countyscore
72.9
County Score
Disaster Risk 98.3Health 91.4Safety 89.4

County Report Card

About Oliver County, North Dakota

Oliver County ranks among the nation's best

With a composite score of 74.1, Oliver County significantly outpaces the national median of 50.0. This score puts the county in the top tier of American communities for overall livability and quality of life.

Leading the pack in North Dakota

Oliver County earns a score well above the North Dakota state average of 61.5. It stands out as a premier destination within the state, offering a higher standard of living than most of its neighbors.

Elite safety and environmental resilience

The county excels in health and safety, boasting scores of 91.4 and 89.4 respectively. Residents also benefit from an exceptional risk score of 98.3, indicating very low exposure to environmental hazards.

Focusing on educational investment

The school score of 42.4 is the county's primary area for potential improvement. While other metrics are high, local educational resources rank lower compared to the county's otherwise elite profile.

A haven for health and safety

This county suits families and professionals who prioritize physical security and high-income potential. With a median household income of $76,953 and excellent health metrics, it offers a secure and prosperous lifestyle.

2040608010069.165.189.491.442.477.398.38638.5Tax69.1Cost65.1Safety89.4Health91.4Schools42.4Income77.3Risk98.3Water86Weather38.572.9/100
This county
National avg
7 above average2 below average

Oliver County DNA

Coverall

How Oliver County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Oliver County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Disaster Risk (98.3/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
69.1+17.099999999999994
Cost
65.1+17.099999999999994
Safety
89.4+34.400000000000006
Health
91.4+41.400000000000006
Schools
42.4-11.600000000000001
Income
77.3+26.299999999999997
Risk
98.3+51.3
Water
86+28
Weather
38.5-17.5
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Compare mortgage rates in Oliver County

Whether buying or refinancing in Oliver County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$215,700

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$756/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$215,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,240/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $77,240/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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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Counties with similar scores

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Bland County
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Monroe County
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Cumberland County
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Elliott County
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Nearby counties

Mercer County
North Dakota
60.4
McLean County
North Dakota
59.9
Burleigh County
North Dakota
45.2
Morton County
North Dakota
38.2
Sheridan County
North Dakota
60.6
Grant County
North Dakota
67.1
Dunn County
North Dakota
61.5
Kidder County
North Dakota
71.3

Deep Dives

Oliver County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Oliver County

via TaxByCounty

Oliver County taxes rank low nationally

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Oliver County

via IncomeByCounty

Oliver County earns above the national average

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Oliver County

via CrimeByCounty

Oliver County Ranks Among Nation's Safest

Oliver County boasts a safety score of 99.7, placing it far above the national average. Its total crime rate of 218.4 per 100,000 residents is roughly one-tenth of the U.S. figure of 2,385.5. This makes it an exceptionally secure region.

Outperforming the North Dakota Average

With a safety score of 99.7, Oliver County exceeds the North Dakota state average of 98.5. Its total crime rate is also significantly lower than the state's average rate of 976.6. It stands as a leader in state-wide safety metrics.

Safer Than Most Regional Peers

Compared to nearby Pierce County, which has a crime rate of 975.2, Oliver County is nearly four times safer. It also remains much more secure than more populated areas like Ramsey County. Local residents experience one of the lowest incident rates in the state.

Balanced and Low Incident Rates

Oliver County reports equal rates of violent and property crime at 109.2 per 100,000 residents. Because a single agency provides this data, residents should interpret these low numbers as a sign of a very quiet local environment. Total incidents remain rare across both categories.

Maintain Your Peace of Mind

While crime is exceptionally low, maintaining basic security awareness helps preserve this safe environment. Simple measures like outdoor lighting and smart locks provide added layers of protection. Staying connected with neighbors remains the county's best defense.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Oliver County

via WeatherByCounty

Cold High-Latitude Continental Climate

Oliver County averages 42.6°F annually, falling far below the national median temperature. This climate is defined by its position in the northern plains of the U.S.

Warmer than the Average North Dakotan

Oliver is warmer than the 41.0°F state average. Its 18.9 inches of annual precipitation is slightly lower than the 19.5-inch state benchmark.

Moderate Precipitation for the Region

At 18.9 inches of precipitation, Oliver is wetter than Mercer (17.3 inches) but drier than Nelson (20.2 inches). Its 17 extreme heat days are standard for the central part of the state.

Distinct Seasons and Moderate Heat

The county experiences a July average of 69.7°F with 17 extreme heat days. Winters are cold with a 13.7°F January average, though official snowfall data is currently limited.

Home Sealing and HVAC Maintenance

Focus on sealing windows and doors to stay warm during the 16.5°F average winter months. Prepare for nearly three weeks of 90°F heat during the summer season.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Oliver County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral to Alkaline Soils in Oliver

Oliver County features a neutral to alkaline pH of 6.99, which is higher than the national median of 6.5. While specific taxonomic orders are not formally recorded here, the soil provides a stable chemical base for regional crops. This pH level supports nutrient availability for most local prairie grasses and grains.

A Balanced Blend of Sand and Silt

The soil composition is a balanced mix of 39.0% sand and 40.3% silt. With 20.6% clay, the earth maintains enough structure to prevent erosion without becoming impossible to till. This combination offers a reliable foundation for root development in both fields and gardens.

Moderate Fertility and Reliable Moisture

Organic matter sits at 3.62%, which falls below the North Dakota average of 4.69% but remains above the national average. The available water capacity matches the state average at 0.186 in/in. These figures indicate a consistent ability to sustain plant life through typical dry spells.

Predictable Water Movement for Farming

While dominant drainage classes are not specified in current datasets, the balanced texture suggests moderate infiltration rates. Farmers and builders should monitor local saturation levels, as the mix of sand and silt generally allows for steady water movement. Site-specific testing is recommended for significant construction or irrigation projects.

Hardy Crops for Zone 4a

The USDA Hardiness Zone 4a climate pairs with a soil score of 64.5 to support robust wheat and flax production. Home gardeners can find success with cold-weather favorites like radishes, carrots, and hardy perennials. Start your garden today to take advantage of this solid agricultural foundation.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Oliver County

via LawnByCounty

Typical North Dakota Lawn Challenges

Oliver County earns a lawn difficulty score of 53.9, placing it right in line with the state average of 54.0. While this score is slightly better than the national median of 50.0, the Zone 4a climate still requires hardy grass selections to survive the winter.

High Heat and Limited Rainfall

With 18.9 inches of annual precipitation, local lawns receive less water than the state average of 19.5 inches. The county also faces 17 extreme heat days per year, which is significantly higher than the North Dakota average of 13 days.

Near Perfect Soil Acidity

The soil pH sits at a nearly perfect 6.99, landing right at the top of the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most turfgrass. While drainage data is limited, the mix of 20.6% clay and 39.0% sand suggests a relatively balanced foundation for root growth.

Navigating Summer Dry Spells

Lawns here spent 12 weeks in drought over the past year, though current conditions show the county is currently free of abnormal dryness. Deep, infrequent watering during those dry spells helps roots penetrate further into the soil for better resilience.

Time Your Seeding Right

Cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass or Fine Fescue thrive in this Zone 4a environment. Plan your seeding projects after the last spring frost on May 11th or before the first fall frost hits on September 29th.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Oliver County's county score?
Oliver County, North Dakota has a composite county score of 72.9 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 Oliver County rank among counties in North Dakota?
Oliver County ranks #4 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 Oliver County, North Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Oliver County is $1,343, with an effective tax rate of 0.62%. This earns Oliver County a tax score of 69.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Oliver County?
The median household income in Oliver County, North Dakota is $77,240 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Oliver County earns an income score of 77.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Oliver County, North Dakota a good place to live?
Oliver County scores 72.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #4 in North Dakota. The best way to evaluate Oliver 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 Oliver County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.