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Rolette County, North Dakota — County Report Card

ND

#40 in North Dakota

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
57.6
County Score
Cost of Living 94.7Safety 81.6Soil Quality 71.4

County Report Card

About Rolette County, North Dakota

Rolette County beats the national median

With a composite score of 57.6, Rolette County exceeds the national median of 50.0. It provides a unique profile of extreme affordability compared to most American counties.

Trailing the state average

The county’s score of 57.6 is below the North Dakota state average of 61.5. However, it offers a specific value proposition in housing that many higher-scoring counties cannot match.

Leader in affordability and safety

Rolette County boasts a cost score of 94.7, with an incredibly low median rent of $479. This is combined with a strong safety score of 81.6, ensuring peace of mind for residents.

Investing in health and income

The health score of 16.5 and income score of 31.3 are the county's primary areas of concern. Efforts to improve healthcare access and economic diversity would greatly enhance overall livability.

A sanctuary for extreme affordability

Rolette County is perfect for those who prioritize safety and rock-bottom living costs above all else. With a median home value of $93,000, it offers one of the lowest barriers to homeownership in the state.

Score breakdown

Tax40Cost94.7Safety81.6Health16.5Schools51.4Income31.3Risk47.2Water42.3Weather46.8
🏛40
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠94.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼31.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡81.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤16.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓51.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡47.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧42.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤46.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨71.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱56.2
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

Towner County
North Dakota
60.4
Pierce County
North Dakota
63.9
Bottineau County
North Dakota
61.3
McHenry County
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Cavalier County
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Benson County
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Ramsey County
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Deep Dives

Rolette County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Rolette County

via TaxByCounty

Rolette County offers modest tax burden

Rolette County's effective tax rate of 0.975% sits slightly above the national median of 0.87%, yet the median tax of $907 is just one-third the national median of $2,690. Lower home values—median $93,000 versus $281,900 nationally—keep annual bills manageable.

Near average for North Dakota

At 0.975%, Rolette County's effective rate exceeds the state average of 0.885%, but its median tax of $907 falls significantly below the state median of $1,460. Rolette County offers a balanced tax environment within the state.

Comparable to Pembina, below Richland

Rolette County's 0.975% rate closely mirrors Pembina County's 0.999% and sits well below Richland County's 1.135%. It ranks in the middle tier for property taxation among north-central North Dakota counties.

Lowest median tax at just $907

Rolette County's median home value of $93,000 results in the lowest median property tax among these eight counties—just $907 annually. Mortgaged homeowners average $1,000, while outright owners pay $833.

Confirm your assessed value

Even at lower price points, overassessment can occur and erode your savings over time. A simple comparison of your assessed value to recent local sales could validate your tax bill—or justify an appeal to your county assessor.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Rolette County

via CostByCounty

Rolette rents are remarkably affordable

Rolette County's rent-to-income ratio of 10.0% is the lowest in this entire dataset, well below both the national average and North Dakota's state average of 12.8%. At just $479 monthly, Rolette rents are less than half the regional average, making it a standout affordability story.

Most affordable rents in North Dakota

Rolette County ranks as the most affordable rental market in North Dakota by a significant margin, with a rent-to-income ratio of 10.0% and median rent of $479. This exceptional affordability holds despite a lower median household income of $57,355, the lowest in this peer group.

Rolette's rents are unmatched

Rolette County's $479 monthly rent is less than two-thirds of any other county in this regional cluster, with the next-lowest being Ramsey County at $687. Combined with the lowest median income at $57,355, Rolette delivers unparalleled housing affordability for budget-conscious relocators.

Housing takes just 17% of income

Rolette County residents spend only 10.0% of income on rent and another 11.6% on owner costs, totaling roughly 21.6% of household income toward housing. This leaves significantly more room in the budget than any neighboring county, despite the lowest area incomes.

Rolette is the affordability champion

If housing affordability is your top priority, Rolette County is unbeatable—rents at $479 and a 10.0% rent-to-income ratio have no peers in this region. Accept the trade-off of lower regional incomes and compare it carefully to higher-income alternatives like Oliver County ($76,953 income) or Renville County ($76,311 income).

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Rolette County

via IncomeByCounty

Rolette County significantly below national average

Rolette County's median household income of $57,355 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by $17,400—a substantial gap reflecting significant economic challenges. The income disparity is among the largest profiled here, indicating limited employment opportunities and lower wage structures.

Lowest income county in North Dakota

Rolette County ranks lowest statewide for median household income at $57,355, falling $15,182 below the state average of $72,537. The county faces the steepest economic headwinds among all North Dakota communities in this analysis.

Significantly below all neighboring counties

Rolette County's $57,355 median household income is substantially lower than every profiled neighbor, including Pierce County ($63,214), Ramsey County ($61,319), and Pembina County ($66,884). The gap signals distinct economic challenges affecting household financial capacity.

Lowest housing costs but tight budgets

At 10.0% of median household income, Rolette County shows the lowest rent-to-income ratio profiled here, and median home values of just $93,000 are the most affordable. However, the very low base income means households face significant overall financial constraints despite low housing costs.

Access support services and resources

Rolette County residents should seek out free financial counseling, job training programs, and community development resources available through tribal and county organizations. Even modest savings habits, debt reduction, and exploring higher-wage employment paths will strengthen long-term household financial stability.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Rolette County

via CrimeByCounty

Impressive Safety Score in Rolette

Rolette County shines with a safety score of 99.3, far exceeding national expectations. Its total crime rate of 439.3 per 100,000 residents is about 80% lower than the U.S. average of 2,385.5. This reflects a very low-risk environment.

One of North Dakota's Safest

Rolette County's safety score of 99.3 is well above the North Dakota state average of 98.5. Its total crime rate of 439.3 is less than half the state average of 976.6. Four reporting agencies provide a detailed and consistent view of this safe county.

Regional Leader in Low Crime

Rolette County is significantly safer than Richland and Pierce counties, which both have higher crime rates. It also outperforms the already low rate found in Renville County. It stands as one of the most secure regions in the northern part of the state.

Very Few Violent or Property Incidents

Rolette reports exceptionally low property crime at 366.1 per 100,000 residents. Violent crime is also minimal at 73.2, which is significantly lower than both the state and national averages. The numbers portray a community where crime is the exception, not the rule.

Keep Rolette Safe and Secure

Even in very safe areas, maintaining security habits like locking doors and windows is essential. Joining a neighborhood watch or installing simple outdoor lighting can further decrease the chance of property crime. Staying alert helps preserve the county's high safety ranking.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Rolette County

via HealthByCounty

Rolette County Faces Severe Health Crisis

Rolette County's life expectancy of 65.2 years is 11 years below the U.S. average of roughly 76 years, reflecting a severe public health emergency. With 27.4% reporting poor or fair health—nearly double the national rate—the county experiences extraordinary health challenges.

North Dakota's Healthiest Challenge

Rolette County's 65.2-year life expectancy is 12.3 years below North Dakota's 77.5-year state average, ranking it as the state's lowest. Its 10.4% uninsured rate significantly exceeds the state average of 7.5%, compounding access barriers.

Stark Disparities in Regional Health

Rolette County's 65.2-year life expectancy trails neighboring Richland County (81.2 years) by 16 years and Ransom County (78.1 years) by 12.9 years. This exceptional gap signals deep systemic health inequities requiring immediate attention.

Strong Providers, Coverage Gaps Persist

Rolette County offers 50 primary care providers and 188 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—robust capacity often reflecting tribal healthcare infrastructure. Yet the 10.4% uninsured rate means many residents cannot fully access these critical services.

Health Coverage Is Essential

Rolette County's 10.4% uninsured rate is the state's highest, and health outcomes show why coverage matters urgently. Contact your local health department, tribal health office, or visit Healthcare.gov immediately to secure coverage and connect with available care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Rolette County

via SchoolsByCounty

Broad Education Infrastructure in Rolette

Rolette County manages one of the largest school systems in the region, with 15 public schools serving 2,974 students across five districts. This includes six elementary schools, two middle schools, six high schools, and one alternative learning center.

High Investment for Local Students

The county invests $11,077 per pupil, well above the North Dakota state average of $9,385. While the graduation rate of 80.2% currently trails state and national benchmarks, the high level of funding demonstrates a strong commitment to student resources.

Belcourt 7 and Turtle Mountain Schools

Belcourt 7 is the primary district, enrolling 1,586 students across seven schools. Dunseith 1 also serves a significant portion of the population with 547 students, and the county operates entirely through traditional public districts without charter schools.

Rural Schools with Large Communities

Despite being 100% rural, Rolette County features larger-than-average school sizes at 248 students per building. Turtle Mountain Community Elementary is the largest with 659 students, while Saint John Elementary also supports a sizeable group of 324 students.

Explore Homes in a Resource-Rich County

Rolette County offers a unique rural experience with high per-pupil spending and large community-centered schools. For families researching the area, these well-funded districts provide a range of academic and extracurricular opportunities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Rolette County

via RiskByCounty

Rolette County faces significant U.S. risk

Rolette County's composite risk score of 52.86 places it well above the national average and in the relatively low category, reflecting substantial natural disaster exposure. The rating is driven primarily by exceptional wildfire risk—the highest among all North Dakota counties.

Second-highest-risk county in ND

Rolette County ranks second statewide with a 52.86 composite score, exceeded only by Richland County's 35.31. The county's risk profile diverges from Richland's by featuring wildfire as the dominant hazard rather than tornadoes.

Riskiest county in its region

Rolette's 52.86 score substantially exceeds Pierce (3.24), Ramsey (18.32), and Ransom (13.20). The county's extreme wildfire vulnerability (96.37) is by far the highest among all ND counties and regional neighbors.

Wildfire dominates all other hazards

Wildfire risk scores an exceptional 96.37—the single highest hazard exposure of any North Dakota county. Tornado risk (31.14), flood risk (21.56), and earthquake risk (15.17) round out substantial but secondary concerns.

Wildfire protection is non-negotiable

Wildfire coverage must be a centerpiece of your insurance strategy; most standard policies exclude this peril entirely. Additionally, obtain separate coverage for tornado, earthquake, and flood risks—Rolette County faces multiple significant hazards requiring comprehensive protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Rolette County

via WeatherByCounty

Among the Nation's Coldest

Rolette County's annual average temperature is a low 36.9°F, making it one of the coldest counties in the contiguous United States. This sub-arctic climate features very brief summers.

Well Below the State Median

The county is more than four degrees colder than the North Dakota state average of 41.0°F. Its precipitation of 20.0 inches is slightly above the state's 19.5-inch average.

Regional Cold Leader

Rolette is significantly colder than neighboring Renville (38.3°F) and Pierce (38.8°F). It experiences very few hot days, seeing 90°F only 4 times a year.

Cool Summers, Deep Freeze Winters

July is very mild with an average of 65.8°F, while winter averages just 8.0°F. January temperatures drop to a 4.9°F average, and extreme heat is nearly non-existent.

Maximize Home Insulation

Heating is the primary climate concern for residents facing the 36.9°F annual average. While snowfall data is limited, the long 8.0°F winters require substantial fuel and gear preparation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Rolette County

via SoilByCounty

Rich, Alkaline Soils of the North

Rolette County features a pH of 7.21, which is more alkaline than the 6.5 national median but very close to the state average. This balance is ideal for the hardy northern vegetation found near the Canadian border. The soil chemistry provides a robust foundation for diverse plant species.

Sandy Texture with Minimal Clay

The soil is notably sandy at 42.0%, mixed with 33.6% silt. With a lower clay content of 17.9%, the soil is easy to penetrate and doesn't compact as easily as heavier soils. This makes it a great medium for root crops that need room to expand.

State-Leading Organic Matter Levels

Organic matter is incredible at 9.04%, nearly doubling the state average of 4.69%. Combined with an above-average water capacity of 0.194 in/in, this soil is exceptionally fertile and moisture-resilient. It is some of the most nutrient-dense ground in the region.

Natural Sponge-Like Soil Structure

Formal drainage and hydrologic groups are not listed, but the extremely high organic matter content creates a superior soil structure. This allows the ground to absorb water quickly while holding it for plant use later. It is a very forgiving soil for both farmers and casual gardeners.

Thriving in the 3b Growing Season

A soil score of 71.4 helps offset the shorter growing season of hardiness zone 3b. You can grow impressive yields of cold-tolerant vegetables like kale, potatoes, and cabbage. Start your northern garden now to see what this rich, dark earth can produce.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Rolette County

via LawnByCounty

Cool Conditions for Hardier Grass

Rolette County has a lawn difficulty score of 56.2, making it easier than the state average to maintain. However, the Hardiness Zone 3b classification is one of the coldest in the nation, requiring extremely resilient grass species.

Cold Winters and Cool Summers

With only 4 extreme heat days per year, heat stress is almost non-existent for local lawns. The county receives 20.0 inches of annual precipitation, providing a solid moisture base during the relatively short 1629 GDD growing season.

Excellent Sandy Loam Potential

With 42.0% sand and a pH of 7.21, the soil provides good drainage and a decent chemical balance. The lower clay content (17.9%) means the soil is less likely to compact, making it easier for grass roots to spread.

Naturally Consistent Moisture

Rolette only experienced 5 weeks of drought in the past year, suggesting a very stable moisture environment. Currently, the county has zero drought impact, meaning natural rainfall is doing most of the work for you.

A Narrow Growing Window

Frost lingers until May 20th and returns as early as September 24th, leaving a tight window for lawn establishment. Stick to the most cold-hardy varieties of Kentucky Bluegrass to ensure your lawn survives the Zone 3b winters.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rolette County's county score?
Rolette County, North Dakota has a composite county score of 57.6 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 Rolette County rank among counties in North Dakota?
Rolette County ranks #40 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 Rolette County, North Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Rolette County is $907, with an effective tax rate of 0.98%. This earns Rolette County a tax score of 40/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Rolette County?
The median household income in Rolette County, North Dakota is $57,355 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Rolette County earns an income score of 31.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Rolette County, North Dakota a good place to live?
Rolette County scores 57.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #40 in North Dakota. The best way to evaluate Rolette 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 Rolette County with other counties side by side.

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