Ransom County's composite score of 74.7 towers 49% above the national median of 50.0, confirming strong livability performance. The county ranks solidly in the upper half of American counties for overall quality of life and opportunity.
2 / 5
Barely trailing North Dakota's average
Ransom County scores 74.7, nearly matching the state average of 74.8 and landing firmly in the middle of North Dakota's 53 counties. It represents a reliable, benchmarked option among state peers.
3 / 5
Income and risk resilience lead the way
Ransom County's 32.0 income score ranks among the county group's highest, with median household income of $74,521 providing solid earning power. The 86.8 risk score and reasonable 82.5 cost score create a balanced economic foundation with manageable risk exposure.
4 / 5
Taxes and health lag slightly
The county's 72.7 tax score reflects a 1.052% effective tax rate, the highest in this group, and the 76.4 health score trails several peers. Missing school, safety, and water data limits the complete livability picture.
5 / 5
Ideal for working families seeking balance
Ransom County suits families with moderate-to-good incomes who value stable earning potential and manageable financial risk. The combination of reasonable income levels and low disaster exposure makes it an attractive choice for those balancing career opportunity with rural community stability.
Ransom County's composite score of 74.7 towers 49% above the national median of 50.0, confirming strong livability performance. The county ranks solidly in the upper half of American counties for overall quality of life and opportunity.
Barely trailing North Dakota's average
Ransom County scores 74.7, nearly matching the state average of 74.8 and landing firmly in the middle of North Dakota's 53 counties. It represents a reliable, benchmarked option among state peers.
Income and risk resilience lead the way
Ransom County's 32.0 income score ranks among the county group's highest, with median household income of $74,521 providing solid earning power. The 86.8 risk score and reasonable 82.5 cost score create a balanced economic foundation with manageable risk exposure.
Taxes and health lag slightly
The county's 72.7 tax score reflects a 1.052% effective tax rate, the highest in this group, and the 76.4 health score trails several peers. Missing school, safety, and water data limits the complete livability picture.
Ideal for working families seeking balance
Ransom County suits families with moderate-to-good incomes who value stable earning potential and manageable financial risk. The combination of reasonable income levels and low disaster exposure makes it an attractive choice for those balancing career opportunity with rural community stability.
Score breakdown
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🏛72.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.