With a composite score of 77.7, Golden Valley County significantly outperforms the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top tier of U.S. counties for livability. This 55% advantage over the national baseline reflects strong fundamentals across affordability, health, and risk mitigation. The county's performance demonstrates what a well-rounded rural community can achieve.
2 / 5
A standout performer in North Dakota
Golden Valley ranks above North Dakota's state average of 74.8, solidifying its position as one of the state's most livable counties. The 3.9-point margin reflects particularly strong scores in cost-of-living affordability and health outcomes compared to other rural North Dakota communities.
3 / 5
Affordability and stability are Golden Valley's hallmarks
The county excels in housing affordability with a cost score of 85.0, supported by a median home value of just $119,200 and monthly rents averaging $856. Risk management is equally impressive at 87.0, while health outcomes score a solid 81.2, and the effective tax rate of 0.930% keeps the tax burden minimal.
4 / 5
Income growth lags behind national standards
Golden Valley's income score of 33.3 is the primary area for improvement, with a median household income of $76,528 trailing many comparable counties. While not dire, wage growth and economic development opportunities remain areas where the county could strengthen its long-term appeal. School and safety data are not yet available, limiting a complete picture.
5 / 5
Ideal for families prioritizing affordability and health
Golden Valley suits families and retirees who value low costs and stable living conditions over high incomes or urban amenities. The combination of affordable housing, low taxes, and strong health metrics makes it a practical choice for those seeking rural tranquility without sacrificing essential services.
With a composite score of 77.7, Golden Valley County significantly outperforms the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top tier of U.S. counties for livability. This 55% advantage over the national baseline reflects strong fundamentals across affordability, health, and risk mitigation. The county's performance demonstrates what a well-rounded rural community can achieve.
A standout performer in North Dakota
Golden Valley ranks above North Dakota's state average of 74.8, solidifying its position as one of the state's most livable counties. The 3.9-point margin reflects particularly strong scores in cost-of-living affordability and health outcomes compared to other rural North Dakota communities.
Affordability and stability are Golden Valley's hallmarks
The county excels in housing affordability with a cost score of 85.0, supported by a median home value of just $119,200 and monthly rents averaging $856. Risk management is equally impressive at 87.0, while health outcomes score a solid 81.2, and the effective tax rate of 0.930% keeps the tax burden minimal.
Income growth lags behind national standards
Golden Valley's income score of 33.3 is the primary area for improvement, with a median household income of $76,528 trailing many comparable counties. While not dire, wage growth and economic development opportunities remain areas where the county could strengthen its long-term appeal. School and safety data are not yet available, limiting a complete picture.
Ideal for families prioritizing affordability and health
Golden Valley suits families and retirees who value low costs and stable living conditions over high incomes or urban amenities. The combination of affordable housing, low taxes, and strong health metrics makes it a practical choice for those seeking rural tranquility without sacrificing essential services.
Score breakdown
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🏛76.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.