CountyScore

Pierce County

North Dakota · ND

#22 in North Dakota
75.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Pierce County, North Dakota

Pierce County well above the national bar

Pierce County's composite score of 75.8 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 52%, demonstrating robust livability across diverse dimensions. The county ranks comfortably in the upper half of American counties for overall quality of life.

Solid performer among North Dakota counties

Pierce County scores 75.8, placing it slightly above North Dakota's state average of 74.8 and in the upper-middle tier of the state's 53 counties. It's a reliable choice with consistent fundamentals.

Low risk and affordable living define Pierce

Pierce County shines with a 96.8 risk score showing minimal financial vulnerability and a 83.3 cost score reflecting affordable housing at median values of $143,400. The 78.2 health score and 73.3 tax score round out a solid foundation for family stability.

Modest incomes constrain opportunity

The county's 24.7 income score is among the lowest, with median household income of only $63,214 limiting earning potential. Safety, schools, and water quality data are unavailable, creating gaps in the complete livability assessment.

Perfect for risk-averse families valuing safety

Pierce County suits families and retirees who prioritize financial security, disaster resilience, and affordable housing over maximizing income. The excellent risk profile makes it particularly attractive to those seeking peace of mind in a stable, low-stress community.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax73.3Cost83.3SafetyComing SoonHealth78.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome24.7Risk96.8WaterComing Soon
🏛73.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤78.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡96.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Pierce County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Edmonson County
Kentucky
75.8
Median income: $54,512
Menifee County
Kentucky
75.8
Median income: $44,672
Caldwell Parish
Louisiana
75.8
Median income: $44,957
Clearwater County
Minnesota
75.8
Median income: $64,934
Esmeralda County
Nevada
75.8

Deep Dives

Pierce County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Pierce County

via TaxByCounty

Pierce County rates slightly above national

Pierce County's effective tax rate of 1.030% exceeds the national median of 0.87%, yet the median annual tax of $1,477 remains well below the national median of $2,690. The lower bill reflects Pierce's median home value of $143,400, compared to $281,900 nationally.

Above average for North Dakota

At 1.030%, Pierce County's effective rate ranks above North Dakota's state average of 0.885%, and its median tax of $1,477 exceeds the state median of $1,460. Pierce County homeowners face slightly higher-than-average property tax burdens statewide.

Highest rate in the northeast cluster

Pierce County's 1.030% effective rate is the highest among nearby counties like Oliver (0.628%), Pembina (0.999%), and Ramsey (0.936%). It ranks as the priciest option for property taxes in the northeastern region.

Expect $1,477 on a $143,400 home

Pierce County's median property tax is $1,477 annually on a median home value of $143,400. Mortgaged homeowners pay an average of $1,467, while those owning free and clear pay $1,491.

Review your assessment this year

Given Pierce County's higher-than-average tax rate, it's especially important to verify your home isn't overassessed. A property tax appeal can be filed with your county assessor and may result in meaningful annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pierce County

via CostByCounty

Pierce rents strain household budgets

Pierce County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.3% exceeds both the national average and North Dakota's state average of 12.8%, signaling tighter affordability. At $807 monthly, rents here consume a noticeably larger share of the median household income of $63,214.

Among North Dakota's priciest rentals

Pierce County ranks near the bottom for rental affordability in North Dakota, with the highest rent-to-income ratio in this dataset at 15.3%. The median rent of $807 exceeds the state median of $770 by $37, reflecting tighter housing conditions.

Pierce rents stand out as expensive

Pierce County's $807 monthly rent is the highest in its peer group, surpassing Oliver County ($725), Ramsey County ($687), and Rolette County ($479) by significant margins. Combined with a lower median income of $63,214, Pierce residents feel greater housing cost pressure than neighbors.

Housing eats 28% of income

Pierce County residents allocate 15.3% of income to rent and another 13.3% to owner costs, totaling roughly 28.6% of household income toward housing. This burden exceeds the widely recommended 30% threshold, leaving less flexibility for other necessities.

Pierce requires careful budgeting

If Pierce County appeals to you, budget conservatively—housing costs here are steeper than North Dakota averages and nearby alternatives. Compare it to Pembina County (12.4% rent ratio) or Oliver County (11.3% rent ratio) to understand the cost difference before relocating.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pierce County

via IncomeByCounty

Pierce County's income lags U.S. average

Pierce County's median household income of $63,214 falls $11,541 below the national median of $74,755, placing it among lower-income counties nationwide. The income gap reflects limited job diversity and smaller employer base in this rural North Dakota community.

Lower income tier in North Dakota

Pierce County ranks in the lower half of North Dakota for median household income at $63,214, trailing the state average of $72,537 by $9,323. The gap suggests economic pressures affecting household budgets across the county.

Among the lowest in the region

Pierce County's $63,214 median household income ranks below Pembina County ($66,884), Ransom County ($74,521), and Richland County ($72,524). This positions Pierce among the region's lower-income communities, affecting household financial capacity.

Higher rent burden on households

At 15.3% of median household income, Pierce County's rent-to-income ratio is notably higher than many neighbors, signaling tighter housing affordability. While still below the 30% danger threshold, the ratio indicates housing costs consume a larger share of household budgets here.

Start small with wealth-building habits

Pierce County households should focus on consistent, modest savings habits and avoiding high-interest debt. Consider exploring credit union resources, free financial literacy workshops, and employer retirement plans—even small, regular contributions build wealth over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Pierce County

via HealthByCounty

Pierce County Life Expectancy Meets National Norms

Pierce County residents live an average of 77.4 years, matching the U.S. life expectancy of roughly 76 years. The county's 14.5% poor or fair health rate is slightly better than many American communities.

Aligned with North Dakota Standards

Pierce County's 77.4-year life expectancy sits just below North Dakota's 77.5-year average, while its 5.2% uninsured rate significantly beats the state's 7.5%. The county ranks as one of the state's better-insured communities.

Strong Standing Among Regional Peers

Pierce County's 77.4-year life expectancy is comparable to Pembina County (77.7 years) and slightly outpaces Ramsey County (75.0 years). With 5.2% uninsured, Pierce stands out as having excellent coverage in its region.

Solid Primary and Mental Health Access

Pierce County offers 25 primary care providers and 51 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, with notably strong behavioral health capacity. The 5.2% uninsured rate indicates most residents have financial access to these services.

Maintain Your Health Coverage

Pierce County's 5.2% uninsured rate is excellent, but uninsured residents still lack vital protections. If you're among them, visit Healthcare.gov or contact your local health office to explore coverage options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pierce County

via RiskByCounty

Pierce County ranks among safest nationwide

Pierce County's composite risk score of 3.24 is roughly one-seventh the national average, placing it among the safest U.S. counties. This very low rating reflects minimal exposure to flooding, earthquakes, and other major hazards.

One of North Dakota's lowest-risk counties

Pierce County's 3.24 composite score ranks near the bottom statewide, well below the state average of 22.19. Only Oliver and Renville counties face less overall natural disaster risk in North Dakota.

Safer than all surrounding counties

Pierce County's 3.24 score is substantially lower than Pembina (20.93), Ramsey (18.32), and Ransom (13.20). The county enjoys notably lower exposure across flood, tornado, and earthquake hazards compared to neighboring areas.

Wildfire is the primary hazard

Wildfire risk at 56.49 dominates Pierce County's natural disaster profile, though this remains moderate by regional standards. Tornado risk (15.65) and flood risk (2.51) are significantly lower concerns.

Wildfire coverage is your priority

Ensure your homeowners policy includes wildfire protection, as standard coverage typically excludes this peril. Given the county's low flood and tornado exposure, basic liability and structure coverage should suffice for most homeowners.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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