CountyScore

Sargent County

North Dakota · ND

#31 in North Dakota
74.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Sargent County, North Dakota

Well above the national average

Sargent County's composite score of 74.4 significantly outpaces the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top tier of U.S. counties. This 49% advantage reflects a consistently livable community across multiple dimensions measured by the CountyScore index.

Middle of the pack in North Dakota

Sargent ranks near the state average with a score of 74.4 versus the statewide average of 74.8, holding its own among North Dakota's counties. It's a solid performer without standing out as an exceptional leader in the state.

Affordability and low risk shine

Sargent's strongest dimensions are risk resilience (92.6) and housing affordability (81.1), with median homes valued at $149,600 and rent at just $835/month. The county also maintains solid health outcomes (77.1) and reasonable tax burden (70.2 effective rate of 1.142%).

Income growth lags behind

The county's income score of 34.1 is its clear weak point, with a median household income of $77,697 trailing statewide expectations. This gap suggests limited wage growth potential and fewer high-earning opportunities in the local economy.

For those seeking stability over wealth

Sargent County suits retirees, remote workers, and families prioritizing affordable housing and low risk over robust income growth. If you value small-town living with reasonable costs and don't depend on local job markets to boost earnings, this county delivers solid livability.

Score breakdown

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

Tax70.2Cost81.1SafetyComing SoonHealth77.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome34.1Risk92.6WaterComing Soon
🏛70.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼34.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤77.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡92.6
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 Sargent County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Searcy County
Arkansas
74.4
Median income: $41,978
Carroll County
Indiana
74.4
Median income: $64,003
Fountain County
Indiana
74.4
Median income: $62,526
Jasper County
Indiana
74.4
Median income: $79,634
Perry County
Indiana
74.4
Median income: $61,099

Deep Dives

Sargent County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.