countyscore

Hettinger County, North Dakota — County Report Card

ND

#28 in North Dakota

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
62.1
County Score
Disaster Risk 90.8Water Quality 86Safety 81.3

County Report Card

About Hettinger County, North Dakota

Consistent Performance Above National Median

Hettinger County's composite score of 62.1 remains steadily above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a quality of life that exceeds the typical American experience across various dimensions.

Aligning with the North Dakota Average

With a score of 62.1, Hettinger County sits right in line with the North Dakota state average of 61.5. It provides a standard of living that is representative of the state's reliable rural lifestyle.

Excellent Safety and Environmental Risk

The county excels in safety with a score of 81.3 and environmental risk management at 90.8. Residents enjoy peace of mind in a secure community where the median home value is a modest $110,900.

Tax Burdens and School Scores

A tax score of 29.2 is the lowest metric for the county, driven by an effective tax rate of 1.128%. The school score of 43.5 also suggests that educational investment could be a priority for future development.

Perfect for Secure, Low-Cost Living

Hettinger County suits individuals who prioritize personal safety and environmental resilience over low taxes. It is an excellent fit for those seeking an affordable home in a very safe community.

2040608010029.268.281.371.343.568.490.88633.4Tax29.2Cost68.2Safety81.3Health71.3Schools43.5Income68.4Risk90.8Water86Weather33.462.1/100
This county
National avg
6 above average3 below average

Hettinger County DNA

Doverall

How Hettinger County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Hettinger County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Disaster Risk (90.8/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
29.2-22.8
Cost
68.2+20.200000000000003
Safety
81.3+26.299999999999997
Health
71.3+21.299999999999997
Schools
43.5-10.5
Income
68.4+17.400000000000006
Risk
90.8+43.8
Water
86+28
Weather
33.4-22.6
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$110,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$830/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$110,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,200/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $70,827/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

40.8

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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Compare Hettinger County with Skagway Municipality →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Adams County
North Dakota
62.2
Stark County
North Dakota
46.8
Grant County
North Dakota
66.7
Perkins County
South Dakota
66.3
Slope County
North Dakota
77.4
Bowman County
North Dakota
64.9
Sioux County
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Morton County
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38.5

Deep Dives

Hettinger County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Hettinger County

via TaxByCounty

Hettinger's tax burden mirrors the nation

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hettinger County

via CostByCounty

Hettinger County: modest affordability challenges

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hettinger County

via IncomeByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hettinger County

via CrimeByCounty

Top-Tier National Safety Ranking

Hettinger County is remarkably safe, with a safety score of 99.3 and a crime rate far below national figures. Its total crime rate of 444.1 per 100,000 is roughly five times lower than the U.S. average.

Safe Haven in North Dakota

Hettinger outperforms the North Dakota state average safety score of 98.5. Local law enforcement manages a total crime rate that is less than half the state average of 976.6.

Peaceful Southwest Anchor

Compared to Grant County to the east, Hettinger has a slightly higher total crime rate but remains much quieter than Stark County. It serves as a peaceful anchor in the southwestern part of the state.

Understanding the Local Data

The violent crime rate of 161.5 per 100,000 is lower than the national average, while property crime sits at 282.6. Most incidents reported by the single agency involve property rather than violent confrontations.

Proactive Home Security

Even in very safe counties, simple security habits prevent opportunistic crimes. Consider a doorbell camera or improved outdoor lighting to maintain your home's security.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Hettinger County

via SchoolsByCounty

Four Schools Serving the Heartland

Hettinger County operates 4 public schools that provide education to 525 students through 2 districts. The system is evenly split between 2 elementary schools and 2 high schools. This balanced structure allows for an average school size of 131 students, ensuring every student has access to local secondary education.

Steady Results with Efficient Spending

The county maintains an 84.1% graduation rate, which sits just below the North Dakota state average of 84.8%. Education is delivered with an efficient per-pupil expenditure of $8,115, roughly $1,200 less than the state average. Despite the lower spending, the school score of 52.8 remains competitive with other regions in the state.

New England and Mott-Regent Districts

NEW ENGLAND 9 is the larger of the two districts, serving 292 students across its elementary and high schools. MOTT-REGENT 1 serves a similar role for 233 students in its own pair of facilities. There are currently no charter schools in Hettinger County, focusing all resources on these two community districts.

Rural Schools with Strong Enrollment

All 4 schools in the county are rural, creating a cohesive educational experience from PK through 12th grade. NEW ENGLAND ELEMENTARY is the largest facility with 180 students, while MOTT-REGENT HIGH SCHOOL is the smallest with 108. The similar sizes of the high schools ensure that teenage students enjoy a robust social and academic peer group.

Community-Driven Education for Homebuyers

If you are looking for a home in a county that balances elementary and high school resources effectively, Hettinger is a strong choice. The graduation rates are solid, and the small-town atmosphere makes the schools a central part of daily life. Look for properties in New England or Mott to join these established school communities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hettinger County

via RiskByCounty

Hettinger Scores Well Below Average

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Hettinger County

via WaterByCounty

Hettinger County Achieves Top Safety Grade

Hettinger County maintains an 'A' grade with zero health-based violations over the past five years. This record demonstrates higher reliability than the average North Dakota county.

Watershed Health Better Than State Average

Current 2022 data shows 14.0% of 57 assessed water bodies are impaired, which is lower than the 19.3% state average. E. coli, nutrients, and low dissolved oxygen are the primary issues identified.

Focused Monitoring at Six County Sites

Six monitoring sites have provided 3,061 water quality measurements over the last five years. Most measurements track physical attributes, inorganics, and metals to assess watershed stability.

Cannonball River Experiencing Low Flow

At the Regent gauge, the Cannonball River is flowing at just 4 cfs, or 9% of its typical mean. This low volume reflects dry conditions across the 580-square-mile upstream area.

Monitor Oxygen and Bacteria in Streams

Low streamflow and dissolved oxygen issues can stress aquatic life and concentrate pollutants like E. coli. Residents should remain aware of these environmental signals when using local surface water.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hettinger County

via WeatherByCounty

A Semi-Arid Climate with Big Swings

Hettinger County averages 43.0°F annually, which is mild for North Dakota but still 12 degrees below the national median. The area is characterized by low precipitation and high temperature variability.

Leading the State in Warmth

At 43.0°F, Hettinger is significantly warmer than the state average of 41.0°F. It represents the warmer, southwestern tier of the state’s climate profile.

Warmer and Drier than the Valley

Hettinger is much warmer than McHenry (40.1°F) and receives 5.7 inches less precipitation than Grand Forks. It is one of the driest counties in the set at 16.6 inches of annual rain.

High Heat and Sweeping Snow

This county endures 25 days of extreme heat above 90°F, the highest in this group. Despite the summer heat, winters bring 44.3 inches of snow and a January average of 15.9°F.

Prepare for Sun and Snow

Reliable HVAC systems must handle both the 25 extreme heat days and the 18.3°F winter average. Landscaping should focus on drought-resistant plants to account for the low 16.6-inch annual precipitation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hettinger County

via SoilByCounty

Superior Soils with Near-Neutral pH

Hettinger County stands out with a 65.3 soil score, beating the North Dakota state average of 63.2. Its average pH of 6.94 is nearly neutral, making it one of the most chemically balanced soils in the region compared to the 6.5 national median.

A Versatile Loam-Like Balance

The soil profile is evenly split with 39.4% sand and 38.2% silt, rounded out by 22.4% clay. This distribution provides an excellent balance between drainage, nutrient retention, and physical workability for farmers.

Reliable Water Storage Capacity

Organic matter sits at a healthy 3.68%, well above the national 2.0% average. The available water capacity is exactly 0.186 in/in, matching the state average and ensuring crops have a dependable reservoir during the growing season.

Steady Moisture Flow and Retention

While specific drainage classes are not recorded, the balanced mix of sand and clay suggests moderate drainage speeds. This soil effectively holds onto nutrients without becoming waterlogged as easily as heavier soils.

Prime Growing Conditions in Zone 4a

Hettinger's neutral pH and high soil score make it ideal for Zone 4a crops like sunflowers, corn, and spring wheat. Home gardeners will find this soil very forgiving and productive for a wide range of vegetables.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hettinger County

via LawnByCounty

Balancing Heat and Hardiness in Hettinger

Hettinger County scores a 50.4 on the lawn difficulty scale, matching the national median almost exactly. While it is lower than the North Dakota average of 54.0, it remains a viable area for healthy lawns in Zone 4a. Success depends heavily on managing the specific heat challenges found here.

High Heat and Lower Rainfall

A high count of 25 extreme heat days puts significant stress on turf, especially with only 16.6 inches of annual rain. This is 2.9 inches less than the state average, making irrigation essential for survival. Expect a full growing season from May 16 to September 25 with 2,177 growing degree days.

Perfect pH for Root Growth

Hettinger boasts a near-perfect soil pH of 6.94, which is the sweet spot for grass nutrient uptake. The texture is a mix of 39.4% sand and 22.4% clay, offering a good balance of drainage and moisture retention. While drainage data is not listed, this texture generally prevents the waterlogging seen in heavier clay soils.

Managing Moderate Drought Risks

With 12 weeks of drought in the past year, lawns here must be conditioned for dry spells. Current conditions are favorable with 0% drought coverage, but the history of heat suggests installing a smart controller. Focus on building deep root systems to withstand the frequent 90°F+ days.

Drought-Tolerant Varieties Work Best

Turf-type Tall Fescue is a great choice here due to its deeper root system and heat tolerance. Plant your seeds after May 16 to avoid the last spring frost and ensure a strong start. Your ideal soil pH gives you a major advantage in getting new grass established.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hettinger County's county score?
Hettinger County, North Dakota has a composite county score of 62.1 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 Hettinger County rank among counties in North Dakota?
Hettinger County ranks #28 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 Hettinger County, North Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Hettinger County is $1,251, with an effective tax rate of 1.13%. This earns Hettinger County a tax score of 29.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hettinger County?
The median household income in Hettinger County, North Dakota is $70,827 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hettinger County earns an income score of 68.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hettinger County, North Dakota a good place to live?
Hettinger County scores 62.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #28 in North Dakota. The best way to evaluate Hettinger 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 Hettinger County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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