CountyScore

Ramsey County

North Dakota · ND

#33 in North Dakota
74.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Ramsey County, North Dakota

Ramsey County significantly outperforms nationally

Ramsey County's composite score of 74.1 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 48%, placing it in the upper echelon of American counties for livability. This strong performance reflects balanced strengths across multiple quality-of-life dimensions.

Right at North Dakota's average

Ramsey County scores 74.1, sitting just below the state average of 74.8 and holding a solid middle position among North Dakota's 53 counties. It represents a typical but still above-national-average option for state residents.

Tax burden and affordability stand out

Ramsey County's 76.0 tax score reflects a moderate 0.936% effective tax rate, and its 83.9 cost score shows strong housing affordability with median values of $197,400. These financial advantages provide genuine economic stability for families and retirees.

Income and health outcomes lag slightly

The county's 23.4 income score is a significant weakness, with median household income of only $61,319 indicating limited earning potential. The 73.7 health score also trails stronger performers, and missing data on schools and safety prevents complete evaluation.

Suits those seeking modest-income stability

Ramsey County appeals to retirees, fixed-income families, and remote workers valuing low taxes and affordable housing over high earning potential. The reasonable financial fundamentals make it a solid choice for those prioritizing cost containment and community stability over income maximization.

Score breakdown

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

Tax76Cost83.9SafetyComing SoonHealth73.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome23.4Risk81.7WaterComing Soon
🏛76
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼23.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤73.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡81.7
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 Ramsey County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Bristol Bay Borough
Alaska
74.1
Median income: $100,625
Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area
Alaska
74.1
Median income: $59,079
Green County
Kentucky
74.1
Median income: $41,087
Nuckolls County
Nebraska
74.1
Median income: $70,201
Edgefield County
South Carolina
74.1
Median income: $67,092

Deep Dives

Ramsey County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.