countyscore

Pembina County, North Dakota — County Report Card

ND

#14 in North Dakota
68.5
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 85.8Disaster 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.

2040608010034.685.875.673.166.858.379.18647Tax34.6Cost85.8Safety75.6Health73.1Schools66.8Income58.3Risk79.1Water86Weather4768.5/100
This county
National avg
6 above average1 below average

Pembina County DNA

C-overall

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

Pembina County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Cost of Living (85.8/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
34.6-17.4
Cost
85.8+37.8
Safety
75.6+20.599999999999994
Health
73.1+23.099999999999994
Schools
66.8+12.799999999999997
Income
58.3
Risk
79.1+32.099999999999994
Water
86+28
Weather
47-9
Sponsored

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.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$119,200

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$684/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$119,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$27,360/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $68,393/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.

Deep Dives

Pembina County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pembina County's county score?
Pembina County, North Dakota has a composite county score of 68.5 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 Pembina County rank among counties in North Dakota?
Pembina County ranks #14 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 $1,205, with an effective tax rate of 1.01%. This earns Pembina County a tax score of 34.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pembina County?
The median household income in Pembina County, North Dakota is $68,393 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pembina County earns an income score of 58.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pembina County, North Dakota a good place to live?
Pembina County scores 68.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #14 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 Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.