property crimes.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Golden Valley County

via HealthByCounty

Golden Valley's longevity advantage

At 85.3 years, Golden Valley County residents live significantly longer than the U.S. average of 78.9 years—a remarkable 6.4-year gap. Just 16.3% of residents report poor or fair health, outpacing the national average of 18%, suggesting a community with strong overall wellness outcomes.

Among North Dakota's healthiest

Golden Valley ranks well within the state, with life expectancy 7.8 years above North Dakota's 77.5-year average. This positions the county among the state's leaders in longevity and healthy aging.

Healthiest in the region

Golden Valley's 85.3-year life expectancy significantly exceeds nearby Grant County (76.6 years) and Hettinger County (77.9 years). The county's 16.3% poor health rate is also lower than Grant's 18.6%, reflecting notably better health outcomes across the region.

Healthcare access data limited

While 7.2% of Golden Valley residents lack health insurance—slightly below the state average of 7.5%—detailed information on primary care providers is unavailable. The county does support 287 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, indicating robust mental health infrastructure.

Keep everyone insured and healthy

With 7.2% of residents uninsured, Golden Valley still has room to ensure universal coverage. Visit Healthcare.gov or contact the North Dakota Insurance Department to explore affordable plans and support enrollment.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Golden Valley County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Focused Rural Education Network

Golden Valley County maintains a streamlined education infrastructure with 3 public schools serving 303 total students. This network consists of 2 elementary schools and 1 high school managed across 2 distinct districts. The system provides a high level of individual attention with an average school size of only 101 students.

Strong Graduation Rates Outpace Benchmarks

The county boasts a 90.0% graduation rate, significantly exceeding both the North Dakota state average of 84.8% and the national average of 87.0%. While per-pupil expenditure of $10,425 is lower than the national average, it remains well above the state average of $9,385. The resulting school score of 60.9 indicates performance that is stronger than most of the state.

Beach 3 Leads the Local Districts

BEACH 3 is the county's primary district, managing 2 schools and enrolling 275 students. The smaller LONE TREE 6 district serves the remaining 28 students at a single site. There are currently no charter schools operating within the county boundaries.

The Intimacy of Rural Learning

All 3 schools in Golden Valley County are set in rural locales, creating a consistent environment for all students. LINCOLN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL is the largest campus with 146 students, while GOLVA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL offers a very intimate setting with just 28 students. This rural character ensures that local schools serve as central hubs for the community.

Settle Near High-Achieving Rural Schools

Families looking for high graduation rates and small class sizes should explore housing options in Beach or Golva. School quality remains a top driver for local property values, and these high-performing districts offer a significant advantage for homebuyers. Invest in a community where the education system consistently outperforms state standards.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Golden Valley County

via RiskByCounty

Golden Valley's Low Risk Nationally

Golden Valley County scores 13.07 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating well below the national average. This puts the county in a safer position than most U.S. counties when it comes to major natural disaster exposure.

Among North Dakota's Safest

With a composite risk score of 13.07, Golden Valley ranks as one of North Dakota's lowest-risk counties, significantly below the state average of 22.19. The county's very low rating reflects minimal exposure across most hazard types.

Comparable to Similar Rural Counties

Golden Valley's risk profile is similar to nearby Grant and Hettinger counties, all scoring in the very low range. Neighboring Grand Forks County presents a starkly different picture, with a 57.67 composite score driven by higher flood and tornado risks.

Wildfire Dominates Golden Valley's Profile

Wildfire risk scores 49.20 in Golden Valley, making it the county's primary hazard concern by far. Tornado risk (13.17) and flood risk (3.15) remain minimal, reflecting the county's geographic advantages.

Focus on Wildfire Coverage First

Golden Valley residents should prioritize homeowners insurance with robust wildfire coverage, given the county's elevated wildfire risk relative to other hazards. Standard policies may have gaps; review your coverage to ensure you're protected against landscape fires.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Golden Valley County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmest Temps in the State

Golden Valley averages 43.7°F, which is warm for North Dakota but still 11 degrees below the national median. The climate is semi-arid and prone to temperature extremes.

Warm and Dry Western Plains

This is one of the state's warmest regions, exceeding the 41.0°F state average by nearly three degrees. It is also quite dry, receiving only 16.1 inches of annual precipitation.

Intense Summer Heat Regionally

The county sees 23 days of extreme heat, which is more than its neighbor Dunn. It is also significantly drier than eastern counties, receiving 7 fewer inches of rain than Cass.

Hot Summers and Milder Winters

Summers are hot with 23 days over 90°F and a July average of 70.3°F. Winters are relatively mild for the state, with a January average of 16.7°F.

Cooling and Water Conservation

Prioritize cooling systems and water conservation for the 23 extreme heat days and dry 16.1-inch rainfall. Winter gear is still necessary for the 35.1 inches of annual snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Golden Valley County

via SoilByCounty

Slightly Alkaline and High Quality Soil

Golden Valley's soil carries an average pH of 7.22, which is more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This high-performing soil earns a 67.5 overall score, comfortably outpacing the North Dakota state average of 63.2.

A Balanced Silt-Heavy Foundation

The soil contains 45.5% silt and 33.7% sand, balanced by a 20.8% clay component. This mixture provides a stable structure that is generally easy to work while maintaining enough density to support root systems.

Superior Organic Matter and Water Storage

With 4.80% organic matter, these fields exceed the state average of 4.69% and more than double the national average. The available water capacity of 0.196 in/in sits well above the state benchmark, ensuring crops stay hydrated during dry spells.

Consistent Hydration and Local Drainage

While specific drainage class data is limited for this region, the high silt content suggests reliable moisture retention. Gardeners should monitor local runoff patterns, as the high water capacity indicates the soil holds onto rain effectively.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 4a

In USDA Zone 4a, cold-hardy staples like wheat, flax, and sunflowers flourish in this nutrient-rich profile. Start a garden with confidence, as these high organic matter levels provide a significant head start for North Dakota growers.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Golden Valley County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Conditions for Golden Valley Lawns

Maintaining grass in Golden Valley is a significant challenge, with a lawn difficulty score of 43.7. This falls well below both the state average of 54.0 and the national median of 50.0 for USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. Homeowners face a steeper uphill climb than most North Dakotans to keep turf green.

Dry Skies and Intense Summer Heat

The county receives just 16.1 inches of annual precipitation, which is roughly half of the 30 inches lawns typically require for health. High heat complicates growth, as the area experiences 23 extreme heat days per year compared to the state average of 13. With 2,225 growing degree days, mowing remains active until the first frost around September 26.

Alkaline Soil with Sandy Leanings

The local soil pH of 7.22 sits above the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, often requiring sulfur amendments to lower alkalinity. A composition of 33.7% sand provides decent drainage, while 20.8% clay helps retain some moisture. While specific drainage class data is unavailable, the sand content suggests a need for frequent, light watering.

Managing Significant Recent Drought Stress

Lawns here endured 22 weeks of drought over the past year, making water conservation a critical priority. Although 0% of the county currently sits in D0 or D2+ status, the historical trend suggests installing rain sensors and moisture meters. Deep, infrequent watering early in the morning helps grass survive these arid spells.

Best Grasses for the High Plains

Hardy Kentucky Bluegrass or Fine Fescue blends are the best bets for Zone 4a to survive the harsh winters. Aim to seed after the last spring frost on May 16 but before the summer heat spikes. Consistent moisture during the early establishment phase is essential given the low annual rainfall.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Golden Valley County's county score?
Golden Valley County, North Dakota has a composite county score of 68.1 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 Golden Valley County rank among counties in North Dakota?
Golden Valley County ranks #15 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 Golden Valley County, North Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Golden Valley County is $1,109, with an effective tax rate of 0.93%. This earns Golden Valley County a tax score of 43.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Golden Valley County?
The median household income in Golden Valley County, North Dakota is $76,528 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Golden Valley County earns an income score of 79.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Golden Valley County, North Dakota a good place to live?
Golden Valley County scores 68.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #15 in North Dakota. The best way to evaluate Golden Valley 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 Golden Valley County with other counties side by side.

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