CountyScore

Richland County

North Dakota · ND

#40 in North Dakota
72.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Richland County, North Dakota

Richland County outperforms national average

Richland County's composite score of 72.6 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 45%, demonstrating solid livability across key dimensions. The county ranks in the upper half of American counties for overall quality of life.

Slightly below North Dakota's average

Richland County scores 72.6, falling 2.2 points below the state average of 74.8 and landing in the lower-middle tier of North Dakota's 53 counties. It's a respectable performer with room for improvement.

Health and housing affordability lead

Richland County's 78.0 health score ranks among the strongest in the county group, and its 82.7 cost score reflects solid housing affordability with median home values of $177,600. The 30.7 income score and $72,524 median household income provide reasonable earning potential.

Risk exposure and tax burden stand out

The county's 64.7 risk score is the lowest in this group, suggesting higher financial vulnerability and disaster exposure. The 70.4 tax score reflects the highest effective tax rate of 1.135%, and missing school and safety data limits full assessment.

Best for health-focused families with stability

Richland County appeals to families prioritizing strong healthcare outcomes and reasonable housing costs over minimizing financial risk. The solid health profile and moderate income levels suit those seeking rural community living with good medical access, though the higher tax burden warrants consideration.

Score breakdown

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

Tax70.4Cost82.7SafetyComing SoonHealth78SchoolsComing SoonIncome30.7Risk64.7WaterComing Soon
🏛70.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼30.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤78
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡64.7
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 Richland County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Greene County
Alabama
72.6
Median income: $31,495
Macon County
Alabama
72.6
Median income: $45,951
Columbia County
Arkansas
72.6
Median income: $47,363
Lincoln County
Arkansas
72.6
Median income: $51,667
Little River County
Arkansas
72.6
Median income: $52,241

Deep Dives

Richland County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Richland County

via TaxByCounty

Richland County taxes above national level

Richland County's effective tax rate of 1.135% exceeds the national median of 0.87% by a meaningful margin, and its median tax of $2,015 approaches 75% of the national median of $2,690. The median home value of $177,600 explains much of the higher bill.

Highest rate in North Dakota

At 1.135%, Richland County's effective rate is the highest among all North Dakota counties, well above the state average of 0.885%. Its median tax of $2,015 also significantly exceeds the state median of $1,460, marking Richland as the priciest county statewide.

Significantly higher than surrounding areas

Richland County's 1.135% effective rate far exceeds nearby Pierce County (1.030%), Ransom County (1.052%), and all other regional neighbors. It stands as the clear outlier for high property taxes in eastern North Dakota.

Highest median tax: $2,015 annually

Richland County homeowners with a median-valued property of $177,600 pay $2,015 in annual property taxes—the most in the state. Mortgaged homeowners average $2,116, while outright owners pay $1,894.

Appeal your assessment now

Given Richland County's status as the state's highest-tax county, it's critical to ensure your assessment reflects your home's true value. Filing a property tax appeal costs nothing and offers a real opportunity to reduce your burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Richland County

via CostByCounty

Richland rents balance income well

Richland County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.4% matches North Dakota's state average of 12.8% and remains comfortably below national strain levels. The median rent of $751 sits just below the state median of $770, with solid median household income of $72,524 supporting affordability.

Middle of the road affordability

Richland County ranks in the middle tier for housing affordability across North Dakota, with a rent-to-income ratio of 12.4% matching Pembina County. The median rent of $751 sits marginally below the state median of $770, offering modest savings with steady income support.

Richland balances rents and income

Richland County's $751 rent positions it between Oliver County ($725) and Renville County ($846), with a median income of $72,524 that's solid but not the highest in its peer group. Its 12.4% rent-to-income ratio ties with Pembina County, suggesting similar affordability dynamics.

Housing takes 23% of income

Richland County residents allocate 12.4% of income to rent and another 13.4% to owner costs, totaling roughly 25.8% of household income toward housing. Both renters and homebuyers enjoy reasonable affordability margins, with ownership costs slightly lower than rents.

Richland offers balanced relocation option

Richland County suits relocators seeking middle-ground affordability without extreme housing premiums or income constraints. To narrow your choice, compare it to higher-affordability counties like Oliver (11.3% rent ratio) or lower-income alternatives like Ramsey County (13.4% rent ratio).

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Richland County

via IncomeByCounty

Richland County slightly trails national median

Richland County's median household income of $72,524 falls $2,231 short of the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it just below the national average. The small gap reflects a relatively strong economic position for a rural plains county.

Mid-to-upper tier income in North Dakota

Richland County ranks in the upper-middle of North Dakota's income distribution at $72,524, nearly matching the state average of $72,537. The county demonstrates solid economic fundamentals and stable employment for a rural community.

Competitive with nearby counties

Richland County's $72,524 median household income ranks below Oliver County ($76,953), Renville County ($76,311), and Ransom County ($74,521), but exceeds Pembina County ($66,884) and Pierce County ($63,214). The position reflects a mid-tier economic standing in the region.

Rental housing is affordable

At 12.4% of median household income, Richland County's rent-to-income ratio demonstrates good housing affordability for renters. With moderate home values of $177,600, the county offers accessible pathways to homeownership for many households.

Build on stable economic foundation

Richland County's solid income and affordable housing provide a stable platform for wealth building. Focus on automating retirement savings, exploring employer benefits, and consulting a financial advisor about strategies to accelerate wealth accumulation over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Richland County

via HealthByCounty

Richland County Exceeds National Life Expectancy

Richland County residents live an average of 81.2 years, significantly exceeding the U.S. life expectancy of roughly 76 years. However, 16.0% reporting poor or fair health suggests room for health improvement despite high longevity.

State's Longest-Living County

Richland County's 81.2-year life expectancy far exceeds North Dakota's 77.5-year state average, making it one of the state's longest-lived counties. Its 7.2% uninsured rate is at or below the state average.

Regional Leader in Longevity

Richland County's 81.2-year life expectancy significantly outpaces neighboring Ransom County (78.1 years) and Pembina County (77.7 years). The county represents a regional bright spot for healthy aging.

Robust Primary Care, Adequate Mental Health

Richland County provides 48 primary care providers and 30 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, supporting strong access to routine medical care. The 7.2% uninsured rate means most residents can access these services.

Maintain Your Health Insurance

Richland County's 7.2% uninsured rate is among the best in the state, but every resident deserves coverage. If you're uninsured, visit Healthcare.gov or contact your local health office to explore affordable options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Richland County

via RiskByCounty

Richland County faces elevated U.S. risk

Richland County's composite risk score of 35.31 significantly exceeds the national average, placing it in the higher-risk category among U.S. counties. The rating reflects substantial tornado and earthquake vulnerabilities alongside notable flood and wildfire exposure.

North Dakota's highest-risk county

Richland County ranks first statewide with a 35.31 composite score, substantially above the state average of 22.19. The county faces more combined natural disaster risk than any other North Dakota county.

Significantly riskier than all neighbors

Richland's 35.31 score exceeds every adjacent county, including Ransom (13.20) and Rolette (52.86 but slightly higher). The county's unique risk profile reflects its position along multiple hazard zones in southeastern North Dakota.

Tornadoes and earthquakes top concerns

Tornado risk scores a very high 49.62, the single largest threat to Richland County residents. Earthquake risk (14.73) ranks second among county hazards, alongside meaningful flood (29.48) and wildfire (53.98) exposure.

Comprehensive coverage is critical here

Obtain homeowners insurance with explicit tornado and earthquake coverage; standard policies typically exclude both perils. Add wildfire protection and verify flood coverage through separate NFIP policy—Richland County residents face the state's highest combined natural disaster risk.

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.