Kidder County's composite score of 78.5 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 57%, placing it among the best-performing counties in the United States. This exceptional standing is driven by outstanding tax policy, housing affordability, and risk management that together create a highly livable rural environment. Kidder represents the kind of rural county that demonstrates sustainable, balanced community development.
2 / 5
Kidder ranks among North Dakota's finest
At 78.5, Kidder County outperforms North Dakota's state average of 74.8 by more than 5 points, establishing it as one of the state's most livable counties. This leadership position reflects particularly strong performance in tax efficiency and risk mitigation compared to peers. Kidder exemplifies the best of North Dakota rural livability.
3 / 5
Tax policy and risk management are outstanding
Kidder County boasts the lowest effective tax rate (0.657%) among these eight counties and an exceptional risk score of 96.9—the highest on this list. Housing costs are highly affordable with a cost score of 85.2, median rent of $847/month, and home values around $138,500. These fundamentals create an exceptionally attractive financial environment.
4 / 5
Income levels lag behind cost-of-living advantages
Kidder County's income score of 23.8 reflects a median household income of just $61,850, creating a mismatch where residents enjoy low costs but have limited earning potential. This disparity means the county suits those with existing wealth or fixed incomes better than ambitious wage-earners. School and safety data are not yet available for full context.
5 / 5
Perfect for strategic, budget-conscious households
Kidder County is ideal for retirees, remote workers, and families who have secured income elsewhere and seek a low-tax, low-cost haven with exceptional environmental protection. The outstanding tax policy and risk management make it a smart choice for those who can afford to live modestly in exchange for maximum financial security and stability.
Kidder County's composite score of 78.5 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 57%, placing it among the best-performing counties in the United States. This exceptional standing is driven by outstanding tax policy, housing affordability, and risk management that together create a highly livable rural environment. Kidder represents the kind of rural county that demonstrates sustainable, balanced community development.
Kidder ranks among North Dakota's finest
At 78.5, Kidder County outperforms North Dakota's state average of 74.8 by more than 5 points, establishing it as one of the state's most livable counties. This leadership position reflects particularly strong performance in tax efficiency and risk mitigation compared to peers. Kidder exemplifies the best of North Dakota rural livability.
Tax policy and risk management are outstanding
Kidder County boasts the lowest effective tax rate (0.657%) among these eight counties and an exceptional risk score of 96.9—the highest on this list. Housing costs are highly affordable with a cost score of 85.2, median rent of $847/month, and home values around $138,500. These fundamentals create an exceptionally attractive financial environment.
Income levels lag behind cost-of-living advantages
Kidder County's income score of 23.8 reflects a median household income of just $61,850, creating a mismatch where residents enjoy low costs but have limited earning potential. This disparity means the county suits those with existing wealth or fixed incomes better than ambitious wage-earners. School and safety data are not yet available for full context.
Perfect for strategic, budget-conscious households
Kidder County is ideal for retirees, remote workers, and families who have secured income elsewhere and seek a low-tax, low-cost haven with exceptional environmental protection. The outstanding tax policy and risk management make it a smart choice for those who can afford to live modestly in exchange for maximum financial security and stability.
Score breakdown
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🏛83.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Kidder County's effective tax rate of 0.657% ranks among the lowest in the entire nation, falling 40% below the national median of 1.1%. The median tax bill of just $910 is one-third the national median of $2,690, making this a uniquely tax-friendly place.
Lowest-taxed county in North Dakota
Kidder County ranks dead last in effective tax rate among all 53 North Dakota counties at 0.657%, a stunning 26% below the state average of 0.885%. This exceptional rate reflects sparse population, modest service demands, and efficient local governance.
Clear winner in regional tax competition
Kidder County's rate of 0.657% dramatically undercuts all regional peers—Golden Valley (0.930%), Griggs (0.906%), and LaMoure (0.968%) counties all carry significantly higher burdens. No neighboring county comes close to Kidder's exceptional tax relief.
What a typical homeowner pays
On Kidder County's median home value of $138,500, homeowners pay approximately $910 in annual property taxes. Even with mortgage insurance, the bill reaches only $1,099—the lowest among all eight counties profiled.
Protect your exceptional rate
Kidder's ultralow rate is a competitive advantage worth defending against assessment creep. Monitor your property appraisal closely—as values gradually rise county-wide, ensuring fair assessment becomes crucial to preserving your tax advantage.
Kidder County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.4% ranks among the highest in this survey and significantly above the state average of 12.8%, signaling affordability strain. Median household income of $61,850 falls well below the national median of $74,755, yet renters here pay $847 monthly.
Tight rental market for lower-income county
Kidder ranks second-highest in rent-to-income burden at 16.4%, second only to Grand Forks, despite being a rural county with modest income levels. The median rent of $847 runs above both the state median and most neighboring counties, creating affordability challenges.
Higher rents despite modest income levels
Kidder's $847 rent exceeds neighbors like Griggs ($606), LaMoure ($607), and Grant ($650), yet Kidder's median income is comparable or lower than those counties. This mismatch makes Kidder among the pricier options in this rural cluster.
Renting pinches tighter than owning
Renters spend $847 monthly (16.4% of the $61,850 income)—an above-threshold burden—while homeowners pay just $525 for mortgages. Homeownership here offers significant financial relief compared to renting, though median home value of $138,500 requires down payment capital.
Kidder favors homeowners, challenges renters
If relocating to Kidder County, aim for homeownership to maximize affordability—renting here requires higher income to stay comfortable. Verify that rental costs fit your budget before moving, or prioritize saving for a down payment on one of the $138,500 median-priced homes.
Kidder County's median household income of $61,850 falls $12,905 short of the national median of $74,755. The county ranks in the lower half of U.S. counties, facing income headwinds typical of small agricultural communities in the Great Plains.
Near the bottom for North Dakota incomes
Kidder County ranks 48th among North Dakota's 53 counties, earning $10,687 below the state average of $72,537. The county struggles with below-average household incomes despite having a median home value of $138,500.
Lower earnings than most surrounding counties
Kidder County's $61,850 median household income trails nearby LaMoure County ($70,263) by $8,413 and falls far short of Golden Valley County ($76,528). The county's small population and agriculture-dependent economy limit earning potential in the region.
Rising home costs stretch household budgets
Kidder County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.4% remains acceptable but ranks among the higher ratios in this dataset. The median home value of $138,500 is notably high relative to local incomes, potentially straining housing affordability for some households.
Address affordability gaps with income strategies
Kidder County residents should focus on increasing household income through remote work, farm diversification, or additional employment. Work with local lenders and financial advisors to ensure housing remains affordable and explore refinancing or relocation options if costs become burdensome.
Kidder County's 79.4-year life expectancy slightly exceeds the U.S. average of 78.9 years, with 16.1% in poor or fair health compared to the national 18%. The county sits in the middle range for American health outcomes.
Modestly above North Dakota average
At 79.4 years, Kidder County life expectancy exceeds North Dakota's 77.5-year average by 1.9 years. However, at 7.5% uninsured, the county matches the state average, indicating room for coverage improvement.
Mid-tier regional health performance
Kidder County's 79.4-year life expectancy falls between Grant County's 76.6 years and Griggs County's 81.6 years. At 16.1% poor health, the county aligns with state-level health challenges.
Provider data largely unavailable
Detailed information on primary care and mental health providers is not available for Kidder County, limiting visibility into daily healthcare access. At 7.5% uninsured, the county matches the state average and should continue monitoring coverage trends.
Strengthen Kidder County coverage
With 7.5% uninsured, Kidder County can improve on the state average by reaching out to eligible residents. Visit Healthcare.gov to learn about plans and enrollment support for your community.
Kidder County posts a composite risk score of just 3.15, the lowest in the entire state and far below the national average. The county enjoys exceptional protection from major natural disaster exposure.
North Dakota's Safest County
Kidder County ranks as the lowest-risk county in North Dakota with a composite score of 3.15, less than one-seventh of the state average of 22.19. The county's very low rating reflects minimal exposure across nearly all major hazard types.
Exceptional Safety Across the Region
Kidder County's 3.15 score makes it even safer than nearby Griggs County (5.12) and LaMoure County (10.94), positioning it as the region's safest community. The county's protection is remarkable even by North Dakota's standards.
Wildfire Only Meaningful Threat
Wildfire risk at 45.83 is the only material hazard in Kidder County, while flood (3.05), tornado (17.02), and earthquake (0.83) risks all remain minimal. The county's overall safety is exceptional across the board.
Standard Coverage Sufficient Here
Kidder County residents can feel confident with basic homeowners insurance, though wildfire coverage should be verified and included. The county's exceptional safety profile means fewer specialized insurance needs than most of the nation.