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Sheridan County, North Dakota — County Report Card

ND

#29 in North Dakota

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
62.1
County Score
Cost of Living 95.5Disaster Risk 95Health 66.3

County Report Card

About Sheridan County, North Dakota

Outperforming the Nation in Affordability

Sheridan County’s composite score of 62.1 sits comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This ranking highlights the county as a hidden gem for livability in the American heartland. It offers a level of stability and ease of living that remains elusive in many other parts of the country.

A Top Performer in North Dakota

With a score of 62.1, Sheridan County slightly exceeds the North Dakota state average of 61.5. This places it among the more desirable counties in a state that already boasts high livability metrics. It manages to balance local costs and safety better than many of its state peers.

Unmatched Affordability and Low Disaster Risk

Sheridan County boasts a near-perfect Cost Score of 95.5, driven by a median gross rent of just $373 per month. A Risk Score of 95.0 indicates the area is extremely resilient against natural disasters. Furthermore, the 0.699% effective tax rate contributes to a healthy Tax Score of 63.4.

Water Infrastructure and Safety Gains

The Water Score of 4.7 is the county's most significant hurdle, indicating substantial room for improvement in water quality or access. A Safety Score of 40.8 also suggests that while the county is affordable, community safety initiatives could be strengthened. Balancing these infrastructure needs is key to future growth.

Best for Retirees and Budget-Conscious Residents

Sheridan County is an excellent fit for those looking to maximize their dollar, given its incredibly low housing costs and modest tax rates. The high risk-resiliency makes it a safe bet for long-term property investment. It suits anyone prioritizing financial breathing room and a low-threat environment.

Score breakdown

Tax63.4Cost95.5Safety40.8Health66.3Schools48.6Income59.9Risk95Water4.7Weather39.6
🏛63.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠95.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼59.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡40.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤66.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓48.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡95
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧4.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤39.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨59.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱52.4
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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Nearby counties

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68.2
Burleigh County
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Pierce County
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63.9
Kidder County
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McHenry County
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McLean County
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Oliver County
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Benson County
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Deep Dives

Sheridan County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Sheridan County

via TaxByCounty

Sheridan taxes fall below national average

Sheridan County's effective tax rate of 0.699% sits well below the national median of 0.885%, placing it among the more tax-friendly counties nationwide. Typical property taxes here are just $753 annually—a quarter of the national median of $2,690—thanks to lower home values of $107,700 versus $281,900 nationally.

Among North Dakota's lowest rates

Sheridan ranks in the lower half of North Dakota counties for tax rates at 0.699%, well below the state average of 0.885%. Residents pay $753 in median property taxes, roughly half the state median of $1,460.

More affordable than nearby counties

Sheridan's 0.699% rate is substantially lower than surrounding Sargent County (1.142%), Stutsman County (1.095%), and Steele County (0.952%). It ranks among the most affordable property tax jurisdictions in the region.

What a $107,700 home costs annually

A median-valued home in Sheridan County incurs roughly $753 in annual property taxes, or about $63 per month. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $842, while outright ownership drops to $715.

Still worth verifying your assessment

Even in lower-tax counties like Sheridan, homeowners can benefit from reviewing their property assessments for accuracy. An appeal could uncover valuation errors and provide modest but worthwhile savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Sheridan County

via CostByCounty

Sheridan's rent deals beat national average

Sheridan County's 6.6% rent-to-income ratio is less than half the national norm, making it one of the most affordable rental markets in the country. At just $373 monthly, median rent leaves residents with far more disposable income than typical American households.

Exceptional value in rural North Dakota

Sheridan County ranks as one of North Dakota's most affordable counties, with a rent-to-income ratio of 6.6% compared to the state average of 12.8%. This rural gem's $373 median rent is half the state average of $770, making it a haven for cost-conscious renters.

Unbeatable rents in the region

Sheridan's $373 rent dramatically undercuts nearby Sargent County ($835) and Slope County ($719), though median income here ($67,361) also trails these wealthier neighbors. Home prices reflect the rural character, with median values at just $107,700—the lowest among comparable counties.

Rent leaves room for savings

At $373 monthly, rent consumes only 6.6% of median household income, compared to 12.5% for homeowners paying $543 in monthly costs. This efficiency means Sheridan County residents pocket substantially more of their earnings than peers elsewhere in the state.

Remote workers: consider Sheridan seriously

If housing affordability is your priority, Sheridan County offers unmatched value at less than half the state's median rent. Bring remote income, and you'll experience genuine financial breathing room in one of North Dakota's most economical counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Sheridan County

via IncomeByCounty

Sheridan County trails national income

Sheridan County's median household income of $67,361 falls below the national median of $74,755 by approximately $7,400. This gap reflects broader rural income patterns common in smaller counties across the Great Plains.

Below-average income for North Dakota

Sheridan County's median income of $67,361 sits $5,176 below North Dakota's county average of $72,537. The county ranks in the lower half of North Dakota counties for household earnings.

Lower earnings than most neighbors

Sheridan County's $67,361 median household income trails Sargent County ($77,697) and Towner County ($63,017) by significant margins. The county faces income headwinds compared to more economically robust neighbors.

Housing remains very affordable

Sheridan County residents enjoy an exceptionally low rent-to-income ratio of 6.6%, the most affordable housing burden among these eight counties. The median home value of $107,700 requires minimal income share, providing substantial breathing room in household budgets.

Leverage affordable housing advantage

With housing costs consuming just 6.6% of income, Sheridan County households have unusual flexibility to save and invest. Direct surplus income toward emergency funds, retirement accounts, and long-term wealth-building strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Sheridan County

via CrimeByCounty

Sheridan County Safer Than National Average

Sheridan County reports a total crime rate of 1,345.3 per 100,000 residents, remaining much safer than the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a strong safety score of 97.9 out of 100.

Tracking Slightly Below State Safety Averages

Sheridan County's total crime rate of 1,345.3 is higher than the North Dakota average of 976.6 per 100,000. Its safety score of 97.9 sits just below the statewide average score of 98.5.

Monitoring Trends in Central North Dakota

While Sheridan County is safer than the nation at large, its crime rate is higher than many neighboring rural counties. Local law enforcement manages these figures with a single reporting agency for the entire county.

Property Crime Drives Local Statistics

Property crime is the primary concern, with a rate of 1,270.6 per 100,000 residents recorded in 2022. Conversely, violent crime is low at 74.7 per 100,000, roughly five times lower than the national figure.

Securing Property in Sheridan County

With property crime as the main local threat, residents should ensure outbuildings and vehicles are consistently locked. Simple security cameras can provide extra peace of mind and help local authorities.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Sheridan County

via HealthByCounty

Sheridan's health rank unclear nationally

Life expectancy data for Sheridan County is not available, but the county's 15.3% poor/fair health rate sits just below the national 15% average. This suggests the population's self-reported health aligns with typical U.S. county patterns, though complete longevity data would provide fuller context.

Strong health perception in state

Sheridan County's 15.3% poor/fair health rate is among the best in North Dakota, better than the state average. Without life expectancy data, the self-reported health metric suggests Sheridan residents perceive their health favorably compared to peers statewide.

Top performer in health perception

Sheridan County's 15.3% poor/fair health rate edges out Sargent (16%) and Slope (15%), making it a relative standout in northeastern North Dakota. Among counties where data exists, Sheridan ranks among the healthiest in the region by self-reported health measures.

Coverage gap emerging in Sheridan

Sheridan County's uninsured rate of 9.1% significantly exceeds the state average of 7.5%, meaning nearly 1 in 11 residents lack health insurance. Provider data is limited, but the coverage gap suggests residents may face barriers accessing routine care without a safety net.

Close the coverage gap now

At 9.1% uninsured, Sheridan County trails state averages—if you're among the uninsured, check Healthcare.gov or contact North Dakota's health office for subsidized plans. Uninsured families face real financial risk; exploring options today can prevent costly emergencies tomorrow.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Sheridan County

via SchoolsByCounty

Concentrated Schooling in Sheridan County

Sheridan County operates a focused educational system with one elementary and one high school serving 122 total students. Both schools are managed under a single unified district for the entire county.

High Investment for Rising Scores

Sheridan County earns a school score of 55.1, placing it just above the state average. The county invests $11,374 per pupil, significantly more than the state average of $9,385, even as the graduation rate sits at 75%.

The McClusky District Profile

The McClusky 19 district manages both schools in the county, catering to all 122 enrolled students. No charter schools exist here, as the county relies entirely on its public district infrastructure.

A Truly Rural Experience

With an average school size of just 61 students, education here is deeply personal and entirely rural. McClusky Elementary is the larger facility with 74 students, while the high school maintains a small cohort of 48.

Relocating for Personalized Education

Families who value a setting where every teacher knows every student will appreciate Sheridan County's scale. Explore local real estate to find a home near these community-centered schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Sheridan County

via RiskByCounty

Sheridan's risk sits well below average

Sheridan County's composite risk score of 5.03 earns a "Very Low" rating, placing it among the safest counties nationally. Your community enjoys substantially lower natural disaster exposure than most U.S. counties.

One of ND's lowest-risk counties

At 5.03, Sheridan County ranks significantly below North Dakota's state average of 22.19, making it one of the state's most resilient communities. This exceptionally low score reflects protection from the hazards that threaten other regions.

Comparable to fellow low-risk neighbors

Sheridan's 5.03 score rivals nearby Slope County (0.64) as one of the region's safest places, though both exceed the averages seen in central North Dakota. McKenzie County to the north faces notably higher wildfire exposure.

Wildfire and tornado are top concerns

Wildfire risk (63.30) is your county's highest hazard score, followed by tornado risk (22.42), reflecting typical Great Plains exposure patterns. Both scores remain manageable within the context of Sheridan's overall very low composite risk.

Baseline coverage is your safeguard

Standard homeowners insurance adequately covers Sheridan County's modest natural disaster risks. Review your policy annually and ensure you have emergency supplies and a weather safety plan for tornado season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Sheridan County

via WeatherByCounty

A Northern Plains Continental Climate

Sheridan County maintains an annual average temperature of 42.5°F, which sits roughly 12 degrees below the national median. The county experiences a classic continental climate with distinct, sharp seasonal transitions. Residents navigate a landscape defined by these cooler-than-average national norms.

Warmer Than the State Average

Despite its northern location, the county's 42.5°F average temperature exceeds the North Dakota state average of 41.0°F. It ranks as one of the slightly milder counties in the central region of the state. This subtle warmth relative to the state median influences local agricultural cycles.

Central Plains Weather Comparisons

Sheridan County is slightly drier than eastern neighbors, receiving 18.2 inches of annual precipitation. It shares a similar temperature profile with Stark County to the southwest, though it sees more significant snowfall. The region's open terrain allows for consistent wind patterns across county lines.

Frigid Winters and Sunny Summers

Winter temperatures average a cold 14.5°F, and the county receives 45.0 inches of snow annually. July brings relief with an average of 70.5°F, though the area sees about 15 extreme heat days over 90°F. These extremes require residents to prepare for both heavy drifts and summer sun.

Preparing for Significant Snowfall

With 45 inches of annual snow, high-clearance vehicles and reliable snow removal equipment are essential for winter travel. High-efficiency HVAC systems must handle the 11.5°F January lows. Outdoor planning should account for the 15 days of high heat during peak summer months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Sheridan County

via SoilByCounty

Tracking Alkaline Trends in Sheridan

Sheridan County soils maintain an average pH of 7.23, staying above the national target of 6.5. This alkaline profile is standard for the region and mirrors the broader North Dakota average of 7.18.

Sand-Heavy Mix for Fast Drainage

With 44.9% sand and only 19.8% clay, this soil warms up quickly in the spring. The high sand content makes the earth easier to work but requires more frequent watering during dry spells.

Healthy Organic Matter Levels

The soil contains 3.86% organic matter, which is lower than the state average of 4.69% but still quite healthy. Its available water capacity of 0.184 in/in provides a solid foundation for local agriculture.

Natural Drainage Efficiency

Specific drainage class data is not currently recorded, but the 44.9% sand content typically indicates rapid permeability. This natural drainage helps prevent root rot in sensitive garden plants.

Growing Cold-Hardy Staples

In USDA Zone 4a, Sheridan County gardeners focus on hearty vegetables like carrots and potatoes. The light soil texture is ideal for root development in a home garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Sheridan County

via LawnByCounty

Balanced Lawn Care in Sheridan County

With a lawn difficulty score of 52.4, Sheridan County is slightly more challenging than the state average of 54.0 but remains easier than the national median. This Zone 4a region offers a standard environment for northern grass varieties to establish.

Dry Conditions Require Diligent Irrigation

Annual precipitation of 18.2 inches falls below the state average, necessitating supplemental watering to keep lawns green. The climate includes 15 extreme heat days per year, which is higher than the state average and can lead to mid-summer dormancy if not managed.

Sandy Loam Provides Quick Drainage

The soil contains 44.9% sand and 19.8% clay, suggesting fast drainage that may require more frequent, lighter watering. A pH level of 7.23 is manageable, though adding organic matter can help lower alkalinity toward the ideal 6.0-7.0 range.

Steady Growth Despite Past Dryness

While the county spent 10 weeks in drought conditions over the last year, current data shows the area is free of abnormally dry conditions. Utilizing mulch-mowing helps retain moisture in the soil, protecting your grass during typical North Dakota dry spells.

Optimize Growth Between Frost Dates

Aim to seed your lawn after May 16th to avoid the final spring frosts common in Sheridan County. Hardiness Zone 4a favors Perennial Ryegrass and Fescues, which should be well-established before the October 1st frost deadline.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sheridan County's county score?
Sheridan County, North Dakota has a composite county score of 62.1 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 Sheridan County rank among counties in North Dakota?
Sheridan County ranks #29 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 Sheridan County, North Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Sheridan County is $753, with an effective tax rate of 0.70%. This earns Sheridan County a tax score of 63.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sheridan County?
The median household income in Sheridan County, North Dakota is $67,361 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sheridan County earns an income score of 59.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sheridan County, North Dakota a good place to live?
Sheridan County scores 62.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #29 in North Dakota. The best way to evaluate Sheridan 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 Sheridan 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.