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Sargent County, North Dakota — County Report Card

ND

#35 in North Dakota

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
60.6
County Score
Disaster Risk 92.6Safety 81.3Income & Jobs 81.2

County Report Card

About Sargent County, North Dakota

A Comfortable Lead Over the National Median

Sargent County earns a composite score of 60.6, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high quality of life that outpaces many peer counties across the United States. Residents enjoy a balance of economic stability and environmental safety that is hard to find elsewhere.

Matching the High North Dakota Standard

While Sargent County performs strongly nationwide, its 60.6 score sits just below the North Dakota state average of 61.5. This indicates a competitive local environment where many neighboring counties also offer high livability standards. It remains a solid performer in a state known for its robust rural communities.

High Incomes and Minimal Environmental Risk

The county excels with a Risk Score of 92.6, meaning it faces very few natural disaster threats. Economic health is another pillar of the community, evidenced by a high Income Score of 81.2 and a median household income of $77,697. Additionally, a Safety Score of 81.3 ensures a secure environment for families.

Addressing Water Quality and Tax Burdens

The local Water Score of 13.2 is significantly lower than other dimensions, suggesting a need for infrastructure investment. Residents also face a higher local tax burden, with a Tax Score of 28.6 based on an effective tax rate of 1.142%. Improvement in these areas would further elevate the county's overall standing.

The Ideal Choice for Secure, High-Earning Families

With its blend of high safety ratings and strong median incomes, Sargent County is perfect for established professionals seeking a quiet life. The exceptionally low risk of natural disasters provides peace of mind that few other regions can offer. It is a premium choice for those who value economic security over low taxes.

Score breakdown

Tax28.6Cost54.3Safety81.3Health81.2Schools49.9Income81.2Risk92.6Water13.2Weather44.2
🏛28.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠54.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼81.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡81.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤81.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓49.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡92.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧13.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤44.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨59.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱56.4
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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Deep Dives

Sargent County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Sargent County

via TaxByCounty

Sargent taxes rank high nationally

Sargent County's effective tax rate of 1.142% significantly exceeds the national median of 0.885%, placing it well above most American counties. The typical homeowner here pays $1,708 annually in property taxes—far less than the national median of $2,690—because home values are considerably lower at $149,600 versus $281,900 nationally.

Second-highest rate in North Dakota

Among North Dakota's counties, Sargent ranks second for property tax burden with a 1.142% effective rate, compared to the state average of 0.885%. Residents pay $1,708 in median taxes, surpassing the state median of $1,460 by $248 annually.

Higher than surrounding counties

Sargent's 1.142% rate outpaces nearby Steele County (0.952%) and Towner County (0.878%), making it one of the region's tax hotspots. Only Stutsman County at 1.095% comes close to Sargent's burden among neighboring areas.

What a $149,600 home costs annually

A median-valued home in Sargent County incurs roughly $1,708 in annual property taxes, or about $142 per month. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $1,863, while outright ownership reduces it to $1,557.

Check if your assessment is fair

Many homeowners across North Dakota, including Sargent County, discover their properties are overassessed when they appeal their valuations. If your property tax bill seems high, requesting a reassessment could uncover errors and reduce your annual burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Sargent County

via CostByCounty

Sargent's rent costs slightly above national norm

At 12.9%, Sargent County's rent-to-income ratio sits just above the national average, meaning renters here spend a reasonable share of their earnings on housing. With median household income of $77,697—above the national median of $74,755—residents earn enough to absorb the $835 monthly rent without undue strain.

Right in line with North Dakota

Sargent County's 12.9% rent-to-income ratio nearly matches the state average of 12.8%, placing it squarely in the middle of North Dakota's housing affordability landscape. The county's median rent of $835 runs $65 above the state median, reflecting its stronger local economy.

Pricier than rural neighbors to the south

Sargent County renters pay $835 monthly—notably higher than Sheridan County's bargain $373 rent but comparable to Slope County's $719. Homebuyers here face steeper competition, with median home values at $149,600, well above Sheridan's $107,700 but below the regional outlier Stark County's $260,400.

Housing takes measured bite from income

Renters spend 12.9% of income on housing while homeowners dedicate roughly 12.5% to monthly owner costs of $805. Together, these figures suggest balanced affordability for both renting and buying households in Sargent County.

Moderate costs, solid income opportunities

If you're weighing North Dakota counties, Sargent offers a sweet spot: above-state-average incomes paired with manageable housing costs that don't exceed the national comfort threshold. Renters and first-time homebuyers alike will find fewer affordability headaches here than in neighboring Stark County.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Sargent County

via IncomeByCounty

Sargent County outpaces the nation

Sargent County's median household income of $77,697 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by nearly $3,000. This places the county in the upper tier of U.S. counties for household earnings, reflecting strong local economic fundamentals.

Second strongest income in North Dakota

Sargent County ranks among the top earners statewide, with a median income $5,160 above North Dakota's county average of $72,537. Only a handful of North Dakota counties exceed Sargent's income levels.

Outearning most regional peers

Compared to neighboring counties, Sargent County's $77,697 median household income significantly exceeds Steele County ($80,313) and Towner County ($63,017). The county's strong earnings position reflects a stable, diversified local economy.

Income covers costs comfortably

With a rent-to-income ratio of 12.9%, Sargent County residents spend a modest share of earnings on housing, well below the 30% affordability threshold. The median home value of $149,600 remains accessible to households earning the county median.

Build on strong earnings foundation

Sargent County households earning above the $77,697 median have capacity to invest beyond housing and living costs. Consider working with a financial advisor to develop savings and investment strategies that match your long-term goals.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Sargent County

via CrimeByCounty

Sargent County Maintains High Safety Scores

Sargent County earns an impressive safety score of 99.3 out of 100, far exceeding national norms. The total crime rate of 444.0 per 100,000 residents is a fraction of the national average of 2,385.5.

Leading the State in Public Safety

With a safety score of 99.3, Sargent County outperforms the North Dakota state average of 98.5. Its total crime rate remains significantly lower than the state average of 976.6 per 100,000 residents.

A Quiet Standard in the Region

Sargent County's crime rate of 444.0 per 100,000 stands out as remarkably low for the region. This rate is less than half the average crime frequency seen across the rest of the state.

Property Concerns Over Violent Incidents

Violent crime is rare here, occurring at a rate of 52.2 per 100,000, which is well below the national average of 369.8. Property crime accounts for the bulk of local reports at 391.8 per 100,000 residents.

Keeping Your Sargent County Home Secure

While rates are low, basic security measures like motion-activated lighting help deter opportunistic property crimes. Residents should continue to look out for neighbors to maintain this high standard of safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Sargent County

via HealthByCounty

Sargent matches state health trends

At 77.5 years, Sargent County's life expectancy equals North Dakota's state average and exceeds the U.S. average of 76.1 years. Just 16% of residents report poor or fair health, slightly above the national average of 15%, suggesting generally solid population health outcomes.

Middle of the pack in North Dakota

Sargent County ranks at the state median for life expectancy and health outcomes, performing in line with typical North Dakota counties. The county's 16% poor/fair health rate places it near state trends, indicating stable baseline health conditions.

Healthier than some rural neighbors

Sargent County outperforms Sheridan County (15.3% poor/fair health) and matches Slope County's 15% rate. The county's 77.5-year life expectancy exceeds most neighboring rural counties, reflecting better-than-average health outcomes for the region.

Strong insurance coverage locally

Sargent County's uninsured rate of 5.1% beats the state average of 7.5%, meaning more residents have health coverage. Specific provider capacity data is limited, but the strong insurance rate suggests residents have better access to care compared to state peers.

Keep your coverage strong

With 5.1% uninsured, Sargent County is doing well—but that remaining 5% should explore options through Healthcare.gov or North Dakota's state marketplace. If your coverage has gaps or you've had a life change, now is the time to review your plan and ensure your family stays protected.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Sargent County

via SchoolsByCounty

Sargent County's Educational Infrastructure

Sargent County supports 537 students across six public schools and three distinct school districts. The infrastructure is evenly split between three elementary schools and three high schools, providing localized access for families.

Comparing Performance and Investment

The county's school score of 55.5 slightly exceeds the state average of 54.8. While the 81.2% graduation rate trails the national 87% benchmark, the per-pupil expenditure of $10,046 remains higher than the North Dakota average of $9,385.

Local District Leadership

Three districts serve the area, with Milnor 2 being the largest, followed closely by Sargent Central 6 and North Sargent 3. There are currently no charter schools in the county, with 100% of students attending traditional public schools.

Small-Scale Rural Learning

All six schools in the county are classified as rural, offering an intimate average school size of 90 students. North Sargent Elementary is the largest campus with 130 students, while Milnor High School is the smallest with 65.

Find Your Home in Sargent County

For families seeking small-town values and low student-to-teacher ratios, Sargent County offers a compelling case. Consider school proximity as you explore home-buying options in this tight-knit community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Sargent County

via RiskByCounty

Sargent ranks well below national risk

With a composite risk score of 7.44, Sargent County carries a "Very Low" overall disaster risk—far safer than the typical U.S. county. Your community faces significantly fewer natural hazards than the national average, making it one of the more resilient places to live in the region.

Among ND's safest counties

Sargent's score of 7.44 places it well below North Dakota's state average of 22.19, ranking among the state's lowest-risk counties. This advantage reflects limited exposure to the major hazards that threaten other parts of the state.

Safer than most nearby counties

Sargent's 7.44 score compares favorably to Steele County (6.65) to the east but remains safer than the state average. Neighboring Richland County faces notably higher risks, making Sargent a relative haven in its region.

Wildfire is your primary concern

Wildfire risk registers at 41.28 for Sargent County, making it your most significant hazard despite the county's overall low risk profile. Tornado risk (16.92) poses a secondary threat, though both remain well-controlled compared to other counties statewide.

Standard homeowners coverage works here

Because Sargent County's disaster risks are low, standard homeowners insurance provides adequate protection for most residents. Consider confirming your policy covers wildfire damage and have an emergency plan in place for severe weather.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Sargent County

via WeatherByCounty

Continental Highs and Lows

Sargent County averages 41.5°F annually, which is cold by national standards but typical for the Northern Plains. The climate is characterized by significant seasonal shifts.

Near the State Average

The county's 41.5°F average is very close to the statewide North Dakota average of 41.0°F. It is wetter than many western counties, receiving 23.2 inches of annual precipitation.

Drier than Eastern Richland

While similar in temperature, Sargent is drier than neighboring Richland County by nearly an inch of rain. It is much warmer than northern counties like Rolette by over four degrees.

Warm July with Moderate Heat

July averages 70.2°F and the county experiences 9 days of extreme heat over 90°F. Winter is cold but slightly milder than the north, averaging 12.7°F from December to February.

Prepare for All Seasons

Residents should maintain both heating and cooling systems for the 70°F summers and 8.9°F Januarys. The 23.2 inches of precipitation suggests a need for good roof maintenance and drainage.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Sargent County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Soils in Sargent County

Sargent County soil has an average pH of 7.27, making it more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This level is also slightly higher than the North Dakota state average of 7.18.

Balanced Texture for Reliable Workability

The soil mix contains 39.5% sand, 38.9% silt, and 21.6% clay. This relatively even distribution provides a stable structure that balances drainage with nutrient retention.

Consistent Moisture and Organic Matter

Organic matter stands at 4.29%, which is slightly below the state average of 4.69% but remains more than double the national average. Available water capacity of 0.183 in/in keeps crops hydrated throughout the growing season.

Managing Water Retention

While specific drainage classification data is limited for this region, the high silt and clay content suggests moderate water retention. Local growers monitor these levels to prevent oversaturation during heavy spring rains.

Success in Zone 4a

Sargent County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a, where cool-weather crops like peas and radishes thrive. The balanced soil composition encourages a productive backyard garden for any local resident.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Sargent County

via LawnByCounty

Sargent County Lawn Care Outperforms Averages

Sargent County earns a lawn difficulty score of 56.4, making maintenance easier here than the national median of 50.0 and the state average of 54.0. Residents manage lawns in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a, where cool-season grasses typically thrive in the northern climate.

Ample Rainfall Supports Growing Cycles

The county receives 23.2 inches of annual precipitation, which is nearly 4 inches more than the North Dakota state average. With only 9 extreme heat days and 2,264 growing degree days, lawns face fewer stress periods compared to neighbors, though regular mowing is required during peak growth.

Slightly Alkaline Soils Need Careful Balancing

A soil pH of 7.27 sits just above the ideal range of 6.0 to 7.0, meaning nutrients like iron may become less available to your grass. The soil composition is a balanced mix of 39.5% sand and 21.6% clay, providing a sturdy structure for root development.

Resilient Landscapes Through Dry Spells

The county experienced 12 weeks in drought over the past year, but currently reports 0.0% of the area under abnormally dry conditions. Deep, infrequent watering remains the best strategy to keep roots strong during any future dry periods.

Start Your Lawn After May Frosts

Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescue are excellent choices for Zone 4a landscapes. Plan your seeding projects after the last spring frost on May 7th to ensure young grass is established before the first fall frost arrives on October 1st.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sargent County's county score?
Sargent County, North Dakota has a composite county score of 60.6 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 Sargent County rank among counties in North Dakota?
Sargent County ranks #35 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 Sargent County, North Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Sargent County is $1,708, with an effective tax rate of 1.14%. This earns Sargent County a tax score of 28.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sargent County?
The median household income in Sargent County, North Dakota is $77,697 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sargent County earns an income score of 81.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sargent County, North Dakota a good place to live?
Sargent County scores 60.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #35 in North Dakota. The best way to evaluate Sargent 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 Sargent 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.