countyscore
63.9
County Score
Disaster Risk 96.8Water Quality 86Health 84.8

County Report Card

About Pierce County, North Dakota

Pierce County sits comfortably above median

With a composite score of 63.9, Pierce County remains a solid choice compared to the national median of 50.0. It offers a reliable standard of living that attracts those looking for stability.

Above average in North Dakota

The county's overall score slightly exceeds the state average of 61.5. It maintains a competitive edge over several neighboring counties through consistent performance in health and safety.

Remarkable health and low risk

Pierce County shines with a risk score of 96.8 and a health score of 84.8. Residents benefit from a clean environment and a very low risk of natural disasters.

Tax and income growth opportunities

The tax score of 36.0 and income score of 49.0 represent the county's biggest hurdles. The effective tax rate of 1.030% is slightly higher than state peers with similar income levels.

A safe bet for health-conscious living

Pierce County is best for retirees or families who value environmental safety and health services. With homes averaging $143,400, it remains an attainable option for middle-income earners.

204060801003664.757.684.8744996.88644.5Tax36Cost64.7Safety57.6Health84.8Schools74Income49Risk96.8Water86Weather44.563.9/100
This county
National avg
5 above average2 below average

Pierce County DNA

D+overall

How Pierce County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Pierce County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (96.8/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (36/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
36-16
Cost
64.7+16.700000000000003
Safety
57.6
Health
84.8+34.8
Schools
74+20
Income
49
Risk
96.8+49.8
Water
86+28
Weather
44.5-11.5
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Pierce County?

Many homeowners in Pierce 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

$143,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$807/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$143,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,280/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $63,214/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

25.2

per 100K

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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Nearby counties

McHenry County
North Dakota
69.3
Rolette County
North Dakota
57.6
Benson County
North Dakota
63.2
Wells County
North Dakota
68.2
Towner County
North Dakota
60.4
Sheridan County
North Dakota
62.1
Bottineau County
North Dakota
61.3
Ramsey County
North Dakota
50.4

Deep Dives

Pierce County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Pierce County

via CrimeByCounty

Pierce County Meets High Safety Standards

Pierce County earns a safety score of 98.5, indicating a secure environment for residents and visitors. Its total crime rate of 975.2 per 100,000 residents is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. It remains a low-risk area by national measures.

A Typical North Dakota Safety Profile

The county's safety score of 98.5 perfectly matches the North Dakota state average. Its total crime rate of 975.2 is also almost identical to the state average of 976.6. Two reporting agencies provide a consistent picture of local safety.

Safer Than Larger Nearby Hubs

Pierce County is significantly more secure than Ramsey County, where the crime rate is three times higher. However, it sees more activity than smaller neighbors like Oliver County. It occupies a middle ground in regional safety rankings.

Violent Crime Remains Relatively Rare

Violent crime occurs at a rate of 125.0 per 100,000 residents, which is close to the state average. Property crime is more prevalent, making up 850.2 of the total incidents reported. These numbers reflect a community where property protection is the main focus.

Focus on Home Perimeter Security

With property crime as the leading local concern, reinforcing entry points can provide extra peace of mind. Consider installing smart doorbells to monitor deliveries and visitors in real-time. Vigilance helps maintain the county's stable safety record.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Pierce County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rugby's Centralized Education Hub

Pierce County utilizes a centralized school model with two public schools housed in a single district. These facilities serve 607 students, providing a streamlined path from elementary through high school graduation.

Exceptional Graduation Rates with Efficient Spending

The county boasts a stellar 95.0% graduation rate, far exceeding the state average of 84.8% and the national 87% mark. This high performance is achieved with a lean per-pupil expenditure of $7,876, well below the national median of $13,000.

Spotlight on Rugby District 5

Rugby 5 is the sole provider of public education in the county, managing 607 students across its two campuses. There are no charter schools in the area, meaning all local students benefit from the district's high-performing academic programs.

A Town-Centered School Experience

Unlike many neighboring counties, Pierce County schools are located in a town setting, offering an average enrollment of 304 students. Rugby Ely Elementary is the largest with 310 students, while Rugby High School follows closely with 297 students.

Join a High-Achieving Community

With a 95% graduation rate, Pierce County is a premier choice for families prioritizing academic success in a town environment. Consider local real estate options to secure a spot in this top-performing district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Pierce County

via WaterByCounty

Pierce County Meets All Drinking Water Standards

The county earns an A grade with no health violations recorded in the federal SDWIS database over five years. Its violation rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents is superior to the state average of 47.0. Local water systems consistently provide safe, compliant water to the public.

Low Impairment Levels in Local Waters

Only one out of 14 assessed water bodies is listed as impaired, resulting in a low rate of 7.1%. Nutrients are the primary cause of concern for this single site according to the 2022 cycle. This is well below the North Dakota average impairment rate of 19.3%.

Limited Monitoring Data for Pierce County

The federal Water Quality Portal shows only 3 monitoring sites with 347 measurements recorded over the last five years. Physical properties and nutrients are the most frequently measured characteristic groups in this limited set. More frequent sampling could provide a more comprehensive view of the county's water health.

No Active USGS Streamgages in Pierce

There is currently no representative USGS streamgage recording live flow data within Pierce County. Without a primary gauge, flow trends are inferred from regional patterns and the county's excellent drinking water compliance. Residents should look to neighboring counties for general watershed discharge trends.

Focus on Nutrient Management for Water Safety

Since nutrients are the only reported impairment, limiting fertilizer runoff is the most effective way to protect local water. The limited monitoring data suggests residents should favor systems that test for a wide range of contaminants. Continue to trust the A-rated public supply while staying vigilant about private well health.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Pierce County

via WeatherByCounty

Rugged Northern Plains Weather

Pierce County maintains an annual average temperature of 38.8°F, which is far colder than the U.S. national median. The region is characterized by extreme temperature swings between the seasons.

Trailing the State Average

The county's 38.8°F average is lower than the statewide North Dakota average of 41.0°F. It experiences a drier climate than the national average, though its 21.0 inches of precipitation exceeds the state's 19.5-inch mark.

High Snowfall in the Region

With 43.4 inches of snow annually, Pierce is significantly snowier than neighboring Ramsey County. Its 38.8°F average temperature is identical to Ramsey's, suggesting a consistent regional climate profile.

A Snowy, Sub-Zero Winter

Winter is intense with a December-February average of 9.5°F and January lows of 6.0°F. Summers are pleasant at 65.6°F, though the county still sees about 7 days of heat exceeding 90°F.

Gear Up for Deep Snow

The 43.4 inches of annual snowfall requires reliable snow blowers and winterized vehicles. Homeowners should focus on attic insulation to maintain warmth during the 6.0°F January stretches.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Pierce County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline and Sandy Characteristics

Pierce County has a pH of 7.25, placing it well above the national median of 6.5. Although taxonomic data is not formally categorized here, the alkalinity is a defining trait for local land management. This profile requires specific plant selections that can thrive in non-acidic conditions.

Light and Easy-to-Work Soils

The soil is relatively light, composed of 49.1% sand and 34.0% silt. With only 16.9% clay, these fields are easy to till and warm up quickly in the spring sun. This high sand content provides excellent aeration for developing root systems.

Lower Water Capacity but Good Organic Matter

Organic matter stands at 3.97%, which is higher than the national average of 2.0% but lower than the state's 4.69% average. The available water capacity is 0.177 in/in, trailing the state average and suggesting a need for more frequent irrigation. Growers should focus on building soil health to improve moisture retention.

Fast Drainage for Sandy Fields

While specific hydrologic groups are not provided, the high sand percentage typically leads to rapid drainage. This prevents waterlogging but means nutrients can wash away more easily than in clay-heavy soils. Gardeners should consider using compost to help hold water near the surface.

Short Season Success in Zone 3b

The 3b hardiness zone necessitates fast-maturing crops like short-season corn or cold-tolerant leafy greens. Despite a modest soil score of 57.6, the workable texture makes it an inviting place for a summer garden. Planting in raised beds can help capitalize on the soil's quick-warming nature.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Pierce County

via LawnByCounty

Above Average Growing Ease

Pierce County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 57.2, making it easier to maintain a lawn here than in most of North Dakota. However, the 3b hardiness zone classification means you must choose the most cold-hardy grass species available.

Balanced Moisture for Grass

At 21.0 inches of annual precipitation, the county stays well above the state average for rainfall. The 7 extreme heat days per year are fewer than the state average of 13, reducing the risk of mid-summer dormancy.

Sandy Soil Advantage

With 49.1% sand, these soils likely offer rapid drainage and easy root penetration. The pH of 7.25 is slightly alkaline compared to the 6.0-7.0 ideal, so consider using acidifying fertilizers to optimize nutrient uptake.

Excellent Drought History

The county only experienced 4 weeks of drought in the past year, reflecting a much more stable moisture profile than neighboring regions. Because the soil is nearly half sand, your lawn will still require frequent, light watering during dry stretches to prevent wilting.

Prepare for Zone 3 Winters

In Zone 3b, Kentucky Bluegrass is the gold standard for its ability to recover from deep freezes. Wait until after the May 17th frost to seed, and finish all major lawn work before the September 23rd fall frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pierce County's county score?
Pierce County, North Dakota has a composite county score of 63.9 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 Pierce County rank among counties in North Dakota?
Pierce County ranks #24 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 Pierce County, North Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Pierce County is $1,477, with an effective tax rate of 1.03%. This earns Pierce County a tax score of 36/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pierce County?
The median household income in Pierce County, North Dakota is $63,214 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pierce County earns an income score of 49/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pierce County, North Dakota a good place to live?
Pierce County scores 63.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #24 in North Dakota. The best way to evaluate Pierce 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 Pierce County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.