countyscore
69.8
County Score
Disaster Risk 96.9Water Quality 86Health 77.1

County Report Card

About Kidder County, North Dakota

Far Above the National Median

Kidder County earns a strong composite score of 69.8, significantly outperforming the national median of 50.0. This indicates a high level of livability that is competitive on a national scale.

A Top Performer in North Dakota

The county's score of 69.8 is well above the North Dakota state average of 61.5. Kidder stands out for its unique combination of low taxes and high environmental safety.

Maximum Safety and Low Taxes

The county boasts a near-perfect risk score of 96.9 and a strong tax score of 67.8. With an effective tax rate of only 0.657%, it is one of the more tax-friendly counties in the region.

Income and Schooling Opportunities

Income levels lag slightly with a score of 44.7 and a median household income of $61,850. The school score of 59.0 is respectable but remains a secondary factor compared to its stellar safety metrics.

A Top Choice for Tax-Savvy Residents

This county is ideal for those who want to keep more of their paycheck while living in a low-risk environment. It is a fantastic option for families and retirees looking for financial and physical security.

Score breakdown

Tax67.8Cost72.2Safety73.7Health77.1Schools59Income44.7Risk96.9Water86Weather44
🏛67.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠72.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼44.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡73.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤77.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓59
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡96.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤44
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨61
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱59.5
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 →
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Counties with similar scores

Tyler County
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Median income: $58,293
69.8
McLean County
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Median income: $70,549
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Webster County
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Golden Valley County
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Clay County
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Clinton County
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Grant County
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Griggs County
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Median income: $64,737
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Nearby counties

Burleigh County
North Dakota
45.4
Logan County
North Dakota
67.4
Stutsman County
North Dakota
48.3
Wells County
North Dakota
68.2
Sheridan County
North Dakota
62.1
Foster County
North Dakota
64.3
Emmons County
North Dakota
60.4
Oliver County
North Dakota
74.1

Deep Dives

Kidder County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Kidder County

via TaxByCounty

Kidder County taxes among nation's lowest

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Kidder County

via CostByCounty

Kidder County renters feel affordability pressure

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Kidder County

via IncomeByCounty

Kidder County earns below national median

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Kidder County

via CrimeByCounty

Kidder County's High Safety Score

Kidder County enjoys exceptional safety with a score of 99.0 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 627.4 per 100,000 is nearly 74% lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Beating the State Average

The county's safety score exceeds the North Dakota average of 98.5. Its crime rate remains lower than the statewide average of 976.6, even with two reporting agencies providing data.

Tranquil Corridor Location

Positioned between Bismarck and Jamestown, Kidder County is significantly quieter than its larger neighbors, Burleigh and Stutsman. It offers a low-crime alternative to the more urbanized counties nearby.

Exclusively Property-Related Incidents

Data shows a violent crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000, meaning law enforcement dealt exclusively with property crimes. All 627.4 reported incidents per 100,000 residents were property-related in 2022.

Locking Down Outbuildings

With no violent crime reported, protecting your property from theft is the primary goal. Ensure your garage and outbuildings are locked to discourage unwanted visitors.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Kidder County

via HealthByCounty

Kidder County near national health median

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Kidder County

via SchoolsByCounty

One District, One Unified Community

Kidder County utilizes a single, unified school district to manage its 2 public schools and 403 total students. The county features 1 elementary school and 1 high school, creating a clear and simple educational path for local families. This consolidated approach allows for a healthy average school size of 202 students.

High Graduation Rates and Great Value

Kidder County achieves an impressive 90.0% graduation rate, far surpassing the state average of 84.8% and the national average of 87.0%. It accomplishes this with a lean per-pupil expenditure of $8,197, which is well below the state average of $9,385. A school score of 56.1 reflects high academic quality and efficient use of resources.

KIDDER COUNTY 1 Leads the Way

KIDDER COUNTY 1 is the sole district in the county, educating all 403 students in its two-school system. This single-district model ensures consistent curriculum and administration for every student in the area. There are no charter schools, keeping the community's focus and resources in one place.

A Classic Rural School Life

Both schools in the county are located in rural settings, offering a traditional North Dakota educational experience. KIDDER COUNTY ELEMENTARY is the larger of the two with 251 students, while the HIGH SCHOOL serves 152 students. This size provides enough peers for varied activities while maintaining a small-town feel.

A Clear Path to Academic Success

For families moving to the area, Kidder County offers a simple and highly effective school system with some of the best graduation rates in the state. The unified district model makes it easy to understand where your children will attend school from day one. Explore homes in Steele and surrounding areas to take advantage of this top-performing rural district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Kidder County

via RiskByCounty

Kidder: Among the Nation's Safest

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Kidder County

via WeatherByCounty

Kidder County’s Classic Plains Climate

Kidder County maintains an average annual temperature of 40.4°F, trailing the national median by roughly 15 degrees. Its climate is typical of the high northern plains, defined by cold air masses and moderate rainfall.

Aligning with the State Average

The county’s 40.4°F average temperature sits just below the North Dakota state average of 41.0°F. It mirrors the state's overall precipitation patterns, receiving 21.1 inches compared to the 19.5-inch state norm.

Cooler than Southern Neighbors

Kidder is cooler than nearby Logan County (41.7°F) but warmer than Griggs (39.3°F). Its summer average of 66.2°F is slightly lower than the temperatures found further west in Hettinger.

Mild Summers and Stiff Winters

July brings an average of 68.6°F, with only 8 days typically reaching 90°F. While specific snowfall data is unavailable, winter temperatures average 12.6°F, indicating a need for heavy winter preparation.

Focus on Seasonal Versatility

Indoor climate control is essential for the January average of 9.4°F. While summer heat is rarely extreme, the 21.1 inches of precipitation requires good roof maintenance to prevent leaks during storms.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Kidder County

via SoilByCounty

Solid Alkaline Soils in the Plains

Kidder County soil has an average pH of 7.20, which is slightly higher than the state average and above the 6.5 national median. Its overall soil score of 61.0 indicates a productive landscape for traditional North Dakota agriculture.

Sandy Texture with Medium Silt

The soil is dominated by 43.1% sand and 34.9% silt, with clay making up the remaining 20.9%. This composition ensures the soil is not overly heavy, allowing for good aeration and easy root penetration for developing plants.

Rich Organic Matter and Moisture

Organic matter is strong at 4.32%, providing plenty of fuel for crops and exceeding the national average by more than double. The water capacity of 0.182 in/in is just below the state average but remains high enough to support dryland farming.

Natural Drainage and Low Compaction

Specific drainage class data is unavailable, but the 43.1% sand content points toward a soil that drains relatively quickly. This helps prevent standing water after heavy rains, though it may require monitoring during heatwaves.

Hearty Crops for Zone 4a

In Hardiness Zone 4a, this soil is well-suited for forage crops, barley, and hardy garden vegetables like kale and carrots. The high organic matter means your garden beds will be naturally fertile from the very first season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Kidder County

via LawnByCounty

High Ease for Kidder County Lawns

Kidder County is very friendly to lawn enthusiasts, scoring 59.5 on the difficulty scale. This outperforms both the national average of 50.0 and the state average of 54.0. Its Zone 4a classification makes it a classic environment for cool-season grass success.

Cooler Days and Healthy Moisture

The county enjoys 21.1 inches of rain annually, which is above the state average and helps reduce watering costs. With only 8 extreme heat days per year, grass is less likely to go dormant in July. The growing season provides a stable window from May 14 through September 27.

Sandy Loam for Easy Drainage

A soil pH of 7.20 is slightly alkaline but generally supports healthy lawns with minor adjustments. The soil contains 43.1% sand and 20.9% clay, a combination that usually prevents puddling and promotes air flow to roots. This texture is forgiving for beginners and reduces the need for heavy soil prep.

Consistently Reliable Water Levels

Kidder County has experienced zero weeks of drought over the past year, making it one of the most stable counties in the region. There are currently no abnormally dry zones reported. This reliability allows for more flexibility in your mowing and maintenance routine.

Lush Lawns are Within Reach

Kentucky Bluegrass and Creeping Red Fescue are the top recommendations for this climate. Aim to get your seeds in the ground shortly after the May 14 frost for the best results. The combination of low heat and good rainfall makes this a great place to start a lawn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kidder County's county score?
Kidder County, North Dakota has a composite county score of 69.8 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 Kidder County rank among counties in North Dakota?
Kidder County ranks #10 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 Kidder County, North Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Kidder County is $910, with an effective tax rate of 0.66%. This earns Kidder County a tax score of 67.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Kidder County?
The median household income in Kidder County, North Dakota is $61,850 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Kidder County earns an income score of 44.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Kidder County, North Dakota a good place to live?
Kidder County scores 69.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #10 in North Dakota. The best way to evaluate Kidder 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 Kidder 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.