countyscore
71.5
County Score
Disaster Risk 92.1Cost of Living 86.6Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Nelson County, North Dakota

Nelson County is a national standout

With an impressive 71.5 composite score, Nelson County far exceeds the national median of 50.0. It ranks as one of the most livable rural counties in the country.

One of North Dakota's top performers

Nelson County's 71.5 score is much higher than the state average of 61.5. It leads many neighbors in safety, environmental risk, and affordability.

Extreme affordability and low risk

The county excels with a risk score of 92.1 and a cost score of 86.6. Median home values are a very affordable $114,500, and rent averages only $593.

Managing the local tax burden

The tax score of 53.0 is modest compared to the county's other high marks. While schools score 57.1, there is still room to grow relative to national leaders.

The verdict: Ultimate peace of mind

Nelson County is perfect for those seeking a low-risk, high-value lifestyle. It offers incredible housing bargains for anyone looking to escape high-cost urban areas.

Score breakdown

Tax53Cost86.6Safety75Health79.2Schools57.1Income62.1Risk92.1Water86Weather46.5
🏛53
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼62.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡75
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤79.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓57.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡92.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤46.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨63.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱59.4
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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Explore this county

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Counties with similar scores

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Ida County
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Boone County
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Rock County
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Harding County
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Wayne County
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Nearby counties

Ramsey County
North Dakota
50.4
Eddy County
North Dakota
60.3
Griggs County
North Dakota
70
Benson County
North Dakota
63.2
Steele County
North Dakota
75.8
Walsh County
North Dakota
54.6
Foster County
North Dakota
64.3
Grand Forks County
North Dakota
40.5

Deep Dives

Nelson County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Nelson County

via TaxByCounty

Nelson's rate stays well below national

Nelson County's effective rate of 0.803% is below the national median of 1.1%, placing it in the bottom quarter of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $919 is just one-third the national median of $2,690.

Slightly below North Dakota average

Nelson County's 0.803% effective rate is lower than North Dakota's state average of 0.885%. The median property tax of $919 is $541 below the statewide median of $1,460, reflecting lower property values in the county.

Mid-range tax burden in the region

Nelson County's 0.803% rate is higher than McHenry (0.663%), McKenzie (0.412%), and Mountrail (0.527%), but lower than McIntosh (1.080%), Mercer (1.071%), and Morton (1.026%). It's on par with McLean (0.750%).

Your estimated annual property tax

On Nelson's median home value of $114,500, you'll pay approximately $919 annually in property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages should budget $1,093, while those owning outright pay closer to $832.

Could your assessment be wrong?

Many North Dakota homeowners discover their property is overassessed during appeal windows. If you believe your home's valuation is inaccurate, filing a tax assessment appeal could reduce your annual bill—often with minimal paperwork and no filing fee.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Nelson County

via CostByCounty

Nelson County delivers exceptional housing affordability

Nelson County's 10.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the nation's most affordable, beating the national standard of 12% by a significant margin. At $593 monthly rent against a median household income of $68,051, renters enjoy extraordinary cost relief relative to income.

Nelson County is North Dakota's affordability leader

With a 10.5% rent-to-income ratio and $593 median rent—23% below the state average of $770—Nelson County stands as one of the state's most accessible housing markets. The county combines rock-bottom costs with solid affordability metrics.

Nelson offers the lowest costs in the cluster

Nelson County's $593 median rent is the lowest across all comparison counties, undercutting McIntosh's $600 and McHenry's $737 by substantial margins. Its 10.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks as the best in this statewide group.

Nelson maximizes income flexibility for housing

Renters pay $593 monthly while homeowners pay $655, both among the lowest costs across all comparison counties despite modest median income. On a $68,051 median income, just 10.5% goes to rent, leaving 89.5% for savings and other expenses.

Nelson County is the affordability champion

If housing cost is your primary relocation criterion, Nelson County is unbeatable: 10.5% rent-to-income, $593 median rent, and $655 median owner costs. Compare Nelson's exceptional affordability against higher-cost counties like McKenzie, Morton, and Mercer to understand the real impact on your household budget.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Nelson County

via IncomeByCounty

Nelson lags behind national average

Nelson County's median household income of $68,051 falls $6,704 short of the national median of $74,755, a gap of 9%. The county faces income headwinds compared to typical American households.

Among North Dakota's lower earners

Nelson's $68,051 trails the state average of $72,537 by about $4,500, placing the county in the lower half of North Dakota's income distribution. Per capita income of $38,484 also falls short of state norms.

Second-lowest in the region

Nelson's $68,051 ranks second-lowest among its eight neighboring counties, above only McIntosh County's $64,236 but trailing all others by significant margins. The county faces the steepest income disadvantage relative to higher-earning peers like McKenzie and McLean.

Housing remains very affordable

Nelson households spend just 10.5% of income on rent, the lowest ratio in the region and well below affordability thresholds. The median home value of $114,500 is also the county's key advantage, offering affordable homeownership despite lower earnings.

Build wealth on a modest foundation

Nelson's below-average income demands disciplined financial planning, but affordable housing offers a crucial advantage. Start with a solid emergency fund, then leverage low housing costs to maximize contributions to retirement accounts and savings vehicles for long-term security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Nelson County

via CrimeByCounty

Nelson County Boasts Exceptional Safety

Nelson County is one of the safest in the region, boasting an elite 99.1 safety score. Its total crime rate of 595.1 per 100K is less than one-fourth of the national average of 2,385.5. This data reflects a very low-crime environment for the local community.

Leading North Dakota in Security

Nelson's 99.1 safety score is higher than the North Dakota average of 98.5. With a total crime rate of 595.1, it is much safer than the state average of 976.6. This data comes from a single agency and represents a specific local reporting area.

The Safest Option in the Region

Nelson County reports much less crime than neighboring Mountrail (953.5) or McIntosh (949.0). Its violent crime rate of 33.1 is the lowest among its peers, making it a regional standout for safety. Residents enjoy a level of security that is rare even in North Dakota.

Virtually No Violent Crime Reported

Violent crime is almost non-existent at just 33.1 per 100K, a mere fraction of the national 369.8 average. Property crime is also very low at 562.0 per 100K, compared to the national rate of 2,015.7. The figures point to an exceptionally quiet and secure locality.

Maintaining a Low-Crime Environment

In a community with such low crime rates, basic home maintenance and good lighting are often enough. However, staying alert and using basic security features like deadbolts ensures this safety continues. Nelson County’s low rates are a point of pride that residents help maintain through vigilance.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Nelson County

via HealthByCounty

Nelson's longevity exceeds US average solidly

At 78.4 years, Nelson County residents live roughly 2 years longer than the US average of 76.4 years. Just 15.4% report poor or fair health, beating the US average of 18% and indicating robust population wellness.

Above state average; strong regional performer

Nelson's 78.4-year life expectancy tops North Dakota's 77.5-year state average by 0.9 years, placing it in the upper tier statewide. The 15.4% poor/fair health rate also ranks among the state's better outcomes.

Second-best longevity among regional peers

Nelson's 78.4 years ranks second only to Mercer (79.3) and ahead of McLean (76.8) and Morton (77.3), positioning it as a strong regional performer. The 6.8% uninsured rate is among the lowest nearby, supporting strong healthcare access.

Strong insurance coverage; provider data limited

Nelson's 6.8% uninsured rate—well below the state average of 7.5%—means nine of ten residents have healthcare protection. Specific primary care and mental health provider counts are currently unavailable, but strong insurance rates suggest residents can access needed services.

Well-protected; keep your coverage active

Nelson's 93.2% insurance coverage rate is excellent and contributes directly to the county's strong health outcomes. Whether insured or uninsured, visit healthcare.gov to review options and ensure your plan covers preventive care, prescriptions, and mental health services.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Nelson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused Education in Nelson's Small Districts

Nelson County maintains a compact educational system with 4 schools serving a total of 479 students. These schools are managed by 2 districts and are divided evenly between elementary and high school levels. This small-scale infrastructure ensures that education remains a local, community-driven effort.

High Standards in a Small-Scale System

Nelson County delivers strong results with a graduation rate of 85.1%, which exceeds the state average of 84.8%. The county invests $10,395 per pupil, significantly more than the state average, to ensure quality instruction for its small student body. Consequently, the school score of 58.3 is well above the North Dakota average of 54.8.

Dakota Prairie and Lakota Serve the County

Dakota Prairie 1 is the county's largest district, educating 295 students in its two schools. Lakota 66 serves the remaining 184 students across an elementary and a high school. With zero charter schools, these two districts are the pillars of the Nelson County educational community.

The Quintessential Rural School Experience

All schools in Nelson County are rural, with an average size of only 120 students per campus. Dakota Prairie Elementary is the largest school with 168 students, while Lakota High School offers a very personalized experience for its 67 students. This small environment fosters a tight-knit culture where every student is known by name.

Find Home in a Community that Cares

If you are looking for a high-performing school system where your child can receive individual attention, Nelson County is a perfect choice. Real estate in the Dakota Prairie or Lakota districts offers access to schools with graduation rates that beat the state average. Make school quality a centerpiece of your home search in Nelson County.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Nelson County

via RiskByCounty

Nelson ranks among America's safest counties

Nelson County's composite risk score of 7.92 is exceptionally low, placing it in the Very Low category well below the vast majority of U.S. counties. This outstanding resilience reflects minimal to low hazard exposure across nearly all disaster types.

Nelson is North Dakota's safest county

At 7.92, Nelson's score is the lowest in North Dakota and dramatically outperforms the state average of 22.19. Nelson stands as the state's most resilient county across all natural disaster metrics.

Significantly safer than surrounding counties

Nelson's 7.92 score is substantially lower than McHenry (11.74), Mercer (13.87), and all other nearby counties, making it the region's clear safest location. Its advantage over McLean (43.10) and Morton (49.59) is dramatic.

Wildfire is minimal concern; tornado secondary

Wildfire risk reaches 67.81 in Nelson—the county's only notable hazard—while tornado risk is low at 21.53. Flood risk is exceptionally modest at 4.26, and earthquake risk is nearly negligible at 1.59.

Maintain basic wildfire-aware coverage

While Nelson's overall risk is minimal, ensure your homeowners policy includes wildfire coverage as a precaution during fire season. Standard disaster preparedness—emergency supplies and alert sign-up—remains advisable.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Nelson County

via WeatherByCounty

Extreme Northern Cold Patterns

Nelson County's 38.6°F average annual temperature is one of the lowest in the country. This reflects an environment with very short growing seasons and intense winters.

One of the Coldest in ND

Nelson is significantly colder than the state average of 41.0°F. Its precipitation of 20.2 inches is slightly higher than the state's 19.5-inch average.

Fewer Hot Days than Neighbors

With only 5 days over 90°F, Nelson is much cooler in summer than Morton's 19 days. It is one of the mildest summer counties in the entire region.

A Challenging Winter Average

January is exceptionally cold here, averaging only 4.8°F. While the county sees 42.5 inches of snow, the summer average is a comfortable 66.2°F.

Plan for Sustained Freezing Temps

Winter safety is paramount when January averages stay below 5°F. Outdoor summer events rarely need heat contingency plans due to the low frequency of extreme heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Nelson County

via SoilByCounty

Strong Alkaline Profile of Nelson

Nelson County soil is more alkaline than most, with a pH of 7.26 compared to the state average of 7.18. This sits significantly above the national median of 6.5, which influences local nutrient management strategies.

Sand-Forward for a Fast Start

The texture consists of 44.1% sand, 34.6% silt, and 19.3% clay. This sand-forward mix allows for excellent drainage and easier spring warming, helping the growing season get off to a fast start.

Exceptional Organic Nutrient Wealth

The county boasts an exceptional 5.77% organic matter, one of the highest in the state. Even with a water capacity of 0.185 in/in, this nutrient-dense soil is built for high agricultural productivity.

Well-Aerated Soils for Infrastructure

Detailed drainage classifications are not provided, but the 44.1% sand content points to a naturally well-aerated soil structure. This prevents roots from drowning during wet spring months and provides a solid base for local infrastructure.

Premier Spot for Backyard Gardens

Zone 4a allows for a variety of hardy crops, from barley to sunflowers. With such high organic content, Nelson County is a premier spot to start a nutrient-dense backyard vegetable garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Nelson County

via LawnByCounty

Nelson County: North Dakota’s Green Spot

Nelson County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 59.4, the highest in this group and well above the state average of 54.0. While it remains in Hardiness Zone 4a, the local conditions are significantly more favorable for maintaining a lush yard.

Cooler Summers and Better Rainfall

The county receives 20.2 inches of rain, exceeding the state average. With only 5 extreme heat days per year, your lawn is much less likely to scorch or go dormant in July compared to the rest of North Dakota.

Sandy Soil with a Higher pH

The soil is 44.1% sand, which helps with drainage, but the pH of 7.26 is noticeably alkaline. You may need to apply iron or sulfur supplements if you notice your grass turning yellow despite regular watering.

Exceptional Drought Resistance

In a remarkable trend, Nelson County saw zero weeks of drought over the past year. This consistent moisture availability makes it one of the most reliable places in the state to maintain a green lawn without constant intervention.

Ideal Conditions for Cool-Season Grass

Take advantage of the early May 11 last frost date to get a head start on your lawn. Kentucky Bluegrass will flourish here, especially given the long runway before the first fall frost on September 28.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nelson County's county score?
Nelson County, North Dakota has a composite county score of 71.5 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 Nelson County rank among counties in North Dakota?
Nelson County ranks #7 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 Nelson County, North Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Nelson County is $919, with an effective tax rate of 0.80%. This earns Nelson County a tax score of 53/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Nelson County?
The median household income in Nelson County, North Dakota is $68,051 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Nelson County earns an income score of 62.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Nelson County, North Dakota a good place to live?
Nelson County scores 71.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #7 in North Dakota. The best way to evaluate Nelson 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 Nelson 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.