Oliver County's composite score of 82.5 towers 65% above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top tier of U.S. counties for overall livability. This exceptional performance reflects consistently strong fundamentals across multiple dimensions of quality of life.
2 / 5
A standout in North Dakota
Oliver County ranks first among North Dakota's 53 counties with its 82.5 score, exceeding the state average of 74.8 by nearly 8 points. It's the clear leader in the state's livability profile.
3 / 5
Financial stability and health shine brightest
Oliver County excels across three critical dimensions: an exceptional 98.3 risk score reflecting minimal financial exposure, a robust 89.8 health score, and a 84.6 tax score indicating a very low 0.628% effective tax rate. Median household income of $76,953 and affordable median home values of $217,000 create genuine financial breathing room for families.
4 / 5
Income growth lags despite stability
The county's 33.6 income score—while respectable—represents the main area for improvement, suggesting median earnings trail some comparable regions. Limited data on schools and safety prevents a complete livability picture, though these gaps don't diminish the county's demonstrated strengths in affordability and health outcomes.
5 / 5
Ideal for those seeking stability and low taxes
Oliver County suits families and retirees prioritizing financial security, affordable housing, and strong health outcomes over maximizing income potential. The combination of minimal tax burden, low disaster risk, and solid healthcare makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a secure, stable rural lifestyle in the Upper Midwest.
Oliver County's composite score of 82.5 towers 65% above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top tier of U.S. counties for overall livability. This exceptional performance reflects consistently strong fundamentals across multiple dimensions of quality of life.
A standout in North Dakota
Oliver County ranks first among North Dakota's 53 counties with its 82.5 score, exceeding the state average of 74.8 by nearly 8 points. It's the clear leader in the state's livability profile.
Financial stability and health shine brightest
Oliver County excels across three critical dimensions: an exceptional 98.3 risk score reflecting minimal financial exposure, a robust 89.8 health score, and a 84.6 tax score indicating a very low 0.628% effective tax rate. Median household income of $76,953 and affordable median home values of $217,000 create genuine financial breathing room for families.
Income growth lags despite stability
The county's 33.6 income score—while respectable—represents the main area for improvement, suggesting median earnings trail some comparable regions. Limited data on schools and safety prevents a complete livability picture, though these gaps don't diminish the county's demonstrated strengths in affordability and health outcomes.
Ideal for those seeking stability and low taxes
Oliver County suits families and retirees prioritizing financial security, affordable housing, and strong health outcomes over maximizing income potential. The combination of minimal tax burden, low disaster risk, and solid healthcare makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a secure, stable rural lifestyle in the Upper Midwest.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛84.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 0.628%, Oliver County's effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 0.87%, putting homeowners in a favorable position compared to most U.S. counties. The median property tax here is $1,363 annually—roughly half the national median of $2,690—despite homes valued at $217,000.
Among the lowest in North Dakota
Oliver County's 0.628% rate ranks it among the most tax-friendly counties in North Dakota, below the state average of 0.885%. With a median tax of $1,363 versus the state median of $1,460, Oliver County homeowners save money compared to their state peers.
Cheapest taxes in the northeast
Oliver County's effective rate of 0.628% beats nearby Pembina County (0.999%) and Renville County (0.677%). Among northeastern North Dakota counties, Oliver stands out as a lower-tax option for homeowners seeking affordability.
A typical home costs $1,363 yearly
On Oliver County's median home value of $217,000, expect to pay roughly $1,363 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $1,438, while those owning outright pay $1,297.
Check if you're overassessed
Many homeowners across North Dakota are assessed above market value and could save money through a property tax appeal. If your home's assessed value seems high relative to recent sales in your neighborhood, it's worth filing a formal challenge with your county assessor.
At 11.3%, Oliver County's rent-to-income ratio beats the national average and stays well below the strain point of 30%. Renters here spend less of their paycheck on housing than typical Americans, giving them more breathing room in their budgets.
Best affordability in North Dakota
Oliver County ranks among the state's most affordable housing markets, with a rent-to-income ratio of 11.3% compared to North Dakota's state average of 12.8%. The median rent of $725 sits below the state median of $770, making it a standout for renters seeking value.
Oliver leads a competitive region
Oliver County's $725 monthly rent undercuts most nearby counties, though Pembina County ($692) and Rolette County ($479) offer even lower rents. With a median household income of $76,953—the highest in this cluster—Oliver residents enjoy both strong earnings and reasonable housing costs.
Housing takes 22% of income
Oliver County residents spend roughly 11.3% of income on rent and another 12.2% on mortgage costs, totaling about 23.5% of income for housing. The median home value of $217,000 remains accessible given the area's solid median household income of $76,953.
Consider Oliver for stability
If you're relocating to North Dakota and want both affordable rents and strong income potential, Oliver County delivers on both fronts. Compare it to nearby Ramsey County ($61,319 income, 13.4% rent ratio) or Pembina County ($66,884 income, 12.4% rent ratio) to find your best fit.
At $76,953, Oliver County's median household income runs $2,198 ahead of the U.S. median of $74,755. This positions the county in the upper-income tier nationally, reflecting strong agricultural and energy sector jobs in the region.
Second highest income in North Dakota
Oliver County ranks second statewide for median household income, trailing only a few select counties while outpacing the state average of $72,537 by $4,416. The county's economic performance reflects above-average employment stability and wage growth.
Outpaces most neighboring counties
Oliver County's $76,953 median household income exceeds Renville County ($76,311) and Richland County ($72,524). Only a handful of adjacent counties match Oliver's earnings power, making it one of the region's strongest labor markets.
Rent remains very affordable here
At 11.3% of median household income, Oliver County's rent-to-income ratio sits well below the national affordability threshold of 30%. This means housing costs are manageable for most households, freeing up income for savings and investment.
Build wealth with surplus income
With strong earnings and low housing costs, Oliver County households have real opportunity to invest for the future. Consider working with a financial advisor to maximize retirement contributions, diversify investments, and build long-term wealth in your community.
Oliver County residents live to an average of 92.2 years, well above the U.S. life expectancy of roughly 76 years. With only 14.8% reporting poor or fair health, the county performs better than the national average on self-reported health measures.
Among the Healthiest in North Dakota
Oliver County's 92.2-year life expectancy far exceeds North Dakota's state average of 77.5 years, ranking it among the state's healthiest counties. The county's 5.6% uninsured rate also beats the state average of 7.5%.
Oliver County Outpaces Regional Peers
Oliver County's life expectancy of 92.2 years significantly exceeds neighboring Renville County (75.8 years) and Ramsey County (75.0 years). This exceptional longevity reflects strong overall health outcomes across the county.
Healthcare Access Data Limited
While Oliver County boasts excellent life expectancy, specific data on primary care and mental health provider availability is not currently available. The county's low uninsured rate of 5.6% suggests residents have solid insurance coverage to access care.
Keep Health Coverage Strong
With 5.6% uninsured, Oliver County is doing well, but every resident deserves access to care. Check your coverage options at Healthcare.gov or contact your local county health department to explore plans that fit your needs.
With a composite risk score of 1.72, Oliver County faces significantly lower natural disaster risk than the typical U.S. county. This very low rating reflects relatively modest exposure across most hazard types, though wildfire and tornado risks merit monitoring in this region.
Among North Dakota's safest counties
Oliver County ranks in the lowest tier statewide with a composite score well below North Dakota's 22.19 county average. Only a handful of ND counties face less overall natural disaster risk.
Safer than surrounding areas
Oliver County's 1.72 composite score is substantially lower than nearby Pierce County (3.24) and Ransom County (13.20). The county benefits from lower flood and tornado exposure compared to eastern neighbors in the Red River Valley region.
Wildfire is your primary concern
Wildfire risk scores 44.47—the highest hazard facing Oliver County—though this remains moderate in regional context. Tornado risk (11.74) and flood risk (6.52) rank considerably lower but shouldn't be overlooked during severe weather seasons.
Cover wildfire and severe weather
Standard homeowners insurance typically covers tornado damage but often excludes wildfire loss. Review your policy to ensure wildfire coverage is included, and consider additional protection for fire-prone areas; standard flood insurance remains advisable even with low current risk.