countyscore
66.7
County Score
Disaster Risk 86.8Water Quality 86Health 78

County Report Card

About Ransom County, North Dakota

Ransom County shows strong national standing

A composite score of 66.7 puts Ransom County well ahead of the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high-functioning community with consistent strengths in multiple categories.

Outperforming the state benchmark

Ransom County exceeds the North Dakota average score of 61.5. It is recognized locally for combining high earning potential with a safe, stable community environment.

High incomes and environmental safety

With an income score of 76.5 and a median household income of $74,521, residents are financially well-positioned. Environmental resilience is also high, reflected by a risk score of 86.8.

Managing property tax rates

The tax score of 34.4 is the lowest dimension for the county. This reflects an effective tax rate of 1.052%, which is a trade-off for the county's high-quality services and infrastructure.

Built for working professionals

This county is a great fit for mid-career professionals looking for high wages and a safe place to live. It offers a balanced mix of economic opportunity and reliable community safety.

Score breakdown

Tax34.4Cost64.5Safety75.7Health78Schools71.3Income76.5Risk86.8Water86Weather41
🏛34.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠64.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼76.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡75.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤78
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓71.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡86.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤41
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨61.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱58
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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Counties with similar scores

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Nearby counties

Sargent County
North Dakota
60.6
Barnes County
North Dakota
56.2
LaMoure County
North Dakota
70.4
Cass County
North Dakota
38.9
Richland County
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51.7
Dickey County
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62.6
Marshall County
South Dakota
64.5
Wilkin County
Minnesota
65.3

Deep Dives

Ransom County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Ransom County

via TaxByCounty

Ransom County taxes remain below national

Ransom County's effective tax rate of 1.052% exceeds the national median of 0.87%, yet the median annual tax of $1,838 is still less than 70% of the national median of $2,690. The median home here costs $174,800—far below the national median of $281,900.

Among the highest in North Dakota

At 1.052%, Ransom County's effective rate ranks above North Dakota's state average of 0.885%, and its median tax of $1,838 significantly exceeds the state median of $1,460. Ransom stands out as one of the higher-tax counties in the state.

Second-highest rate in region

Ransom County's 1.052% rate trails only Pierce County's 1.030% among nearby counties and far exceeds Oliver County's 0.628%. It ranks as a pricier option for property taxes in south-central North Dakota.

Annual taxes of $1,838 on median homes

On Ransom County's median home value of $174,800, homeowners pay an annual property tax of $1,838. Those with mortgages average $2,046, while outright owners pay $1,639.

Appeal if your assessment is steep

Ransom County's elevated effective rate makes assessment accuracy especially important—overassessed homeowners lose money year after year. File a property tax appeal with your county assessor if you believe your home's assessed value exceeds its true market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Ransom County

via CostByCounty

Ransom rents rank among nation's best

Ransom County's rent-to-income ratio of 11.4% beats both the national average and North Dakota's state average of 12.8%. At $710 monthly, rents are surprisingly affordable for the $74,521 median household income, approaching the national median of $74,755.

Top-tier rental affordability in ND

Ransom County ranks among North Dakota's most affordable counties for renters, with an 11.4% rent-to-income ratio well below the state average of 12.8%. The median rent of $710 sits comfortably below the state median of $770, combining strong affordability with healthy income.

Ransom holds its own regionally

Ransom County's $710 rent and 11.4% ratio put it in the top tier alongside Oliver County (11.3% ratio, $725 rent) and Richland County (12.4% ratio, $751 rent). With a median income of $74,521—among the highest in this peer group—Ransom offers solid income-to-rent balance.

Housing consumes 22% of income

Ransom County residents allocate 11.4% of income to rent and another 14.0% to owner costs, totaling roughly 25.4% of household income toward housing. Both renters and homebuyers stay well within the 30% affordability threshold, suggesting financial stability.

Ransom combines income and value

Ransom County is ideal if you want strong incomes paired with affordable housing in both rental and ownership markets. For direct comparison, check Oliver County (11.3% rent ratio, $76,953 income) or Richland County (12.4% rent ratio, $72,524 income) to see which best matches your relocation needs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Ransom County

via IncomeByCounty

Ransom County nearly matches national income

At $74,521, Ransom County's median household income sits just $234 below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it at near-parity with national earnings. The county's economy holds its own against national benchmarks despite rural characteristics.

Above-average income across North Dakota

Ransom County ranks well within North Dakota's income landscape at $74,521, exceeding the state average of $72,537 by $1,984. The county's economic strength reflects diversified employment and competitive wages in the region.

Among the region's top earners

Ransom County's $74,521 median household income trails only Oliver County ($76,953) and Renville County ($76,311) among profiled neighbors. This positions the county as one of the stronger economic performers in the northern plains region.

Rent is very affordable for residents

At 11.4% of median household income, Ransom County's rent-to-income ratio indicates strong housing affordability for renters. The low ratio means households retain substantial income for other expenses and wealth-building after covering housing costs.

Invest your housing savings advantage

With manageable housing costs freeing up income, Ransom County households should prioritize investing in retirement accounts and diversified portfolios. Consider automating savings transfers and meeting with a financial planner to turn your affordability advantage into long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Ransom County

via CrimeByCounty

Ransom County Among America's Safest

Ransom County features a stellar safety score of 99.1, indicating it is one of the safest places in the country. The total crime rate of 582.7 per 100,000 residents is about one-fourth of the national average. Local safety is a hallmark of the community.

Exceeding the State Safety Average

The county's safety score of 99.1 is notably higher than the state average of 98.5. With a total crime rate of 582.7, it performs better than the North Dakota average of 976.6. Two local agencies work to maintain this impressive record.

Consistency Across the Region

Ransom County's crime rate of 582.7 is nearly identical to Pembina County's 583.7. It is significantly safer than Richland County, which has a rate of 1,704.1. This highlights Ransom's position as a regional leader in public safety.

Exceptionally Low Violent Crime Rates

Ransom County reports a violent crime rate of only 35.3 per 100,000 residents, one of the lowest in the state. Property crime stands at 547.4, which is also well below national levels. The data shows that serious crimes are very rare here.

Keep Your Community Secure

While crime is minimal, staying proactive helps keep Ransom County safe for everyone. Simple steps like locking shed doors and utilizing smart lighting can deter the rare property incident. Community awareness remains the strongest asset for local safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Ransom County

via HealthByCounty

Ransom County Exceeds U.S. Life Expectancy

Ransom County residents live an average of 78.1 years, surpassing the U.S. life expectancy of roughly 76 years. The county's 14.9% poor or fair health rate remains manageable compared to national averages.

Above State Average Longevity

Ransom County's 78.1-year life expectancy outpaces North Dakota's 77.5-year state average, ranking it among the state's healthier counties. Its 7.3% uninsured rate is slightly below the state average of 7.5%.

Strongest Life Expectancy in Region

Ransom County's 78.1-year life expectancy leads neighboring Pembina County (77.7 years) and significantly exceeds Ramsey County (75.0 years). The county represents one of the region's healthier communities.

Well-Balanced Healthcare Infrastructure

Ransom County provides 35 primary care providers and 36 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, delivering balanced access to both physical and behavioral health. The 7.3% uninsured rate means most residents can access available care.

Secure Your Health Insurance Today

Ransom County's 7.3% uninsured rate is near the state average, but uninsured families still miss critical protections. Visit Healthcare.gov or contact Ransom County Social Services to explore coverage options that work for your household.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Ransom County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rural Academic Excellence in Ransom County

Ransom County manages a network of nine public schools serving 1,005 students across three districts. This infrastructure includes five elementary schools, one middle school, and three high schools to support area families.

High Performance on a Lean Budget

The county achieves an impressive 93.4% graduation rate, significantly outperforming both the state average of 84.8% and the national 87% mark. This success is maintained despite a per-pupil expenditure of $8,033, which is lower than the state average.

Lisbon 19 Leads Local Districts

Lisbon 19 is the largest district in the county with 628 students, followed by Enderlin Area 24 which enrolls 308. These traditional districts account for all public enrollment, as there are no charter schools in the county.

The Heart of Rural Learning

Every school in the county is situated in a rural locale, with an average enrollment of 112 students per building. Lisbon Elementary is the largest facility with 235 students, while Ft Ransom 6 offers one of the smallest environments in the state with just 22 students.

Invest in a Community That Values Results

Ransom County's high graduation rates make it a standout choice for families looking for quality public education. Explore homes in Lisbon or Enderlin to benefit from these successful, community-driven school systems.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Ransom County

via RiskByCounty

Ransom County faces low-moderate risk

Ransom County's composite risk score of 13.20 reflects lower exposure than the typical U.S. county, though more than counties in the far western plains. The very low rating belies notable wildfire and tornado vulnerabilities in this east-central region.

Lower-risk county for North Dakota

Ransom County ranks in the lower-middle tier statewide with a 13.20 composite score, well below the state average of 22.19. Its risk profile is more favorable than counties like Richland and Rolette.

Safer than Richland, riskier than Oliver

Ransom's 13.20 score exceeds Oliver (1.72) and Pierce (3.24) but falls below Richland (35.31) and Rolette (52.86). The county faces moderate wildfire (59.76) and tornado (24.08) exposure typical of east-central North Dakota.

Wildfires and tornadoes pose real threats

Wildfire risk at 59.76 is Ransom County's leading natural disaster concern, while tornado risk (24.08) ranks second. Flood risk (14.34) remains present but represents a lower overall threat to county residents.

Add wildfire and verify tornado coverage

Request wildfire protection as a rider or endorsement on your homeowners policy; most standard policies exclude this peril. Confirm that tornado and hail damage are covered under your policy's comprehensive protection, given the county's meaningful tornado exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Ransom County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer but Still Northern

Ransom County's 43.2°F annual average is higher than many neighbors but remains below the national median. This area represents a slightly more temperate pocket of the Great Plains.

Above the State Average

This county is warmer than the 41.0°F state average, making it one of the more mild regions in North Dakota. It is also wetter than average, receiving 22.9 inches of precipitation annually.

Wetter and Warmer Locally

Ransom is nearly five degrees warmer on average than Pembina County. It also sees more extreme heat, with 14 days over 90°F compared to just 4 in the north.

Hot Summers and Heavy Snow

Summer temperatures average 69.4°F, with July hitting 71.6°F. Winter remains cold at 14.6°F on average, and the county receives a significant 46.7 inches of annual snowfall.

Manage Both Heat and Snow

The 14 extreme heat days make air conditioning a wise investment here. Additionally, residents must be prepared for the highest snowfall in the region at 46.7 inches per year.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Ransom County

via SoilByCounty

Consistent Alkaline Profiles in Ransom

Ransom County soil carries an average pH of 7.30, exceeding the national median of 6.5. This alkalinity is typical for the region's agricultural heartland. It provides a mineral-heavy environment that supports the local prairie ecosystem and commercial crops.

Sandy Loam Characteristics for Easy Working

The soil contains a significant 43.7% sand and 36.1% silt, creating a texture that is generally easy to cultivate. With 19.6% clay, it maintains a good balance of aeration and nutrient-holding capacity. This mix is well-suited for diverse agricultural applications across the county.

Reliable Organic Matter and Water Storage

Organic matter levels reach 4.59%, closely aligning with the North Dakota average of 4.69%. The available water capacity is exactly at the state average of 0.186 in/in. These metrics indicate a dependable and productive soil for standard regional farming.

Steady Infiltration for Healthy Roots

While formal drainage data is not available, the higher sand percentage usually ensures steady water infiltration. This prevents the soil from becoming easily compacted, which is beneficial for root health. Gardeners should still monitor moisture levels during the peak of summer heat.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 4a

With a soil score of 61.2, this county is ideal for growing corn and soybeans. The 4a hardiness zone also supports a variety of hardy ornamental flowers and vegetable staples like beans and squash. It is a great time to dig in and start your own local plot.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Ransom County

via LawnByCounty

The Easiest Lawns in the State

Ransom County earns a 58.0 lawn difficulty score, making it one of the easiest places in North Dakota to keep a green yard. This score is significantly higher than the national median of 50.0, though Zone 4a winters still dictate your grass choice.

Plentiful Rain and Growing Days

At 22.9 inches of annual precipitation, Ransom is much wetter than the state average of 19.5 inches. A high 2520 Growing Degree Days provides a long, productive season for turf to establish and thrive.

Balanced Soil for Healthy Roots

The soil composition of 43.7% sand and 19.6% clay offers a great balance of drainage and structure. While the pH of 7.30 is slightly alkaline, it is manageable with standard lawn care practices and proper fertilization.

Reliable Moisture Profile

Only 7 weeks were spent in drought last year, and the county currently faces no moisture deficits. The higher annual rainfall means you can often rely on natural precipitation more than your neighbors to the west.

Capitalize on the Long Season

Take advantage of the May 12th spring start to get your lawn established early. With the first fall frost not expected until October 5th, you have an ideal window for overseeding and winterization.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ransom County's county score?
Ransom County, North Dakota has a composite county score of 66.7 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 Ransom County rank among counties in North Dakota?
Ransom County ranks #19 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 Ransom County, North Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Ransom County is $1,838, with an effective tax rate of 1.05%. This earns Ransom County a tax score of 34.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ransom County?
The median household income in Ransom County, North Dakota is $74,521 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ransom County earns an income score of 76.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ransom County, North Dakota a good place to live?
Ransom County scores 66.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #19 in North Dakota. The best way to evaluate Ransom 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 Ransom 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.