CountyScore

Griggs County

North Dakota · ND

#8 in North Dakota
78.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Griggs County, North Dakota

Griggs County ranks among the nation's best

Griggs County's composite score of 78.7 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 57%, placing it in the top echelon of American counties for livability. This elite standing reflects balanced strength across multiple dimensions, particularly exceptional risk management and affordability. The performance puts Griggs among the best places to live in the entire country.

Griggs leads North Dakota by a clear margin

At 78.7, Griggs County outperforms North Dakota's state average of 74.8 by nearly 5 points, ranking it among the state's top livable counties. This leadership position reflects particularly strong scores in cost-of-living, health, and risk mitigation compared to other North Dakota communities. Griggs represents the state's highest standard for livability.

Risk management and affordability are exceptional

Griggs County boasts a remarkable risk score of 94.9—the highest among these eight counties—reflecting exceptional protection from environmental and economic hazards. The cost score of 87.7 enables truly affordable living with median rent of just $606/month and homes averaging $128,200. Tax burden is minimal at 0.906%, and health outcomes score a solid 80.9.

Income growth remains the primary limitation

Griggs County's income score of 25.6 reflects a median household income of only $64,737, limiting career growth and wealth-building potential. While the county excels at cost containment, residents should understand that earning potential may be constrained by the county's rural economy. School and safety data are not yet available for a complete assessment.

Ideal for those seeking safety and affordability

Griggs County is perfect for families and retirees prioritizing financial security, low living costs, and protection from environmental risks over income growth. The exceptional combination of affordability, health, and risk management makes it one of the safest, most economically stable rural counties in America for modest-income households.

Score breakdown

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

Tax76.8Cost87.7SafetyComing SoonHealth80.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome25.6Risk94.9WaterComing Soon
🏛76.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠87.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼25.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤80.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡94.9
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 Griggs County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Arthur County
Nebraska
78.7
Median income: $67,500
Highland County
Virginia
78.8
Median income: $62,946
Logan County
Nebraska
78.6
Median income: $71,650
McHenry County
North Dakota
78.6
Median income: $80,614
Kiowa County
Colorado
78.5
Median income: $56,389

Deep Dives

Griggs County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Griggs County

via TaxByCounty

Griggs keeps taxes below national norm

Griggs County's effective tax rate of 0.906% falls well short of the national median of 1.1%, placing it among the lighter-taxed counties across America. The median tax bill of $1,162 represents less than half the national median of $2,690.

Below state average, nearly tied for lowest

Griggs County ranks second-lowest in effective tax rate among North Dakota's 53 counties, at 0.906% compared to the state average of 0.885%. Only Kidder County undercuts it, making Griggs one of the state's most tax-friendly counties.

Most affordable in its peer group

Griggs County's rate of 0.906% edges out Golden Valley (0.930%) and LaMoure (0.968%), making it a tax haven for this region. It falls significantly below Grand Forks (1.128%) and Hettinger (1.128%), the county's higher-taxed neighbors.

What a typical homeowner pays

On Griggs County's median home value of $128,200, homeowners pay about $1,162 in annual property taxes. Without mortgage insurance, the burden drops to $1,178—among the lightest in North Dakota.

Low rates don't mean accurate assessments

Even in low-tax counties, assessment errors creep in over time as property values shift. Request a reassessment if your home was valued during an economic downturn—updated valuations might reveal you're now overassessed.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Griggs County

via CostByCounty

Griggs County: North Dakota's housing sweet spot

Griggs County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio in this survey at 11.2%—well below the state average of 12.8%—with median household income of $64,737 supporting affordable rents of just $606. Housing costs consume less than a day's paycheck each week for renters here.

Most affordable rents in the survey

Griggs County's 11.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks as the best affordability metric across all eight counties profiled. Median rent of $606 is nearly 21% below the state average, making this county a standout for budget-conscious households.

Unbeatable rents among peers

Griggs's $606 rent rivals only LaMoure County ($607) as the cheapest in the group, yet Griggs achieves this with income levels in the middle range. Renters here save hundreds of dollars monthly compared to Grand Forks County ($971) or Golden Valley ($856).

Both renting and owning remain painless

Renters spend $606 monthly (11% of income), while homeowners pay $660—among the lowest paired costs in the survey. The median home value of $128,200 is reasonable, and monthly ownership costs consume less than the state-average rent.

Griggs County: maximum affordability, minimal compromise

If keeping housing costs low is your top priority and you accept a small-town or rural lifestyle, Griggs County delivers the strongest numbers in this group. Compare your household income and job prospects here—if they align, you've found one of North Dakota's most affordable places to live.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Griggs County

via IncomeByCounty

Griggs County trails national income benchmark

Griggs County's median household income of $64,737 lags the national median of $74,755 by $10,018. The county ranks in the lower half of U.S. counties, though its strong per capita income of $47,183 suggests concentrated wealth among some households.

Below-average earnings for North Dakota

Griggs County ranks 35th among North Dakota's 53 counties, earning $7,800 less than the state average of $72,537. Despite this gap, the county's per capita income of $47,183 exceeds the state average of $40,644, indicating uneven wealth distribution.

Modest income compared to nearby counties

Griggs County's $64,737 median household income trails LaMoure County ($70,263) by $5,526 and falls significantly short of Golden Valley County ($76,528). The county's income profile reflects typical challenges of small farming communities in east-central North Dakota.

Excellent housing affordability bolsters stability

Griggs County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio in this dataset at 11.2%, well below the 30% affordability threshold. With a median home value of $128,200, households can achieve stable homeownership despite below-average earnings.

Leverage affordability to build savings and assets

Griggs County's low housing costs create a unique opportunity to save and invest despite moderate incomes. Residents should maximize contributions to retirement accounts, build education savings for children, and consider supplemental income from farm diversification or remote work.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Griggs County

via HealthByCounty

Griggs County leads on healthy living

Griggs County residents live to 81.6 years, nearly 2.7 years longer than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. With just 14.3% in poor or fair health—well below the national 18%—Griggs ranks among America's healthier counties.

Top performer in North Dakota

At 81.6 years, Griggs County life expectancy significantly exceeds North Dakota's 77.5-year average, placing it among the state's best for longevity. The 14.3% poor health rate is among the state's lowest.

Strong regional health outcomes

Griggs County's 81.6-year life expectancy outperforms Grant County (76.6 years) and Hettinger County (77.9 years) by 4–5 years. The county's 14.3% poor health rate is also the lowest among regional comparisons.

Primary care available but limited data

Griggs County offers 44 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, though mental health provider data is unavailable. At 6.2% uninsured, the county maintains strong insurance coverage, supporting residents' access to preventive and acute care.

Maintain Griggs County's health advantage

With 6.2% uninsured, Griggs can push toward universal coverage to sustain its impressive health outcomes. Visit Healthcare.gov to explore options and ensure every resident has the insurance foundation for lifelong wellness.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Griggs County

via RiskByCounty

Griggs County: North Dakota's Safest

Griggs County posts the lowest composite risk score in the state at just 5.12, earning a Very Low rating far below the national average. The county enjoys exceptional protection from major natural disaster hazards.

The State's Most Protected County

Griggs County ranks as North Dakota's lowest-risk county with a composite score of 5.12, less than one-quarter of the state average of 22.19. Its very low rating reflects minimal exposure across flood, earthquake, and tornado hazards.

Safest in Its Regional Cluster

Griggs County's 5.12 score makes it notably safer than nearby LaMoure (10.94) and significantly safer than Grand Forks (57.67) to the northeast. The county's protection from major hazards is exceptional even by North Dakota standards.

Wildfire Is Only Meaningful Hazard

Wildfire risk at 49.11 is the only notable hazard in Griggs County, while flood (1.65), tornado (16.29), and earthquake (0.64) risks remain minimal. The county's overall safety reflects its geographic and climatic advantages.

Basic Coverage With Wildfire Focus

Griggs County residents can rely on standard homeowners insurance as a foundation, but should verify wildfire coverage is included. The county's low overall risk means you can allocate resources efficiently to address the primary hazard.

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.