Pembina County's composite score of 75.2 sits 50% above the national median of 50.0, confirming strong livability fundamentals. This performance ranks the county solidly in the upper half of American counties for overall quality of life.
2 / 5
Just above North Dakota's middle
Pembina County scores 75.2, marginally outperforming the state average of 74.8 by 0.4 points, placing it in the middle-to-upper tier of North Dakota's 53 counties. It represents a reliable, stable option among state peers.
3 / 5
Housing affordability leads the way
Pembina County's standout strength is its 87.1 cost score, reflecting exceptionally affordable housing with a median home value of just $116,600 and monthly rent at $692. The 74.2 tax score and reasonable median household income of $66,884 create an attractive financial package for budget-conscious families.
4 / 5
Income and health need attention
The county's 27.0 income score is notably low, indicating median earnings trail regional and national benchmarks significantly. Health outcomes also lag at 75.1, and missing data on schools and safety limits the full assessment of livability dimensions.
5 / 5
Best for bargain hunters seeking affordability
Pembina County appeals to retirees, remote workers, and families prioritizing rock-bottom housing costs and low taxes over high income potential. The exceptionally affordable housing stock makes it an excellent choice for those on fixed incomes or seeking to reduce cost-of-living burden.
Pembina County's composite score of 75.2 sits 50% above the national median of 50.0, confirming strong livability fundamentals. This performance ranks the county solidly in the upper half of American counties for overall quality of life.
Just above North Dakota's middle
Pembina County scores 75.2, marginally outperforming the state average of 74.8 by 0.4 points, placing it in the middle-to-upper tier of North Dakota's 53 counties. It represents a reliable, stable option among state peers.
Housing affordability leads the way
Pembina County's standout strength is its 87.1 cost score, reflecting exceptionally affordable housing with a median home value of just $116,600 and monthly rent at $692. The 74.2 tax score and reasonable median household income of $66,884 create an attractive financial package for budget-conscious families.
Income and health need attention
The county's 27.0 income score is notably low, indicating median earnings trail regional and national benchmarks significantly. Health outcomes also lag at 75.1, and missing data on schools and safety limits the full assessment of livability dimensions.
Best for bargain hunters seeking affordability
Pembina County appeals to retirees, remote workers, and families prioritizing rock-bottom housing costs and low taxes over high income potential. The exceptionally affordable housing stock makes it an excellent choice for those on fixed incomes or seeking to reduce cost-of-living burden.
Score breakdown
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🏛74.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Pembina County's effective tax rate of 0.999% sits modestly above the national median of 0.87%, but the median tax bill of $1,165 is less than half the national median of $2,690. This advantage reflects lower home values—the median here is just $116,600 versus $281,900 nationally.
Middle-of-the-pack for North Dakota
At 0.999%, Pembina County's effective rate runs slightly above North Dakota's state average of 0.885%, though the median tax of $1,165 falls below the state median of $1,460. Pembina offers a moderate tax burden within the state context.
Higher rate than Oliver, similar to Ramsey
Pembina County's 0.999% rate exceeds Oliver County's 0.628% but matches closely with Ramsey County's 0.936% effective rate. The county sits in the mid-range for northeast North Dakota property taxation.
Median tax of $1,165 on $116,600 homes
With a median home value of $116,600, the typical Pembina County homeowner pays $1,165 annually in property taxes. Those with mortgages average $1,273, while outright owners pay $1,094.
Appeal your assessment if it's too high
Overassessment is common statewide, and Pembina County homeowners may be paying more than necessary. Filing a property tax appeal with your county assessor costs nothing and could reduce your annual bill if your home's assessed value exceeds its market value.
Pembina County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.4% sits just below the national average and matches North Dakota's state average of 12.8%. Renters here keep their housing costs comfortably within the affordable range, leaving room for other expenses.
Middle of the pack affordability
Pembina County ranks in the middle tier for housing affordability in North Dakota, with a rent-to-income ratio of 12.4% compared to the state average of 12.8%. The median rent of $692 is notably lower than the state median of $770, offering modest savings.
Pembina punches above its weight
Pembina County offers some of the lowest rents in its region at $692 monthly, beaten only by Rolette County's $479. Despite lower median household income of $66,884 compared to Oliver County's $76,953, Pembina delivers strong rent affordability through genuine low costs.
Renting is cheaper than buying
Pembina County renters spend 12.4% of income on housing, while homebuyers allocate 10.6% to monthly owner costs—a rare case where ownership is more affordable than renting. With a median home value of $116,600, Pembina offers the region's lowest property prices.
Pembina appeals to savvy buyers
If affordable homeownership matters most, Pembina County's combination of low property values ($116,600) and manageable owner costs makes it worth serious consideration. Compare it to Oliver County ($217,000 homes) or Pierce County ($143,400 homes) to see how far your dollar stretches.
Pembina County's median household income of $66,884 trails the U.S. median by $7,871, placing it below the national average. However, the county's cost of living remains lower than many high-income areas, partially offsetting the income gap.
Mid-tier income rank statewide
Pembina County ranks in the middle of North Dakota's income distribution at $66,884, falling $5,653 short of the state average of $72,537. The county reflects the economic challenges common to rural agricultural communities across the northern plains.
Income below Pierce and Ransom
Pembina County's $66,884 median household income lags Pierce County ($63,214) and Ransom County ($74,521). The income gap suggests residents may face tighter household budgets compared to some neighboring counties.
Housing costs remain manageable
At 12.4% of median household income, Pembina County's rent-to-income ratio demonstrates solid affordability for renters. Combined with a median home value of $116,600, housing is among the most accessible in the region, helping households stretch their earnings.
Smart budgeting unlocks savings
Pembina County households should prioritize building an emergency fund and exploring low-cost investment options. Even modest monthly savings can compound significantly over time; consider speaking with a local financial counselor about strategies tailored to your household income.
Pembina County's life expectancy of 77.7 years aligns closely with the U.S. average of roughly 76 years, indicating residents enjoy typical American longevity. With 15.4% reporting poor or fair health, the county mirrors national health challenges.
Slightly Above State Average
Pembina County's 77.7-year life expectancy edges above North Dakota's 77.5-year state average, while its 7.9% uninsured rate is marginally higher than the state's 7.5%. The county represents solid, middle-of-the-road health outcomes for the state.
Comparable to Nearby Counties
Pembina County's 77.7-year life expectancy sits between Pierce County (77.4 years) and Ransom County (78.1 years), placing it firmly in the state's average tier. The county has 30 primary care and 30 mental health providers per 100,000 residents.
Balanced Provider Access and Coverage
Pembina County maintains 30 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and equivalent mental health capacity, supporting accessible routine and behavioral care. The 7.9% uninsured rate means roughly 1 in 12 residents lack coverage, leaving room for improvement.
Explore Health Insurance Options
Pembina County's 7.9% uninsured rate shows many residents still lack coverage despite available providers. Visit Healthcare.gov or contact Pembina County Social Services to find affordable plans and enrollment assistance.
Pembina County's composite risk score of 20.93 places it just below the North Dakota state average of 22.19, indicating moderate natural disaster exposure. While rated very low nationally, the county's risk profile is shaped by notable wildfire and flood vulnerabilities.
Middle-of-the-road risk for North Dakota
Pembina County ranks in the middle tier statewide, with a composite score nearly matching the state average of 22.19. Several other ND counties face higher overall risk, though Pembina's wildfire exposure stands out regionally.
Higher risk than Oliver but lower than Ramsey
Pembina's 20.93 score sits between Oliver County's 1.72 and Ramsey County's 18.32, reflecting a moderate position in the northern ND region. The county faces notably higher wildfire risk (63.87) than most immediate neighbors.
Wildfires and flooding top the list
Wildfire risk dominates at 63.87, while flood risk scores a concerning 28.69—double Oliver County's exposure. Tornado risk (21.28) rounds out the three primary hazards affecting Pembina County residents.
Prioritize wildfire and flood coverage
Wildfire exclusions are common in standard policies; verify coverage explicitly with your insurer and consider additional protection. Federal flood insurance through NFIP is essential given the county's 28.69 flood risk score, and a separate wildfire rider may be prudent.