countyscore
70.4
County Score
Safety 89.5Disaster Risk 89.1Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About LaMoure County, North Dakota

Strong National Livability Standing

LaMoure County achieves a composite score of 70.4, placing it in the upper tier compared to the national median of 50.0. This high score signals a robust and attractive community for new residents.

Outpacing the State Average

At 70.4, LaMoure County is a leader in North Dakota, exceeding the state average of 61.5. Its high marks across safety and affordability categories contribute to this superior ranking.

Elite Safety and Housing Value

The county shines with a safety score of 89.5 and a cost score of 83.3, featuring median gross rents of just $607. These numbers reflect a community where affordable living does not come at the expense of security.

Education and Tax Efficiency

The school score of 47.1 and a tax score of 40.6 represent the primary areas for growth. While taxes are moderate at a 0.968% effective rate, residents may look for further improvements in school performance.

Great for Budget-Minded Families

LaMoure County is a perfect match for those seeking high safety and extremely low housing costs. It provides a stable, high-quality environment for families who value peace and affordability above all else.

2040608010040.683.389.579.347.167.389.18643Tax40.6Cost83.3Safety89.5Health79.3Schools47.1Income67.3Risk89.1Water86Weather4370.4/100
This county
National avg
6 above average2 below average

LaMoure County DNA

Coverall

How LaMoure County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

LaMoure County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Disaster Risk (89.1/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
40.6-11.399999999999999
Cost
83.3+35.3
Safety
89.5+34.5
Health
79.3+29.299999999999997
Schools
47.1
Income
67.3+16.299999999999997
Risk
89.1+42.099999999999994
Water
86+28
Weather
43-13
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Think property taxes are too high in LaMoure County?

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$118,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$607/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$118,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$24,280/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $70,263/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

48.7

per 100K

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

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
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Nearby counties

Dickey County
North Dakota
62.6
Stutsman County
North Dakota
48.3
Ransom County
North Dakota
66.7
Barnes County
North Dakota
56.2
Logan County
North Dakota
67.4
McIntosh County
North Dakota
60.7
McPherson County
South Dakota
60.5
Brown County
South Dakota
42.5

Deep Dives

LaMoure County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in LaMoure County

via TaxByCounty

LaMoure taxes run well below national norm

LaMoure County's effective tax rate of 0.968% sits comfortably below the national median of 1.1%, placing this county in the lower third of U.S. counties. The median tax bill of $1,142 represents less than half the national median of $2,690.

Slightly above state average

LaMoure County ranks 12th among North Dakota's 53 counties with an effective rate of 0.968%, running 9% above the state average of 0.885%. The median tax of $1,142 remains below state median of $1,460 due to more modest home values.

Middle of the pack regionally

LaMoure's rate of 0.968% sits between Griggs County (0.906%) and Golden Valley (0.930%), making it a moderate option in this cluster. It runs far below the higher burdens of Grand Forks (1.128%) and Hettinger (1.128%).

What a typical homeowner pays

On LaMoure County's median home value of $118,000, homeowners pay approximately $1,142 in annual property taxes. The bill with mortgage insurance rises to $1,155, keeping total housing costs modest.

Regular reassessment checks pay off

LaMoure homeowners fall in a sweet spot—low enough rates that small errors translate to modest savings, yet high enough that those savings matter. Request a reassessment review every 3–4 years to ensure your valuation reflects current market reality.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in LaMoure County

via CostByCounty

LaMoure County: lowest rent burden in region

LaMoure County's rent-to-income ratio of 10.4% is the second-lowest in this survey and beats the state average of 12.8%, meaning renters dedicate minimal income to housing. Median household income of $70,263 supports affordable monthly rents of just $607, leaving substantial funds for other household needs.

Top-tier affordability across North Dakota

At 10.4%, LaMoure's rent-to-income ratio ranks among the best statewide, second only to Griggs County in this group. The combination of modest rents ($607) and solid household income ($70,263) creates genuine housing affordability.

Equal-best rents with higher income

LaMoure ties Griggs County at $607 for lowest median rent but edges ahead with higher median income of $70,263 versus Griggs's $64,737. This advantage translates to even lower rent burden despite identical monthly costs.

Comfortable housing-to-income balance

Renters spend $607 monthly (10.4% of income), while homeowners pay $692—both well within comfortable territory on the $70,263 median income. Housing costs leave substantial room in household budgets for savings and other priorities.

LaMoure County: exceptional value for relocators

If you're moving to rural North Dakota and want rock-bottom housing costs without sacrificing income potential, LaMoure ranks among your best options. The $607 median rent and solid $70,263 median income create the best rent-to-income math in this entire survey.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in LaMoure County

via IncomeByCounty

LaMoure County approaches national income levels

LaMoure County's median household income of $70,263 trails the national median of $74,755 by $4,492. The county ranks in the middle-upper tier of U.S. counties, reflecting solid economic footing for a rural farming community.

Above-average earnings in North Dakota

LaMoure County ranks 10th among North Dakota's 53 counties, exceeding the state average of $72,537 by narrowly falling just short. The county's per capita income of $41,792 also surpasses the state average, indicating relatively even wealth distribution.

Strong earnings for an agricultural county

LaMoure County's $70,263 median household income exceeds Kidder County ($61,850) by $8,413 and Griggs County ($64,737) by $5,526. Among these eight counties, LaMoure ranks in the upper third for household earnings.

Best rent-to-income ratio in the region

LaMoure County's rent-to-income ratio of 10.4% ranks lowest among these eight counties, well below the 30% affordability threshold. With a median home value of $118,000, housing is genuinely affordable for households earning the county median.

Exceptional affordability enables aggressive savings

LaMoure County households enjoy strong incomes paired with remarkable housing affordability—a rare combination in rural America. Take advantage by building robust emergency savings, maximizing retirement contributions, and investing in diversified portfolios to secure long-term financial independence.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in LaMoure County

via CrimeByCounty

Among America's Safest Counties

LaMoure County is one of the safest spots in America, boasting a 99.7 safety score. Its total crime rate of 217.7 per 100,000 is more than ten times lower than the national average.

Top Safety Rank in North Dakota

Ranking at the top of North Dakota safety charts, LaMoure far exceeds the state average safety score of 98.5. Its total crime rate is about one-fourth of the state's average.

A Secure Regional Cluster

LaMoure County maintains a lower crime rate than neighbors like Dickey County to the south. Along with Logan County, it forms part of a highly secure cluster in the southeastern region.

Nearly Nonexistent Crime Rates

Property crime is very low at 193.5 per 100,000, while violent crime is nearly nonexistent at 24.2. These numbers reflect an extremely safe environment where serious crime is a rare event.

Community-Based Protection

Maintaining this level of safety relies on community cooperation and basic home protection. Simple measures like alarm signs and secure windows help keep LaMoure County secure.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in LaMoure County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse Network of Rural Schools

LaMoure County supports 9 public schools, providing an extensive network for its 699 students across 3 districts. The infrastructure includes 5 elementary schools and 4 high schools, offering many points of access for local families. The average school size is a cozy 78 students, ensuring very small class sizes.

Efficient Education with Reliable Scores

The county maintains a graduation rate of 83.5%, which is competitive with the state average of 84.8%. With a per-pupil expenditure of $8,782, the county operates more efficiently than the state average while maintaining a solid school score of 54.0. This score reflects an educational quality that is right on par with state benchmarks.

Edgeley and LaMoure Districts Lead

EDGELEY 3 and LAMOURE 8 are the largest districts, each serving 260 students through 3 schools apiece. KULM 7 also provides education to 121 students via 2 schools. All schools in the county are traditional public institutions, as no charter schools currently operate in the area.

Small-Town Feel in Every Classroom

Every one of the 9 schools in LaMoure County is rural, emphasizing the county's agricultural and small-town roots. LAMOURE ELEMENTARY is the largest campus with 160 students, while LAMOURE HIGH SCHOOL is among the smallest with 76 students. This school system offers an incredibly high level of personal attention for every child.

Perfect for Fans of Small Schools

If you are searching for a home in a place where teachers truly know their students, LaMoure County is an excellent fit. The high number of schools relative to the population means short commutes and intimate learning environments. Look for properties in Edgeley, LaMoure, or Kulm to benefit from these dedicated local districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in LaMoure County

via RiskByCounty

LaMoure Ranks Very Low Nationally

LaMoure County's composite risk score of 10.94 places it well below the national average with a Very Low rating. The county benefits from lower exposure to major natural disaster hazards.

Among the State's Safest Counties

LaMoure County scores 10.94, ranking it among North Dakota's lowest-risk counties, substantially below the state average of 22.19. The county's very low rating reflects its geographic advantages across most hazard types.

Safe Zone in Central North Dakota

LaMoure County's 10.94 score fits within a cluster of low-risk central and eastern counties including Griggs (5.12) and Kidder (3.15). All three significantly underperform the state average.

Wildfire and Tornado Present Risks

Wildfire risk at 38.07 and tornado risk at 20.01 are LaMoure County's primary hazard concerns, while flood (5.50) and earthquake (2.93) risks remain minimal. The county's overall safety profile remains strong despite these two elevated areas.

Cover Wildfire and Wind Exposure

LaMoure County homeowners should verify their policies include adequate wildfire and severe wind coverage, the county's two main natural disaster exposures. Standard homeowners policies should form your foundation, with specific attention to these coverage areas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in LaMoure County

via WaterByCounty

LaMoure County Maintains Safety Standards

Public water systems in LaMoure County report zero health violations over the last five years, earning an 'A' grade. This record matches the highest tier of drinking water compliance in North Dakota.

Sediment and Bacteria Affect Local Streams

About 17.0% of 47 assessed water bodies are impaired, which is slightly better than the 19.3% state average. Fecal coliform and sedimentation are the leading causes of environmental degradation here.

Consistent Tracking Across Eight Sites

Eight monitoring sites have logged 3,586 results over the last five years. These records primarily track physical changes and inorganic metals to monitor the health of the James River basin.

James River Flows Above Normal

The James River at LaMoure is flowing at 432 cfs, which is 175% of its long-term mean. This high flow rate provides a significant volume of water for the 4,390-square-mile drainage area.

High Flows May Increase Sedimentation

Current high flows can increase bank erosion and carry more sediment and fecal bacteria into the river. Residents should be aware that rapid runoff often leads to temporary spikes in these impairments.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in LaMoure County

via WeatherByCounty

LaMoure County’s Wet and Varied Climate

LaMoure County averages 42.4°F annually, about 13 degrees cooler than the national median. It is one of the more humid counties in the region, with precipitation levels exceeding many of its neighbors.

Warmer than the State Norm

At 42.4°F, LaMoure is warmer than the state average of 41.0°F. It also receives 22.9 inches of precipitation, which is well above the North Dakota average of 19.5 inches.

The Wettest of the Group

LaMoure receives 22.9 inches of precipitation, making it wetter than Kidder and Hettinger. It is also warmer than Grand Forks, which averages only 40.0°F.

Humid Summers and Snowy Winters

The county sees 11 extreme heat days above 90°F and a July average of 70.5°F. Winter brings 45.5 inches of snowfall and an average temperature of 14.5°F between December and February.

Plan for Moisture and Cold

Homeowners should prioritize basement waterproofing and gutter maintenance to handle the 22.9 inches of annual precipitation. Efficient heating is required to manage January lows that average 10.9°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in LaMoure County

via SoilByCounty

High-Quality Alkaline Prairie Soils

LaMoure County boasts a high soil score of 64.0, outperforming the state average of 63.2. The average pH of 7.24 is moderately alkaline, reflecting the mineral-rich nature of the North Dakota prairie.

A Perfect Blend of Sand and Silt

The soil composition is nearly equal parts sand (38.4%) and silt (38.5%), supported by 22.5% clay. This creates a versatile soil that holds nutrients well while remaining manageable for large-scale tilling and gardening.

Elite Organic Matter and Hydration

The county features a robust 4.80% organic matter content, significantly higher than the state average of 4.69%. Combined with an above-average water capacity of 0.189 in/in, this soil provides a premier environment for nutrient-hungry crops.

Excellent Moisture Management Potential

While specific drainage classes aren't listed, the high silt and organic matter levels suggest excellent water-holding capabilities. This soil is designed to keep moisture accessible to plants even during the dryer stretches of the summer.

Expanded Options in Zone 4b

Falling into the slightly warmer Zone 4b, LaMoure is perfect for corn, soybeans, and diverse vegetable gardens. The rich organic levels and high soil score mean almost anything suited for the northern climate will thrive here.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in LaMoure County

via LawnByCounty

Friendly Growing in LaMoure County

LaMoure County offers a favorable environment for lawns with a difficulty score of 58.3. This is notably higher than the state average of 54.0 and the national median of 50.0. The county sits in Hardiness Zone 4b, allowing for a slightly wider range of plant options.

Ample Rain and a Long Season

At 22.9 inches, LaMoure receives more annual precipitation than most of the state. It also features a longer growing season, stretching from the May 10 frost until October 2. The 2,330 growing degree days mean your grass will grow more vigorously than in neighboring counties.

Rich Soil with Moderate Alkalinity

The local soil pH of 7.24 is slightly above the ideal range but common for the Dakotas. A mix of 38.4% sand and 22.5% clay provides a solid foundation for turfgrass. While specific drainage data is unavailable, this balance typically holds moisture well without becoming waterlogged.

Resilient Despite Past Dry Spells

The county faced 7 weeks of drought over the last year, but conditions have since improved to 0% drought coverage. The ample rainfall typically makes up for these brief dry periods. Using rain barrels can help you bridge any future gaps while keeping your water bill low.

Take Advantage of the 4b Zone

Kentucky Bluegrass thrives in the long LaMoure growing season. You can begin seeding as early as May 10, giving the grass plenty of time to establish before the first frost in October. The extra growing degree days here help lawns recover quickly from heavy foot traffic.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is LaMoure County's county score?
LaMoure County, North Dakota has a composite county score of 70.4 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 LaMoure County rank among counties in North Dakota?
LaMoure County ranks #8 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 LaMoure County, North Dakota?
The median annual property tax in LaMoure County is $1,142, with an effective tax rate of 0.97%. This earns LaMoure County a tax score of 40.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in LaMoure County?
The median household income in LaMoure County, North Dakota is $70,263 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. LaMoure County earns an income score of 67.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is LaMoure County, North Dakota a good place to live?
LaMoure County scores 70.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #8 in North Dakota. The best way to evaluate LaMoure 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 LaMoure County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.