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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
52.4
County Score
Water Quality 86Health 80.8Income & Jobs 74

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.

2040608010027.368.828.980.843.37464.78641.9Tax27.3Cost68.8Safety28.9Health80.8Schools43.3Income74Risk64.7Water86Weather41.952.4/100
This county
National avg
5 above average4 below average

Richland County DNA

Foverall

How Richland County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Richland County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (80.8/100) but notably weak in Safety (28.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
27.3-24.7
Cost
68.8+20.799999999999997
Safety
28.9-26.1
Health
80.8+30.799999999999997
Schools
43.3-10.700000000000003
Income
74+23
Risk
64.7+17.700000000000003
Water
86+28
Weather
41.9-14.100000000000001
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Richland County?

Many homeowners in Richland County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$183,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$740/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$183,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,600/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $75,432/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

24.2

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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Compare Richland County with Blount County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Wilkin County
Minnesota
64.7
Traverse County
Minnesota
66.7
Sargent County
North Dakota
61.3
Clay County
Minnesota
41.6
Grant County
Minnesota
65.8
Ransom County
North Dakota
67.1
Cass County
North Dakota
38.5
Roberts County
South Dakota
53.4

Deep Dives

Richland County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 52.4 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 $2,066, with an effective tax rate of 1.13%. This earns Richland County a tax score of 27.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Richland County?
The median household income in Richland County, North Dakota is $75,432 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Richland County earns an income score of 74/100 on CountyScore.
Is Richland County, North Dakota a good place to live?
Richland County scores 52.4/100 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.