Sheridan County's composite score of 82.5 nearly 65% above the national median of 50.0, making it an exceptional choice by American standards. This upper-tier performance reflects a well-rounded combination of affordability, low taxes, and health resilience.
2 / 5
North Dakota's livability champion
Sheridan leads the state with a score of 82.5, well above North Dakota's 74.8 average and among the county's highest performers. It's a model of balanced livability within the region.
3 / 5
Unbeatable affordability and tax advantage
Sheridan excels in cost (93.9) and tax burden (82.6), with the lowest effective tax rate at 0.699% and median rent of just $373/month. Health outcomes are also strong at 81.6, and its risk score of 95.0 signals exceptional economic stability.
4 / 5
Income opportunities remain limited
The county's income score of 27.4 reflects a median household income of $67,361, among the state's lowest. Like many rural counties, Sheridan lacks higher-wage employers and career advancement pathways.
5 / 5
Perfect for affordable rural living
Sheridan County is ideal for cost-conscious families, retirees on fixed incomes, and remote workers who value expansive living space at minimal expense. If your priority is stretching dollars while maintaining good health and economic stability, Sheridan offers exceptional value.
Sheridan County's composite score of 82.5 nearly 65% above the national median of 50.0, making it an exceptional choice by American standards. This upper-tier performance reflects a well-rounded combination of affordability, low taxes, and health resilience.
North Dakota's livability champion
Sheridan leads the state with a score of 82.5, well above North Dakota's 74.8 average and among the county's highest performers. It's a model of balanced livability within the region.
Unbeatable affordability and tax advantage
Sheridan excels in cost (93.9) and tax burden (82.6), with the lowest effective tax rate at 0.699% and median rent of just $373/month. Health outcomes are also strong at 81.6, and its risk score of 95.0 signals exceptional economic stability.
Income opportunities remain limited
The county's income score of 27.4 reflects a median household income of $67,361, among the state's lowest. Like many rural counties, Sheridan lacks higher-wage employers and career advancement pathways.
Perfect for affordable rural living
Sheridan County is ideal for cost-conscious families, retirees on fixed incomes, and remote workers who value expansive living space at minimal expense. If your priority is stretching dollars while maintaining good health and economic stability, Sheridan offers exceptional value.
Score breakdown
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🏛82.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.