countyscore
50.4
County Score
Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 81.7Cost of Living 70.8

County Report Card

About Ramsey County, North Dakota

Ramsey County aligns with national medians

Ramsey County’s composite score of 50.4 places it right at the heart of the national median. It offers a typical American experience with specific local advantages in housing and environmental safety.

Below the North Dakota average

The county's 50.4 score trails the North Dakota state average of 61.5. This suggests that while it is stable nationally, it faces stiffer competition from other high-performing counties in the state.

Strong environmental and water scores

Residents enjoy high water quality with a score of 86.0 and a risk score of 81.7. These scores indicate a well-managed environment with low exposure to climate-related hazards.

Addressing safety and income metrics

The safety score of 7.6 is significantly lower than state peers and remains the primary challenge. Improving public safety and boosting the income score of 43.1 are key areas for community growth.

A budget-friendly choice for renters

Ramsey County suits individuals seeking low monthly costs, with median rent at only $687. It is a practical option for those who prioritize environmental quality and affordability over urban safety ratings.

Score breakdown

Tax42.6Cost70.8Safety7.6Health66.3Schools59.8Income43.1Risk81.7Water86Weather46.8
🏛42.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠70.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼43.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡7.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤66.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓59.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡81.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤46.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨66.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱56.2
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Benson County
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63.2
Nelson County
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71.5
Eddy County
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Cavalier County
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Towner County
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Foster County
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Griggs County
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Walsh County
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Deep Dives

Ramsey County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Ramsey County

via TaxByCounty

Ramsey County rates slightly above national

Ramsey County's effective tax rate of 0.936% sits above the national median of 0.87%, but its median tax of $1,847 is still less than 70% of the national median of $2,690. Homes here average $197,400, well below the national median of $281,900.

Slightly above North Dakota average

At 0.936%, Ramsey County's effective rate exceeds the state average of 0.885%, while its median tax of $1,847 tops the state median of $1,460. Ramsey offers a moderate-to-higher tax burden within North Dakota.

Mid-range among northeastern counties

Ramsey County's 0.936% rate falls between Oliver County's 0.628% and Pierce County's 1.030%, placing it squarely in the middle of the northeast cluster. It's substantially cheaper than Pierce but more expensive than Oliver.

Annual tax of $1,847 on $197,400 homes

The typical Ramsey County home is valued at $197,400 and generates an annual tax bill of $1,847. Homeowners with mortgages pay $2,031 on average, while outright owners pay $1,645.

Question your assessment today

Ramsey County's higher-than-average state rate makes it worth investigating whether your assessed value is accurate. Many homeowners successfully reduce their bills through formal appeals—a free process that could save hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Ramsey County

via CostByCounty

Ramsey rents align with state norms

Ramsey County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.4% sits slightly above the national average but close to North Dakota's state average of 12.8%. The median rent of $687 remains affordable for the $61,319 median household income, though income here lags the national median.

Below-average income, near-average rents

Ramsey County ranks in the middle-to-lower tier for housing affordability in North Dakota, with a rent-to-income ratio of 13.4% versus the state average of 12.8%. While rents ($687) sit comfortably below the state median of $770, lower median income of $61,319 makes affordability more challenging.

Ramsey offers modest rent savings

Ramsey County's $687 monthly rent is among the lowest in its region, beaten only by Pembina County ($692, but practically equal) and Rolette County ($479). However, Ramsey's median income of $61,319 is the second-lowest in this cluster, making the rent savings less impactful.

Housing takes 24% of income

Ramsey County residents spend 13.4% of income on rent and another 15.8% on owner costs, totaling roughly 29.2% of income for housing. Homebuyers face proportionally higher costs than renters in this market, suggesting renting may be the better financial move.

Ramsey suits income-conscious movers

Ramsey County works well if you value low rent costs and don't mind a lower-income area. Before relocating, compare it to higher-income peers like Oliver County ($76,953 income, 11.3% rent ratio) to ensure the trade-offs align with your priorities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Ramsey County

via IncomeByCounty

Ramsey County's income trails national median

Ramsey County's median household income of $61,319 runs $13,436 below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-income tier nationally. The income gap reflects challenges common to rural communities dependent on agriculture and limited service sectors.

Lowest income ranking in North Dakota

Ramsey County ranks at the lower end of North Dakota's income distribution at $61,319, falling $11,218 below the state average of $72,537. The county faces the steepest income challenges among the profiled North Dakota communities.

Significantly below surrounding counties

Ramsey County's $61,319 median household income trails all neighboring profiled counties, including Pierce County ($63,214), Pembina County ($66,884), and Richland County ($72,524). The gap suggests household financial constraints compared to the broader region.

Housing costs stretch budgets

At 13.4% of median household income, Ramsey County's rent-to-income ratio is moderate, but the low base income means housing costs still consume meaningful portions of household budgets. Median home values of $197,400 also present challenges for first-time homebuyers.

Leverage community resources for stability

Ramsey County residents should seek out no-cost financial counseling through local nonprofits and leverage employer benefits like matching 401(k) contributions. Building financial stability through debt reduction and emergency savings will strengthen household resilience over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Ramsey County

via CrimeByCounty

Higher Activity Levels in Ramsey County

Ramsey County reports a total crime rate of 3,039.7 per 100,000 residents, which exceeds the national average of 2,385.5. Consequently, its safety score of 95.2 is lower than many of its rural counterparts. Law enforcement handles more calls here than in most U.S. counties.

A Busy Spot on the State Map

The county's safety score of 95.2 falls below the North Dakota average of 98.5. Its total crime rate is three times higher than the state average of 976.6 per 100,000. These numbers indicate that Ramsey is a more active hub for law enforcement.

Higher Crime Rates Than Neighbors

Ramsey County's crime rate of 3,039.7 is significantly higher than nearby Pierce County's 975.2. It also sees much more reported activity than Rolette or Pembina counties. Residents experience a different safety landscape than those in surrounding rural areas.

Property Crimes Drive Local Numbers

Property crime is high at 2,660.8 per 100,000 residents, which is above the national average of 2,015.7. Violent crime is also slightly elevated at 378.9 compared to the state average. Most law enforcement energy is focused on theft and property-related incidents.

Invest in Proactive Home Defense

Given the higher property crime rates, a robust home security system is a wise investment for Ramsey residents. Ensure all windows and doors have secondary locks and consider motion-activated alarms. Active neighborhood watch programs can also help reduce local theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Ramsey County

via HealthByCounty

Ramsey County Faces Longevity Challenges

Ramsey County's life expectancy of 75.0 years falls below the U.S. average of roughly 76 years, signaling potential health disparities. With 14.8% reporting poor or fair health, the county experiences typical health challenges.

Below State Average Life Expectancy

Ramsey County's 75.0-year life expectancy lags North Dakota's 77.5-year average by 2.5 years, ranking among the state's shorter-lived counties. Its 7.6% uninsured rate closely mirrors the state average.

Lowest Life Expectancy in Region

Ramsey County's 75.0-year life expectancy trails neighboring Renville County (75.8 years) and significantly lags Pembina County (77.7 years). The county faces distinctive health challenges compared to adjacent areas.

Exceptional Provider Capacity

Ramsey County boasts 95 primary care providers and a remarkable 506 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—far exceeding most state and national benchmarks. Despite this robust infrastructure, the 7.6% uninsured rate may limit some residents' ability to access these services.

Connect With Coverage Now

With 7.6% uninsured and above-average health challenges, getting covered is especially important in Ramsey County. Contact your local health department or visit Healthcare.gov to find plans that connect you with the county's abundant care resources.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Ramsey County

via SchoolsByCounty

Education Infrastructure in the Lake Region

Ramsey County supports 1,827 students across 10 public schools and four different districts. The landscape includes a diverse mix of six elementary schools, one middle school, and three high schools.

Competitive Scores and Solid Investment

The county's 87.0% graduation rate matches the national average and sits slightly above the North Dakota state average of 84.8%. Spending is robust at $9,914 per pupil, exceeding the state average by more than $500.

Devils Lake 1 Dominates Enrollment

Devils Lake 1 is the primary district, serving 1,733 students across five schools, including specialized kindergarten and middle school centers. Smaller districts like Edmore 2 and Starkweather 44 provide very intimate settings for fewer than 50 students each.

A Blend of Town and Country

The county features a mix of six town-based schools and four rural schools, with an overall average size of 183 students. Central Middle School is the largest campus with 518 students, while several rural schools offer significantly smaller class sizes.

Find Your Home Near Devils Lake Schools

Ramsey County offers a variety of educational environments, from the larger Devils Lake schools to quiet rural districts. Families move here for the balance of strong academic performance and the region's unique recreational lifestyle.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Ramsey County

via RiskByCounty

Ramsey County faces moderate national risk

Ramsey County's composite risk score of 18.32 sits below the national average, though it reflects more exposure than many western U.S. counties. The very low rating masks significant localized wildfire and tornado vulnerabilities.

Higher-risk county in North Dakota

Ramsey County ranks in the upper third statewide with an 18.32 composite score below but closer to the state average of 22.19. Several other ND counties face greater overall risk, but Ramsey's wildfire exposure is notably elevated.

Riskier than most nearby counties

Ramsey's 18.32 score exceeds Pierce (3.24), Oliver (1.72), and Pembina (20.93), positioning it as a moderate-risk county in the region. The county's 79.87 wildfire risk score is the highest among all northern ND neighbors.

Wildfires and tornadoes dominate risks

Wildfire risk scores an exceptionally high 79.87—the single largest hazard threat in Ramsey County. Tornado risk (27.16) ranks second, making severe weather a year-round concern for residents.

Wildfire and tornado coverage essential

Add explicit wildfire protection to your homeowners policy immediately; standard coverage excludes this peril. Tornado damage is typically covered under standard policies, but verify your deductible and replacement cost coverage given the county's 27.16 tornado risk score.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Ramsey County

via WeatherByCounty

Extreme Continental Weather Patterns

Ramsey County's annual average temperature of 38.8°F is well below the national median. This reflects a continental climate with vast differences between summer highs and winter lows.

Colder and Wetter Than Average

At 38.8°F, the county sits more than two degrees below the state average of 41.0°F. However, its 20.9 inches of annual precipitation makes it slightly wetter than the 19.5-inch state norm.

Consistent Regional Cold

Ramsey shares a 38.8°F average with Pierce County, but receives about five inches less snow annually. It remains significantly colder than southern counties like Richland.

Harsh Winters, Short Summers

January is the coldest month at 5.3°F, while July provides a warm 68.0°F average. The county sees 38.0 inches of snowfall and only 5 days of extreme heat per year.

Prepare for Long Freezes

High-performance heating systems are critical for surviving the 8.7°F winter average. Outdoor planning should account for the brief summer window and the nearly 40 inches of annual snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Ramsey County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Alkaline and Rich Ramsey Soils

The average pH in Ramsey County is 7.32, which is significantly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This chemical profile is common across North Dakota's lake regions. The soil serves as a stable, mineral-rich environment for a variety of local plant life.

Balanced Texture for Agricultural Stability

A blend of 35.9% sand and 37.3% silt provides a firm but manageable soil structure. The 22.2% clay content aids in nutrient storage, ensuring that vital minerals remain available throughout the growing season. This composition balances drainage with the weight needed to support heavy crops.

Superior Fertility and Organic Richness

Organic matter is exceptionally high at 8.29%, nearly double the state average of 4.69%. This is paired with an available water capacity of 0.188 in/in, which is higher than the state average. Such rich soil offers massive potential for high-yield farming and lush gardens.

Moisture Management in the Lake Basin

Although specific drainage classes are not listed, the high organic content suggests the soil acts like a natural sponge. This helps plants survive dry periods but may require attention during wet seasons to prevent oversaturation. Local terrain plays a major role in how water moves through these rich fields.

Abundant Growth in Zone 4a

A soil score of 66.5 makes Ramsey County a prime spot for wheat, barley, and sunflowers. Zone 4a is also suitable for a wide range of vegetables including peppers and tomatoes if started indoors. Your backyard is ready for a high-performance garden this season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Ramsey County

via LawnByCounty

Strong Scores for Northern Turf

Ramsey County features a lawn difficulty score of 56.2, outperforming both the state and national averages. Its Zone 4a hardiness rating supports a wide variety of cool-season grasses that can withstand the local winters.

Low Heat Stress Environment

Lawns benefit from 20.9 inches of annual rain and only 5 days of extreme heat above 90°F. This combination allows for a more relaxed mowing schedule compared to hotter parts of the state where grass stops growing in July.

Rich Clay and Sand Mix

The soil pH of 7.32 is slightly higher than the ideal 7.0 limit, suggesting a need for occasional iron supplements. With 22.2% clay and 35.9% sand, the soil provides a sturdy foundation that holds onto moisture and nutrients effectively.

Managing Short Dry Spells

The county faced 7 weeks of drought over the past year, which is relatively low for this region. While current conditions are clear of drought, keeping a 1-inch weekly water target during July is essential for maintaining green color.

Extended Autumn Growth

The first fall frost typically arrives on October 5th, giving you extra time in the late summer for lawn repairs. Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass are excellent choices for the May 15th through October window.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ramsey County's county score?
Ramsey County, North Dakota has a composite county score of 50.4 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 Ramsey County rank among counties in North Dakota?
Ramsey County ranks #44 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 Ramsey County, North Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Ramsey County is $1,847, with an effective tax rate of 0.94%. This earns Ramsey County a tax score of 42.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ramsey County?
The median household income in Ramsey County, North Dakota is $61,319 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ramsey County earns an income score of 43.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ramsey County, North Dakota a good place to live?
Ramsey County scores 50.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #44 in North Dakota. The best way to evaluate Ramsey 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 Ramsey County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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