Hettinger ranks comfortably in the national top half
Hettinger County's composite score of 74.3 represents a 49% advantage over the national median of 50.0, solidifying its position among better-performing American counties. This strong performance reflects balanced livability across affordability, health, and risk management despite a modest rural population. The score demonstrates that Hettinger offers above-average quality of life compared to most U.S. counties.
2 / 5
Hettinger performs slightly below state average
At 74.3, Hettinger County falls marginally below North Dakota's state average of 74.8, placing it in the lower-middle tier of state counties. The 0.5-point shortfall reflects some specific weaknesses in income and health metrics compared to the state's strongest performers. Despite this, Hettinger remains firmly above the national baseline.
3 / 5
Affordability and risk management lead the way
Hettinger excels in housing affordability with a cost score of 84.1, median rent of $830/month, and home values around $110,900. The risk score of 90.8 indicates strong protection from environmental and economic hazards, while the median household income of $70,827 provides a solid middle-class foundation. Tax burden is moderate at 1.128%.
4 / 5
Health and income metrics need attention
Hettinger's health score of 74.4 lags slightly behind state leaders, and the income score of 29.6 suggests limited high-wage opportunities. While not alarmingly low, these areas indicate that healthcare access and economic advancement may be constraints for some residents. School and safety data are not yet available to complete the picture.
5 / 5
Suited for practical families seeking stability
Hettinger County appeals to families and individuals who value affordable housing, low environmental risk, and reasonable stability over cutting-edge healthcare or rapid income growth. The county's solid all-around profile makes it a dependable choice for those seeking rural comfort without expecting exceptional advantages in any single area.
Hettinger ranks comfortably in the national top half
Hettinger County's composite score of 74.3 represents a 49% advantage over the national median of 50.0, solidifying its position among better-performing American counties. This strong performance reflects balanced livability across affordability, health, and risk management despite a modest rural population. The score demonstrates that Hettinger offers above-average quality of life compared to most U.S. counties.
Hettinger performs slightly below state average
At 74.3, Hettinger County falls marginally below North Dakota's state average of 74.8, placing it in the lower-middle tier of state counties. The 0.5-point shortfall reflects some specific weaknesses in income and health metrics compared to the state's strongest performers. Despite this, Hettinger remains firmly above the national baseline.
Affordability and risk management lead the way
Hettinger excels in housing affordability with a cost score of 84.1, median rent of $830/month, and home values around $110,900. The risk score of 90.8 indicates strong protection from environmental and economic hazards, while the median household income of $70,827 provides a solid middle-class foundation. Tax burden is moderate at 1.128%.
Health and income metrics need attention
Hettinger's health score of 74.4 lags slightly behind state leaders, and the income score of 29.6 suggests limited high-wage opportunities. While not alarmingly low, these areas indicate that healthcare access and economic advancement may be constraints for some residents. School and safety data are not yet available to complete the picture.
Suited for practical families seeking stability
Hettinger County appeals to families and individuals who value affordable housing, low environmental risk, and reasonable stability over cutting-edge healthcare or rapid income growth. The county's solid all-around profile makes it a dependable choice for those seeking rural comfort without expecting exceptional advantages in any single area.
Score breakdown
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🏛70.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Hettinger County's effective tax rate of 1.128% slightly exceeds the national median of 1.1%, placing it in the upper-middle tier of U.S. counties. The median tax bill of $1,251 falls well below the national median of $2,690, reflecting lower home values despite the above-average rate.
Tied for highest rate in North Dakota
Hettinger County ranks first (tied) in effective tax rate among all 53 North Dakota counties at 1.128%, matching Grand Forks County exactly and running 27% above the state average of 0.885%. This reflects the county's commitment to funding local services and infrastructure.
Highest in its rural peer group
Hettinger County's rate of 1.128% significantly exceeds Golden Valley (0.930%), Grant (0.980%), and Logan (0.932%) counties. It ties Grand Forks as the state's most heavily taxed county, unusual for rural southwest North Dakota.
What a typical homeowner pays
On Hettinger County's median home value of $110,900, homeowners pay roughly $1,251 in annual property taxes. With mortgage insurance, that bill grows to $1,399, making Hettinger more expensive than most rural counties despite lower home values.
Challenge assessments proactively
Hettinger's high rate means assessment errors cost homeowners more in absolute dollars. If you suspect your home is overvalued—especially if recent improvements or market declines haven't been reflected—file an appeal to recapture savings.
Hettinger County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.1% exceeds the state average of 12.8%, signaling slightly tighter housing economics than most North Dakotans experience. With median household income of $70,827 falling below the national median of $74,755, renters here spend roughly $830 monthly on rents.
Mid-range affordability across the state
Hettinger's 14.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks it among the less affordable counties in this eight-county survey, though still within reasonable territory. Median rent of $830 runs above the state average of $770, reflecting local economic conditions.
Slightly pricier than surrounding counties
Hettinger's $830 rent falls between bargain counties like Griggs ($606) and pricier areas like Grand Forks ($971), positioning it in the moderate range. The median home value of $110,900 is similarly middle-of-the-pack among this group.
Rent and mortgage both manageable
Renters spend $830 monthly (14% of income), while homeowners pay $618—creating balanced housing costs across tenure types. The median income of $70,827 supports both options comfortably if household finances are otherwise stable.
Hettinger works for those seeking middle ground
If you're relocating to rural North Dakota and want mainstream affordability without the absolute cheapest or most expensive options, Hettinger delivers balance. Ensure your income aligns with the $70,827 county median to avoid stretch financing on either rent or mortgage.
Hettinger County approaches national income parity
Hettinger County's median household income of $70,827 falls just $3,928 below the national median of $74,755. The county ranks in the middle-upper tier of U.S. counties, reflecting a relatively strong economic position for a western North Dakota rural community.
Above-average earnings within North Dakota
Hettinger County ranks 9th among North Dakota's 53 counties with a median household income exceeding the state average of $72,537 by nearly $1,000. The county's strong per capita income of $43,990 also surpasses the state average of $40,644.
Competitive income in western rural region
Hettinger County's $70,827 median household income exceeds Grant County ($56,750) by $14,077 and compares favorably to LaMoure County ($70,263). The county's southwest location and energy-sector influence support stronger-than-average earnings for rural North Dakota.
Housing costs well-managed by local households
Hettinger County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.1% stays comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold. With a median home value of $110,900, homeownership remains accessible to most working families in the county.
Solid earnings support long-term wealth building
Hettinger County households earning $70,827 have room to invest beyond housing. Consider maximizing retirement contributions, exploring education savings accounts for children, and consulting financial advisors about diversifying investments into equities and other assets.
Hettinger County's 77.9-year life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 78.9 years by one year, with 16.4% of residents in poor or fair health versus the national 18%. The county shows mixed performance relative to national health trends.
Slightly above North Dakota average
At 77.9 years, Hettinger County life expectancy slightly exceeds North Dakota's 77.5-year average. However, at 7.8% uninsured—above the state average of 7.5%—the county has some work to close coverage gaps.
Middle range in regional comparison
Hettinger's 77.9-year life expectancy positions it between Grant County's 76.6 years and Griggs County's 81.6 years. At 16.4% poor health, the county performs better than Grant but worse than nearby higher-performing counties.
Limited primary care, minimal mental health data
Primary care provider data for Hettinger is unavailable, though the county supports just 41 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—one of the lowest rates in the region. With 7.8% uninsured, improving provider capacity should accompany coverage expansion.
Close Hettinger's coverage gap
At 7.8% uninsured, Hettinger County is above state average and should prioritize enrollment support. Contact Healthcare.gov or your county health office to connect uninsured residents with affordable plans.
Hettinger County's composite risk score of 9.19 earns a Very Low rating, placing it well below the national average. The county benefits from lower exposure to most major natural disaster hazards.
Among North Dakota's Lowest-Risk Counties
Hettinger County ranks among the state's safest with a composite score of 9.19, well below North Dakota's 22.19 average. The county's very low rating reflects its relative protection from multiple hazard types.
Part of the State's Safe Southwest
Hettinger County's 9.19 score places it in a cluster of low-risk southwestern counties including Golden Valley (13.07) and Grant (14.79). All three significantly outperform the state average and neighboring regions.
Wildfire and Tornado Top Concerns
Hettinger County faces wildfire risk at 55.41 and tornado risk at 25.45, with earthquake risk adding modest exposure at 22.39. Flood risk (9.67) remains the lowest hazard concern in the county.
Prepare for Wind and Wildfire Risks
Hettinger County residents should ensure their homeowners insurance covers both wildfire damage and severe wind/tornado events, given these county's elevated exposure to those hazards. Review your policy's wind and wildfire exclusions before renewal.