countyscore
70
County Score
Disaster Risk 94.9Health 89.5Cost of Living 86

County Report Card

About Griggs County, North Dakota

A National Leader in Livability

Griggs County achieves an impressive composite score of 70.0, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This score ranks the county among the more desirable living locations in the United States.

Elite Standing in North Dakota

The county's 70.0 composite score significantly outshines the North Dakota average of 61.5. Its consistent performance across health and risk categories helps it lead the pack in the state.

Superior Health and Risk Prevention

The county shines with a health score of 89.5 and a risk score of 94.9, indicating a safe environment with great wellness outcomes. Affordability is also high, with median gross rent at only $606 per month.

Educational and Tax Improvements Needed

A school score of 41.7 and a tax score of 44.8 represent the county's primary challenges. While the overall lifestyle is high-quality, the educational infrastructure and 0.906% effective tax rate are areas for future focus.

Ideal for Wellness and Safety Seekers

Griggs County is a premier destination for individuals who value physical health and minimal environmental risk. Its blend of safety and low costs makes it an attractive choice for those looking to settle in a secure community.

Score breakdown

Tax44.8Cost86Safety79.8Health89.5Schools41.7Income53.2Risk94.9Water86Weather46.6
🏛44.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼53.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡79.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤89.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓41.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡94.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤46.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨60.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱60.1
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 →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Griggs County?

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

Check My Assessment

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
Compare Griggs County with Clinton County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Clinton County
Kentucky
Median income: $42,168
70
Sully County
South Dakota
Median income: $70,250
70
Greenlee County
Arizona
Median income: $75,239
70.1
Leslie County
Kentucky
Median income: $40,176
70.1
Presque Isle County
Michigan
Median income: $56,713
70.1
Golden Valley County
Montana
Median income: $57,353
69.9
Emery County
Utah
Median income: $69,956
70.1
Clay County
West Virginia
Median income: $42,790
69.9

Nearby counties

Steele County
North Dakota
75.8
Foster County
North Dakota
64.3
Eddy County
North Dakota
60.3
Nelson County
North Dakota
71.5
Barnes County
North Dakota
56.2
Stutsman County
North Dakota
48.3
Ramsey County
North Dakota
50.4
Benson County
North Dakota
63.2

Deep Dives

Griggs County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Griggs County

via CrimeByCounty

Griggs County Offers High Security

Griggs County offers high security with a safety score of 99.2, well above national benchmarks. Its total crime rate of 476.4 per 100,000 is roughly 80% lower than the U.S. average of 2,385.5.

Well Above State Averages

The county ranks high within North Dakota, beating the state average safety score of 98.5. Total crime here is less than half the statewide average of 976.6 per 100,000 residents.

Quiet Rural Atmosphere

Griggs County maintains a safer profile than larger neighbors like Barnes County to the south. Its single-agency data shows a quiet community with much less activity than more populated regional centers.

Minimal Violent Crime Levels

Property crime accounts for the bulk of incidents at 433.1 per 100,000, while violent crime remains very low at 43.3. This ratio suggests that residents rarely face serious threats to personal safety.

Focus on Property Protection

Home security should focus on preventing petty theft and property damage. Motion-sensor lighting and strong locks provide peace of mind in this low-crime rural area.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Griggs County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Traditional Rural Academic Setting

Griggs County is home to 3 public schools that serve a total of 357 students across 2 school districts. The infrastructure includes 2 elementary schools and 1 high school. This small-scale system ensures an average school size of 119 students, facilitating close interaction between faculty and youth.

Consistent Performance and Targeted Spending

The county reports a graduation rate of 75.0% and a per-pupil expenditure of $9,094. While these figures are slightly below the state averages, the school score of 50.2 aligns with the national median. This indicates a stable educational environment that meets baseline performance standards while operating efficiently.

Centrally Focused School Districts

GRIGGS COUNTY CENTRAL 18 is the largest district, enrolling 265 students between its elementary and high school facilities. MIDKOTA 7 also serves the region with 2 schools and 176 total students. The county does not host any charter schools, relying exclusively on its traditional public district model.

Large Elementary Hubs in Rural Areas

Every school in the county is classified as rural, providing a consistent backdrop for all grade levels. GRIGGS COUNTY CENTRAL ELEMENTARY is the largest campus with 197 students, significantly larger than the high school which has 68 students. This reflects a local culture where the elementary years serve as the primary community anchor.

A Stable Environment for Your Family

Families seeking a traditional, rural school experience will find Griggs County a welcoming place to call home. With manageable school sizes and a school score that hits the national median, the area provides a reliable foundation for children. Explore homes near Cooperstown to be close to the county's central educational facilities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Griggs County

via WeatherByCounty

Defining Northern Cold in Griggs County

Griggs County is one of the coldest spots in the lower 48, with an annual average temperature of just 39.3°F. This is nearly 16 degrees below the national median temperature.

Falling Short of State Norms

The county’s average temperature is nearly two degrees colder than the North Dakota state average of 41.0°F. This gap highlights Griggs as a particularly chilly northern jurisdiction.

Colder and Simpler than Neighbors

Griggs is colder than Grand Forks (40.0°F) and far colder than Hettinger (43.0°F). It shares a similar precipitation profile with Grand Forks, receiving about 22.0 inches annually.

Brief Summers and Harsh Winters

The county only experiences 5 days of extreme heat above 90°F annually, with July averaging a mild 67.6°F. Winters are long and punishing, featuring a December-February average of 10.2°F.

Prioritize Winterization Above All

Extensive home insulation is vital to combat January averages of 6.7°F. Residents can expect to manage 42.2 inches of snow, requiring reliable winter vehicles and clear drainage for spring melts.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Griggs County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Sands of Central North Dakota

Griggs County soil measures a pH of 7.25, placing it on the alkaline side of the national 6.5 median. Its soil score of 60.2 is nearly consistent with the state's average quality, providing a reliable baseline for agriculture.

Sand-Dominant Texture and Easy Tilth

The soil is comprised of 44.9% sand and 36.0% silt, with a lower clay content of 19.1%. This creates a light, workable texture that warms up quickly in the spring but may require more frequent watering.

Strong Organic Foundation for Farming

The soil boasts 4.07% organic matter, which is double the national average and supports robust microbial life. Its water capacity of 0.184 in/in is nearly identical to the state average, offering steady hydration for local flora.

Swift Drainage and High Permeability

Standard drainage data is limited, yet the high sand percentage implies that water moves efficiently through the soil. This prevents the root rot issues often found in heavier clay soils, though it limits long-term moisture storage.

Cold-Hardy Varieties for Zone 4a

Zone 4a growers should choose hardy cereal grains or prairie-adapted shrubs for the best results in these sandy loams. The high organic content makes it a great spot for vegetable gardening if you provide consistent moisture.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Griggs County

via LawnByCounty

Griggs Leads the State in Lawn Ease

Griggs County is a premier spot for North Dakota lawns, boasting a difficulty score of 60.1. This is significantly higher than the state average of 54.0 and the national median of 50.0. The Zone 4a environment here is exceptionally forgiving for home gardeners.

Cool Summers and Ample Precipitation

Lawns benefit from 22.0 inches of annual rain and only 5 days of extreme heat, a perfect recipe for cool-season grasses. The 1,929 growing degree days indicate a shorter, more manageable mowing season. Frost-free growth typically runs from May 17 through September 23.

Balanced and Sandy Soil Mix

The soil pH of 7.25 is slightly alkaline but manageable for most standard turf varieties. With 44.9% sand and 19.1% clay, the soil drains well while maintaining enough structure to support roots. While drainage class data is missing, the high sand content suggests that compaction is rarely a major issue.

No Drought Stress for Griggs

This county has seen 0 weeks of drought over the past year, keeping natural moisture levels high. There are currently no abnormally dry areas, giving your lawn a strong head start. Maintaining high mowing heights will help preserve this natural moisture during the sunniest weeks.

Vibrant Lawns in a Mild Climate

Fine Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass are ideal for this cool, damp region. The best time to start new turf is shortly after May 17 when the soil begins to warm. You are in one of the most favorable counties for a lush, low-stress lawn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Griggs County's county score?
Griggs County, North Dakota has a composite county score of 70 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 Griggs County rank among counties in North Dakota?
Griggs County ranks #9 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 Griggs County, North Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Griggs County is $1,162, with an effective tax rate of 0.91%. This earns Griggs County a tax score of 44.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Griggs County?
The median household income in Griggs County, North Dakota is $64,737 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Griggs County earns an income score of 53.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Griggs County, North Dakota a good place to live?
Griggs County scores 70/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #9 in North Dakota. The best way to evaluate Griggs 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 Griggs County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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