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Richland County, North Dakota — County Report Card

ND

#43 in North Dakota

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
51.7
County Score
Water Quality 86Health 80.8Income & Jobs 72.6

County Report Card

About Richland County, North Dakota

Richland County stays above the median

Richland County holds a composite score of 51.7, remaining slightly above the national median of 50.0. It offers a stable economic base that supports its resident population.

Working toward the state average

The county's score of 51.7 falls below the North Dakota state average of 61.5. While it performs well in certain areas, other North Dakota counties offer higher composite livability scores.

Strong health and high incomes

Richland County performs well in health with a score of 80.8. Furthermore, an income score of 72.6 reflects a healthy median household income of $72,524.

Taxes and safety under pressure

The tax score of 29.0 and safety score of 28.9 represent significant challenges. An effective tax rate of 1.135% is higher than many other counties in the region.

Suits health-conscious workers

This county is a good match for healthcare workers or professionals who prioritize being near medical hubs and high-paying jobs. Residents trade lower safety scores and higher taxes for strong income potential.

Score breakdown

Tax29Cost64.5Safety28.9Health80.8Schools43.3Income72.6Risk64.7Water86Weather41.9
🏛29
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠64.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼72.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡28.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤80.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓43.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡64.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤41.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨59.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱56.9
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

Wilkin County
Minnesota
65.3
Traverse County
Minnesota
68.1
Sargent County
North Dakota
60.6
Clay County
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Grant County
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Ransom County
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Cass County
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Roberts County
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Deep Dives

Richland County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Richland County

via CrimeByCounty

Richland County Stays Below National Norms

Richland County maintains a safety score of 97.3, indicating a generally secure community. Its total crime rate of 1,704.1 per 100,000 residents is lower than the national average of 2,385.5. It remains safer than many comparable counties across the country.

Below the North Dakota Average

Richland's safety score of 97.3 is slightly lower than the North Dakota state average of 98.5. Its total crime rate of 1,704.1 is higher than the state average of 976.6. Three agencies work together to manage a more active regional safety environment.

More Active Than Most Neighbors

Richland County sees more reported crime than nearby Ransom County, where the rate is only 582.7. It also has a higher crime rate than Pembina and Rolette counties. This suggests a higher volume of incidents compared to its immediate rural neighbors.

Property Incidents are the Focus

The property crime rate of 1,589.3 per 100,000 residents is the primary driver of Richland’s statistics. Violent crime remains low at 114.8, which is actually below the state average of 121.0. Law enforcement efforts are mostly directed toward preventing theft and burglary.

Strengthen Your Home Security

With property crime being the main local issue, residents should consider a mix of smart technology and physical barriers. Alarms and visible cameras are excellent ways to protect your property and help local police. Regular community check-ins can also deter opportunistic crime.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Richland County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse Schooling Options in Richland

Richland County features a large educational footprint with 14 public schools and six separate districts. These schools serve 2,277 students through seven elementary, one middle, and six high school facilities.

Monitoring Academic Growth and Funding

The county's graduation rate is 82.7%, slightly behind the state average of 84.8%. Per-pupil expenditure is $8,388, which is about $1,000 less than the state average and $4,600 below the national median.

Wahpeton 37 Anchors the County

Wahpeton 37 is the largest district by far, managing four schools and 1,201 students. Other significant districts include Richland 44 and Wyndmere 42, all of which are traditional public districts with no charter schools present.

A Mix of Town and Rural Settings

While 10 schools are in rural areas, four serve the town of Wahpeton, creating an average school size of 163 students. Wahpeton Elementary is the largest with 436 students, offering a more traditional town-school feel compared to smaller rural counterparts.

Find Your Fit in Richland County

With six districts to choose from, families can find everything from larger town schools to tiny rural campuses. Consider Wahpeton for a more centralized experience or the surrounding countryside for a smaller school environment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Richland County

via WeatherByCounty

Mild for the Region

Richland County averages 42.5°F annually, which is warmer than much of North Dakota but still trails the national median. It serves as a transition point to the slightly warmer Midwest.

One of the State's Warmest

At 42.5°F, Richland exceeds the 41.0°F state average by a significant margin. It is also one of the wettest counties in the state, receiving 24.1 inches of precipitation annually.

Wetter than Southern Peers

Richland receives more precipitation than neighboring Sargent County's 23.2 inches. It also averages about one degree warmer than Sargent, making it a regional outlier.

Warm Summers and 12 Heat Days

July averages 71.2°F with 12 days exceeding 90°F, the highest in the immediate area. Winter remains cold with a 13.5°F average, though January stays just below double digits at 9.8°F.

Plan for Humidity and Heat

With 24.1 inches of precipitation, moisture management and sump pumps are important for homeowners. Air conditioning is a frequent necessity during the 12 annual extreme heat days.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Richland County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Strengths in Richland

Richland County has an average pH of 7.30, making it more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This chemical makeup supports the nutrient needs of most regional cereal crops and grasses. Understanding this pH is key to selecting the right fertilizers for local land.

Heavy Silty Soils for Better Retention

The soil is composed of 39.3% silt and 37.9% sand, creating a dense and productive base. The 22.4% clay content is relatively high, which helps the soil hold onto minerals and moisture. This texture provides great structural support for tall crops like corn.

Standard Fertility and Lower Water Capacity

Organic matter levels are healthy at 4.72%, which is just above the North Dakota state average. However, the available water capacity of 0.179 in/in is slightly lower than the state benchmark of 0.186. This suggests that while the soil is fertile, it may dry out faster than average during a heatwave.

Managing Water in Clay-Heavy Mixes

Although specific drainage classes are not listed, the significant clay and silt fractions can lead to slower water movement. Proper field management is important to prevent surface ponding after heavy rains. Local gardeners should ensure their plots have good drainage to keep roots healthy.

Farming the Red River Valley Edge

With a soil score of 59.1, Richland County is a major producer of corn and soybeans in hardiness zone 4a. Homeowners can successfully grow everything from pumpkins to peonies in this environment. The consistent organic matter provides a great start for any backyard project.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Richland County

via LawnByCounty

Ideal Growth in the Southeast

Richland County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 56.9, which is significantly better than the national average. Situated in Zone 4a, the county offers a robust environment for cool-season turf to thrive with standard maintenance.

Abundant Rainfall for Greenery

Richland receives a generous 24.1 inches of rain annually, the highest in this group and well above the state average. This extra moisture supports a high 2458 Growing Degree Days, fueling rapid grass growth throughout the summer.

Heavy Clay Requires Care

The soil contains 22.4% clay, which helps retain the county's high rainfall but can lead to drainage issues. A pH of 7.30 is slightly above the ideal range, so consider core aeration to help oxygen and nutrients reach the roots.

Resilient Against Dryness

Despite 12 weeks of drought last year, the county's high annual rainfall helps lawns bounce back quickly. Currently, there is no drought in the area, allowing you to focus on routine care rather than emergency watering.

A Long and Healthy Season

Richland enjoys an early spring start with a last frost date of May 6th. This extended season, ending October 6th, provides the perfect opportunity to establish a lush, thick carpet of Kentucky Bluegrass.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Richland County's county score?
Richland County, North Dakota has a composite county score of 51.7 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 Richland County rank among counties in North Dakota?
Richland County ranks #43 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 Richland County, North Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Richland County is $2,015, with an effective tax rate of 1.13%. This earns Richland County a tax score of 29/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Richland County?
The median household income in Richland County, North Dakota is $72,524 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Richland County earns an income score of 72.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Richland County, North Dakota a good place to live?
Richland County scores 51.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #43 in North Dakota. The best way to evaluate Richland 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 Richland 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.