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Renville County, North Dakota — County Report Card

ND

#17 in North Dakota

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
66.8
County Score
Disaster Risk 98.5Water Quality 86Income & Jobs 78.9

County Report Card

About Renville County, North Dakota

Renville County ranks high nationally

Renville County earns a composite score of 66.8, significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. It stands out as a high-performing rural county with robust economic and safety indicators.

A top performer in North Dakota

The county's score of 66.8 beats the state average of 61.5. Renville is particularly competitive in its region due to its low environmental risk and high household incomes.

Unmatched resilience and high wages

An exceptional risk score of 98.5 makes it one of the safest spots from natural disasters. This is paired with a strong income score of 78.9 and a median household income of $76,311.

Housing costs and market access

The cost score of 52.3 is the county's lowest metric, suggesting slightly higher relative costs than some neighbors. Median gross rent sits at $846, which is higher than several surrounding counties.

Perfect for high-earning rural seekers

Renville County is ideal for those who want high income and maximum environmental security. It provides a stable, prosperous environment for families who don't mind paying a bit more for housing.

Score breakdown

Tax65.7Cost52.3Safety72.4Health70Schools65.5Income78.9Risk98.5Water86Weather41.6
🏛65.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠52.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼78.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡72.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤70
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓65.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡98.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤41.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨73.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱48.9
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

Ward County
North Dakota
48.2
Burke County
North Dakota
72.5
Bottineau County
North Dakota
61.3
Mountrail County
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McHenry County
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Rolette County
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Divide County
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McLean County
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Deep Dives

Renville County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Renville County

via TaxByCounty

Renville County offers low tax rates

Renville County's effective tax rate of 0.677% sits below the national median of 0.87%, delivering favorable conditions for homeowners. The median annual tax of $1,107 is less than 41% of the national median of $2,690.

Among the lowest in North Dakota

At 0.677%, Renville County's effective rate ranks below the state average of 0.885%, and its median tax of $1,107 falls well short of the state median of $1,460. Renville stands out as one of the most tax-friendly counties in North Dakota.

Cheaper than most nearby counties

Renville County's 0.677% effective rate beats Oliver County (0.628%) and undercuts Pembina (0.999%) and Ramsey (0.936%). It ranks among the most affordable options in north-central North Dakota.

Just $1,107 annual tax on median homes

With a median home value of $163,400, Renville County homeowners pay only $1,107 in annual property taxes—among the lowest in the state. Mortgaged homeowners average $1,193, while outright owners pay $988.

Verify your assessment anyway

Even in a low-tax county, overassessment happens and can cost you money over time. A quick review of your assessed value against recent comparable sales could confirm you're getting the best rate—or spark a valuable appeal.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Renville County

via CostByCounty

Renville rents are reasonable, not cheap

Renville County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.3% slightly exceeds North Dakota's state average of 12.8% but remains well below the 30% strain threshold. The median rent of $846 is the highest in this regional cluster, reflecting competitive housing demand despite strong median income of $76,311.

Middle tier with premium rents

Renville County ranks in the middle tier for housing affordability in North Dakota, with a rent-to-income ratio of 13.3% compared to the state average of 12.8%. The median rent of $846 exceeds the state median of $770 by $76, the largest premium in this dataset.

Renville commands the highest rents

Renville County's $846 monthly rent is the highest in its region, surpassing Oliver County ($725), Ransom County ($710), and Richland County ($751). Despite this premium, the high median income of $76,311 keeps the rent-to-income ratio manageable at 13.3%.

Housing takes 23% of income

Renville County residents spend 13.3% of income on rent and another 12.9% on owner costs, totaling roughly 26.2% of household income toward housing. Both renters and homebuyers maintain healthy margins below the 30% affordability ceiling.

Renville suits higher earners

Renville County appeals to relocators with strong incomes who can absorb premium rents without financial strain. Compare it to more affordable alternatives like Oliver County (11.3% rent ratio) or Ransom County (11.4% rent ratio) to determine if the higher rents match your budget.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Renville County

via IncomeByCounty

Renville County exceeds national income standards

Renville County's median household income of $76,311 surpasses the U.S. median of $74,755 by $1,556, reflecting above-average earnings capacity. The county's economy demonstrates resilience and competitiveness at the national level despite its rural location.

Second-highest income in the state

Renville County ranks among North Dakota's top earners at $76,311, exceeding the state average of $72,537 by $3,774. Only a handful of counties statewide match Renville's strong median household income performance.

Second-strongest in the region

Renville County's $76,311 median household income trails only Oliver County ($76,953) among profiled neighbors, outpacing Richland County ($72,524) and all lower-ranking peers. The county ranks among the region's most economically robust communities.

Housing costs well-managed

At 13.3% of median household income, Renville County's rent-to-income ratio reflects manageable housing affordability despite moderate home values. The ratio indicates households retain substantial income for savings and investments after covering housing expenses.

Capitalize on strong income position

Renville County households enjoy above-average earnings and affordable housing—a powerful combination for wealth building. Work with a financial advisor to maximize tax-advantaged retirement accounts, diversify investments, and develop a long-term wealth strategy tailored to your household.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Renville County

via CrimeByCounty

High Safety Standards in Renville

Renville County earns a safety score of 99.0, reflecting a very secure environment. Its total crime rate of 657.4 per 100,000 residents is roughly 72% lower than the national average of 2,385.5. It is a consistently safe place to live.

Beating the State Safety Average

Renville County's safety score of 99.0 is higher than the North Dakota state average of 98.5. Its total crime rate of 657.4 is also well below the state average of 976.6 per 100,000. Data from its single agency shows a quiet law enforcement landscape.

Secure Compared to Nearby Areas

Renville County is more secure than Richland County, where the crime rate is nearly triple. It is also safer than the state average, though it has slightly more activity than Rolette County. Overall, it remains a high-performer in regional safety.

Property Crime Outpaces Violent Crime

The county reports a property crime rate of 525.9 and a violent crime rate of 131.5 per 100,000 residents. While violent crime is slightly above the state average, the overall numbers remain very low. Residents should interpret single-agency data as a snapshot of a calm community.

Simple Security for Peace of Mind

Protecting your home from property crime can be as simple as installing motion-sensor lighting. Because local law enforcement is concentrated in one agency, community vigilance is especially valuable. Locking up valuables helps maintain these low crime statistics.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Renville County

via HealthByCounty

Renville County Below National Longevity

Renville County's life expectancy of 75.8 years trails the U.S. average of roughly 76 years by just 0.2 years. With 14.8% reporting poor or fair health, the county reflects typical American health patterns.

Below North Dakota State Average

Renville County's 75.8-year life expectancy falls 1.7 years short of North Dakota's 77.5-year state average, placing it among the state's lower-longevity counties. Its 7.4% uninsured rate is slightly below the state average.

Mid-Range Health Among Peers

Renville County's 75.8-year life expectancy sits between Ramsey County (75.0 years) and Pierce County (77.4 years), representing a county facing moderate health challenges. The county requires targeted health interventions to close the gap with healthier neighbors.

Limited Provider Data Available

Current data on primary care and mental health provider availability in Renville County is not available. The county's 7.4% uninsured rate indicates most residents have insurance, though specific provider capacity requires local inquiry.

Check Your Coverage Options

Renville County's 7.4% uninsured rate leaves room for improvement in health coverage. Contact your local health department or visit Healthcare.gov to explore plans and ensure your family has the protection it needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Renville County

via SchoolsByCounty

Coordinated Rural Schooling in Renville

Renville County provides education for 568 students through four public schools split between two districts. The system is balanced with two elementary schools and two high schools serving the entire region.

Solid Graduation Rates and Local Scores

Students in Renville County achieve a 90.0% graduation rate, beating both the state and national averages. The county spends $9,198 per pupil, placing it just below the North Dakota state average of $9,385.

Mohall-Lansford-Sherwood and Glenburn Districts

The Mohall-Lansford-Sherwood 1 district is the county's largest, enrolling 317 students, while Glenburn 26 serves 251. Both districts operate without charter school competition, focusing entirely on traditional public education.

Intimate Rural Classrooms

All schools in the county are rural, with an average size of 142 students per building. MLS-Mohall Elementary is the largest school with 173 students, while Glenburn High School serves the smallest cohort at 97 students.

Small-Town Charm Near Strong Schools

Renville County is ideal for those seeking a rural lifestyle without sacrificing academic quality. Browse local real estate to find a home in a district where graduation rates consistently exceed state benchmarks.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Renville County

via RiskByCounty

Renville County among safest in U.S.

Renville County's composite risk score of 1.53 ranks among the lowest in the entire nation, reflecting minimal exposure to major natural disasters. This exceptional rating reflects the county's fortunate geography across nearly all hazard categories.

North Dakota's second-safest county

Renville County ranks second-lowest statewide with a 1.53 composite score, surpassed only by Oliver County's 1.72. The county sits well below the state average of 22.19, offering residents exceptional natural disaster resilience.

Safest county in its region

Renville's 1.53 score is dramatically lower than all adjacent counties including Ransom (13.20) and Pembina (20.93). The county's favorable risk profile extends across flood, tornado, earthquake, and wildfire categories.

Wildfire is only meaningful concern

Wildfire risk scores 37.28, the only hazard reaching above-minimal levels in Renville County. Tornado (10.50), flood (1.72), and earthquake (1.37) risks are all exceptionally low for this region.

Standard coverage meets your needs

Renville County residents can rely on standard homeowners insurance with basic wildfire coverage for most protection needs. Consider a wildfire rider if you live in a fire-prone area, but overall your risk profile supports straightforward insurance choices.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Renville County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cold, Dry Climate

Renville County averages 38.3°F annually, which is far below the U.S. median temperature. Its climate is marked by low precipitation and significant winter cold.

Colder and Drier than Average

The county's average temperature sits 2.7 degrees below the North Dakota state average of 41.0°F. At 18.1 inches of annual precipitation, it is also drier than the 19.5-inch state average.

Mirroring Northern Patterns

Renville's 38.3°F average matches Pembina County exactly. However, it experiences 10 extreme heat days, more than double the count in Pembina, indicating sharper summer spikes.

Intense Cold with Summer Spikes

January temperatures average 7.4°F, contributing to a 10.2°F winter average. While July stays moderate at 66.6°F, the county still reaches 90°F about 10 times each year.

Prepare for Temperature Extremes

While local snowfall data is limited, the 7.4°F January average demands robust home heating. Residents should also prepare for occasional hot spells during the dry summer months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Renville County

via SoilByCounty

Entisols and Loam Dominance in Renville

Renville County features a pH of 7.22 and belongs primarily to the Entisols taxonomic order. These are younger soils that are highly productive when managed correctly. The alkalinity remains above the 6.5 national median, fitting the state's general soil profile.

Ideal Loam Texture for Agriculture

The dominant texture is loam, composed of 41.3% sand, 34.9% silt, and 20.7% clay. This specific ratio is highly prized by farmers because it provides the perfect balance of drainage and nutrient retention. It is one of the most workable and productive soil types in the region.

Top-Tier Organic Matter and Capacity

Organic matter is very high at 7.19%, significantly outperforming the state average of 4.69%. Furthermore, the available water capacity of 0.203 in/in is among the highest in the state. These factors combine to create a highly fertile environment for any crop.

Well-Drained Fields and Steady Hydrology

The soil is classified as well drained and belongs to hydrologic group C. This means that while it handles water efficiently, it may have a slower rate of transmission when thoroughly wet. These qualities make it excellent for large-scale farming where water management is critical.

Optimal Growing in Zone 4a

An impressive soil score of 73.4 makes this some of the best land in North Dakota for canola and wheat. The 4a hardiness zone is also perfect for growing a wide array of garden vegetables. You have a massive advantage starting a garden in this premium loam.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Renville County

via LawnByCounty

Tougher Conditions for Turf

Renville County faces a more difficult lawn environment with a score of 48.9, falling below the national and state averages. The combination of its Zone 4a climate and lower precipitation creates a challenging landscape for traditional turf.

Dry Climate and Quick Seasons

Annual precipitation is just 18.1 inches, making this one of the drier areas in the state. With only 1751 Growing Degree Days, your grass has a shorter window to recover from damage or foot traffic compared to other counties.

Quality Loam Foundations

Renville features well-drained loam soil, which is an excellent physical medium for growing healthy grass. The pH of 7.22 is slightly alkaline, but the well-drained nature helps prevent the compaction often seen in heavier clay soils.

Mitigating Frequent Dry Periods

The county saw 13 weeks of drought over the past year, highlighting the need for a dedicated irrigation plan. Because rainfall is naturally low, prioritizing water conservation and choosing drought-tolerant fescues is highly recommended.

Short Window for Success

With the first fall frost arriving early on September 23rd, late-summer seeding must happen by mid-August. Use the May 17th spring frost as your guide to start the season once the soil has sufficiently warmed.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Renville County's county score?
Renville County, North Dakota has a composite county score of 66.8 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 Renville County rank among counties in North Dakota?
Renville County ranks #17 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 Renville County, North Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Renville County is $1,107, with an effective tax rate of 0.68%. This earns Renville County a tax score of 65.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Renville County?
The median household income in Renville County, North Dakota is $76,311 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Renville County earns an income score of 78.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Renville County, North Dakota a good place to live?
Renville County scores 66.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #17 in North Dakota. The best way to evaluate Renville 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 Renville County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.