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Pembina County, North Dakota — County Report Card

ND

#12 in North Dakota

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
69
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 85.6Disaster Risk 79.1

County Report Card

About Pembina County, North Dakota

Pembina County exceeds national standards

Pembina County holds a composite score of 69.0, which is 19 points higher than the national median. This performance indicates a high level of resident satisfaction across various livability metrics.

Outperforming the North Dakota average

The county's 69.0 composite score comfortably beats the state average of 61.5. It serves as a strong example of North Dakota's high-performing rural communities.

Exceptional affordability and clean water

A cost score of 85.6 reflects high affordability, with median gross rent at just $692. Residents also enjoy high water quality, evidenced by a score of 86.0.

Managing a higher tax burden

The tax score of 38.1 is the county's lowest metric, reflecting an effective tax rate of 0.999%. Prospective residents should factor this slightly higher tax profile into their financial planning.

Ideal for budget-conscious families

Pembina is a perfect match for those seeking exceptionally low housing costs and a safe environment. It offers a balanced lifestyle where median home values stay accessible at $116,600.

2040608010038.185.675.673.166.858.879.18647Tax38.1Cost85.6Safety75.6Health73.1Schools66.8Income58.8Risk79.1Water86Weather4769/100
This county
National avg
6 above average1 below average

Pembina County DNA

C-overall

How Pembina County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Pembina County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Cost of Living (85.6/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
38.1-13.899999999999999
Cost
85.6+37.599999999999994
Safety
75.6+20.599999999999994
Health
73.1+23.099999999999994
Schools
66.8+12.799999999999997
Income
58.8
Risk
79.1+32.099999999999994
Water
86+28
Weather
47-9
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Think property taxes are too high in Pembina County?

Many homeowners in Pembina 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

$116,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$692/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$116,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$27,680/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $66,884/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

29.5

per 100K

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

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Nearby counties

Kittson County
Minnesota
69.5
Walsh County
North Dakota
54.6
Marshall County
Minnesota
69.1
Cavalier County
North Dakota
66
Grand Forks County
North Dakota
40.5
Nelson County
North Dakota
71.5
Ramsey County
North Dakota
50.4
Polk County
Minnesota
50.9

Deep Dives

Pembina County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Pembina County

via TaxByCounty

Pembina County taxes below national average

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pembina County

via CostByCounty

Pembina's rents meet national standards

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pembina County

via IncomeByCounty

Pembina County falls short of national income

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Pembina County

via CrimeByCounty

Strong Security in Pembina County

Pembina County maintains a high safety score of 99.1, outperforming most counties across the United States. Its total crime rate of 583.7 per 100,000 residents is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. The community remains a bastion of safety.

Exceeding North Dakota Safety Standards

The county's safety score of 99.1 is higher than the North Dakota state average of 98.5. With a total crime rate of 583.7, it sits well below the state average of 976.6 per 100,000. Law enforcement across three agencies maintains a proactive presence.

Comparable to Regional Safety Leaders

Pembina County's crime rate of 583.7 mirrors that of Ransom County, which sits at 582.7. It is twice as safe as Pierce County and nearly six times safer than Ramsey County. This consistency highlights a regional trend of high security.

Property Crime Primary Concern

Violent crime in Pembina is notably low at 58.4 per 100,000 residents, less than half the state average. Property crime accounts for the bulk of reports at 525.3 per 100,000. These figures suggest that theft is more common than personal confrontation.

Secure Your Property Today

Since most local incidents involve property, securing your home and vehicles is a smart priority. Motion-sensor lights and visible security cameras are effective deterrents against opportunistic theft. A little prevention goes a long way in this quiet county.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Pembina County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Strong Network of Local Schools

Pembina County maintains a robust educational infrastructure with nine public schools spread across three distinct districts. The system supports 957 students through five elementary schools and four high schools.

High Performance and Healthy Funding

Students here achieve an impressive 88.9% graduation rate, surpassing both the North Dakota average of 84.8% and the national 87% benchmark. The county invests $10,552 per pupil, which is over $1,100 more than the state average.

Leading Districts in Northeast North Dakota

Cavalier 6 is the largest district by enrollment with 412 students, followed by North Border 100 which manages four separate schools. No charter schools exist in the county, ensuring 100% of public students attend traditional district schools.

The Essence of Rural Education

Education in Pembina County is entirely rural, featuring an intimate average school size of 106 students. Cavalier Elementary is the county's largest school with 220 students, while North Border-Pembina Elementary offers a very small setting for 94 students.

Plant Roots Near Top-Tier Schools

With graduation rates exceeding state and national averages, Pembina County is an attractive destination for education-focused homebuyers. Explore local listings to find a home near these high-performing, community-centered rural districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pembina County

via RiskByCounty

Pembina County faces moderate risk overall

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Pembina County

via WaterByCounty

Pembina County Achieves Top Water Grade

Pembina County holds an A grade for drinking water compliance with zero health violations in the five-year lookback period. The county outperforms the North Dakota average violation rate of 47.0 per 100,000 residents. Public water systems here demonstrate a perfect record under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

High Impairment Rates in Pembina Watersheds

The 2022 assessment shows that 32.7% of the 52 assessed water bodies in the county are impaired. Major concerns include cadmium levels and physical habitat alterations across 17 different sites. This impairment rate is significantly higher than the state average of 19.3%.

Extensive Monitoring Across 15 Active Sites

Data collectors recorded 11,044 measurements over the last five years to track local water quality. The most frequent readings focus on physical properties, inorganics, and major non-metal groups. This robust monitoring footprint provides essential data for managing the county's diverse water bodies.

Red River Flows Near Seasonal Normals

The Red River of the North at Drayton currently flows at 4,140 cfs, which is 81% of its long-term mean. While slightly below the historical average of 5,132 cfs, the river maintains a healthy volume for its massive 34,800 square mile drainage area. These levels support both local ecology and downstream water needs.

Stay Informed on Cadmium and Habitat Health

With nearly a third of local water bodies impaired, residents should be mindful of cadmium and habitat issues in surface waters. While drinking water remains safe and A-rated, protecting the Red River watershed from runoff is vital. Supporting local conservation efforts can help reduce the high impairment percentage over time.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Pembina County

via WeatherByCounty

A True Northern Continental Climate

Pembina County averages a chilly 38.3°F annually, placing it significantly below the national median temperature. This climate is defined by short, mild summers and long, punishing winters typical of the Red River Valley.

Cooler Than the State Average

At 38.3°F, the county is notably colder than the North Dakota state average of 41.0°F. It ranks among the state's colder regions, reflecting its position in the far northeastern corner.

Colder than Southern Neighbors

Pembina is nearly five degrees colder on average than Ransom County to the south. However, it receives 21.1 inches of precipitation, making it slightly wetter than the state average of 19.5 inches.

Frigid Winters and Mild Summers

January temperatures average a biting 4.2°F, while July peaks at a comfortable 67.5°F. The county receives 39.1 inches of snow annually and experiences only 4 days of extreme heat above 90°F.

Winter Preparedness is Essential

Residents must prioritize high-efficiency heating systems and heavy-duty winter gear for the 8.0°F winter average. While summer cooling needs are minimal, snow removal equipment is a must for the nearly 40 inches of annual snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Pembina County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Earth in the Red River Valley

Pembina County soils average a pH of 7.24, making them notably more alkaline than the 6.5 national median. This chemical profile is typical for the region and influences which micronutrients are most available to plants. Local growers often manage these levels to optimize yields for specific crops.

Silty Soils with Clay Strength

The soil contains 38.4% silt and 35.5% sand, providing a versatile texture for intensive farming. The 22.8% clay content is higher than many neighboring counties, which helps the soil retain nutrients but can make it heavier to work when wet. This mix is ideal for the high-production agriculture the area is known for.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

This county boasts a very high organic matter content of 7.24%, far exceeding the state average of 4.69%. The available water capacity of 0.193 in/in is also above the state benchmark, signaling superior growing potential. These numbers reflect some of the most fertile ground in the state.

Moisture Retention in Heavy Soils

Formal drainage classes are not listed, but high clay and organic levels suggest the soil holds onto moisture effectively. This can be a benefit during droughts but may lead to slow spring warming in the fields. Proper surface drainage is often a priority for Pembina County land managers.

Productive Gardening in Zone 4a

With a high soil score of 68.8, this area is a powerhouse for sugar beets and potatoes. Zone 4a allows for a productive season of sunflowers and hardy vegetables. It is a perfect environment for residents to establish a high-yield home vegetable garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Pembina County

via LawnByCounty

Manageable Lawns in the Far North

Pembina County holds a lawn difficulty score of 53.3, making it slightly more challenging than the state average of 54.0. Residents must manage turf in Hardiness Zone 4a, where extreme cold is a more frequent threat than summer heat.

Cool Summers and Steady Rain

The county receives 21.1 inches of precipitation annually, exceeding the state average of 19.5 inches. With only 4 extreme heat days per year, your lawn is much less likely to suffer from heat stress than lawns in southern North Dakota.

Monitor Your Soil Alkalinity

A soil pH of 7.24 is slightly above the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, which may limit the availability of certain nutrients. The soil contains 22.8% clay and 35.5% sand, a combination that generally holds moisture well but may require aeration.

Consistent Moisture Requirements

Despite 16 weeks spent in drought conditions over the last year, the county currently shows no abnormally dry areas. Routine irrigation is necessary to supplement the 21.1 inches of rain, especially during those vulnerable 16 weeks of dry weather.

Short Growing Windows

The window for lawn establishment is tight, with the last spring frost occurring around May 16th. Aim to have your cool-season sod or seed established before the first frost arrives on September 30th.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pembina County's county score?
Pembina County, North Dakota has a composite county score of 69 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 Pembina County rank among counties in North Dakota?
Pembina County ranks #12 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 Pembina County, North Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Pembina County is $1,165, with an effective tax rate of 1.00%. This earns Pembina County a tax score of 38.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pembina County?
The median household income in Pembina County, North Dakota is $66,884 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pembina County earns an income score of 58.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pembina County, North Dakota a good place to live?
Pembina County scores 69/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #12 in North Dakota. The best way to evaluate Pembina 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 Pembina County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.