Sioux County scores 68.0, well above the national median of 50.0, but this masks significant challenges in health and economic resilience. The composite advantage stems mainly from exceptional housing affordability and minimal taxes rather than broad-based livability.
2 / 5
Below state average in North Dakota
Sioux's 68.0 score trails the state average of 74.8, ranking it among North Dakota's weaker performers. The county faces real headwinds that offset its cost advantages.
3 / 5
Ultra-low taxes and rock-bottom housing
Sioux boasts the lowest effective tax rate at 0.469% and exceptional housing affordability with median rent of $466/month and home values around $87,400. Cost of living here is genuinely unbeatable.
4 / 5
Health and income concerns
The county's health score of 42.0 and income score of 10.6 are alarming, reflecting a median household income of just $41,676—less than half the national norm. Risk resilience at 37.9 also signals economic vulnerability and limited services.
5 / 5
For the truly budget-minded only
Sioux County suits those with independent means (remote income, pensions) or deep community ties who can tolerate limited healthcare and economic opportunity. This is rural living at its most austere; affordability alone doesn't compensate for sparse services and income challenges.
Sioux County scores 68.0, well above the national median of 50.0, but this masks significant challenges in health and economic resilience. The composite advantage stems mainly from exceptional housing affordability and minimal taxes rather than broad-based livability.
Below state average in North Dakota
Sioux's 68.0 score trails the state average of 74.8, ranking it among North Dakota's weaker performers. The county faces real headwinds that offset its cost advantages.
Ultra-low taxes and rock-bottom housing
Sioux boasts the lowest effective tax rate at 0.469% and exceptional housing affordability with median rent of $466/month and home values around $87,400. Cost of living here is genuinely unbeatable.
Health and income concerns
The county's health score of 42.0 and income score of 10.6 are alarming, reflecting a median household income of just $41,676—less than half the national norm. Risk resilience at 37.9 also signals economic vulnerability and limited services.
For the truly budget-minded only
Sioux County suits those with independent means (remote income, pensions) or deep community ties who can tolerate limited healthcare and economic opportunity. This is rural living at its most austere; affordability alone doesn't compensate for sparse services and income challenges.
Score breakdown
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🏛89.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Sioux County's effective tax rate of 0.469% ranks among the lowest in the nation, less than half the national average of 0.885%. Annual property taxes average just $410—an eighth of the national median of $2,690—reflecting the county's modest median home value of $87,400.
Lowest property tax burden statewide
Sioux County offers North Dakota's most affordable property taxes, with a 0.469% effective rate compared to the state average of 0.885%. Residents pay only $410 in median taxes annually, roughly 28% of the state median of $1,460.
Significantly lower than the region
Sioux's 0.469% rate is dramatically lower than all neighboring counties: Slope County (0.379%) and Sheridan County (0.699%) are its closest peers. It stands alone as the region's most tax-affordable jurisdiction for homeowners.
What an $87,400 home costs annually
A median-valued home in Sioux County incurs roughly $410 in annual property taxes, or about $34 per month. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $1,929, while outright ownership drops to $269.
Verify your assessment despite low rates
Even in Sioux County's tax-friendly environment, reviewing your property valuation for accuracy is worthwhile. Overassessments can still occur, and an appeal might result in modest refunds or reductions.
Sioux County's 13.4% rent-to-income ratio sits above the national average, but the real story is its median household income of $41,676—only 56% of the national median of $74,755. While rents of $466 are modest in absolute terms, they consume a larger share of residents' limited earnings.
Lowest incomes, above-average rent burden
Sioux County struggles with the state's lowest median household income at $41,676, pushing its 13.4% rent-to-income ratio above North Dakota's 12.8% average. The county faces a structural challenge: affordable housing in absolute terms, but stretched thin by an economically disadvantaged population.
Affordable but economically isolated
Sioux County's $466 rent ranks among the lowest regionally, matching Sheridan County's bargain pricing, yet Sioux residents earn substantially less ($41,676 vs. $67,361). Home values at $87,400 are the region's cheapest, reflecting limited economic opportunity despite housing affordability.
Housing affordable, but income the constraint
Renters pay just 13.4% of income toward $466 rent, while homeowners spend 12.6% on $438 monthly owner costs—both reasonable percentages. The real barrier isn't housing cost; it's the underlying income challenge that limits residents' overall economic mobility.
Cheap housing, limited economic anchors
Sioux County offers genuine affordability for those with stable outside income, but be aware: median household earnings lag far behind state and national levels. Consider this move if you can bring remote income or have flexible financial needs, not if you're counting on local job growth.
Sioux County's median household income of $41,676 lags the national median of $74,755 by more than $33,000. This substantial gap reflects the economic challenges facing Native American reservations and rural agricultural counties.
Lowest income county in North Dakota
Sioux County ranks at the bottom of North Dakota counties with a median income $30,861 below the state average of $72,537. The county faces unique structural economic challenges requiring targeted investment and development.
Substantially lower than regional peers
Sioux County's $41,676 median household income trails all neighboring counties significantly, with the next-lowest being Stutsman County at $60,172. The income disparity reflects historical economic disadvantages and limited job market diversity.
Housing burden strains limited budgets
Sioux County residents spend 13.4% of income on rent, the second-highest ratio in this group, while earning the lowest median. The median home value of $87,400 remains challenging for households earning the county median of $41,676.
Prioritize financial stability first
Given limited household income, focus initially on emergency savings and reducing debt before investing. Community development resources, workforce training programs, and income growth opportunities should be priority targets for personal economic advancement.
At 59.6 years, Sioux County's life expectancy is 16.5 years below the U.S. average of 76.1 years—among the lowest in America. With 36.8% of residents reporting poor or fair health (nearly 2.5 times the national 15% rate), Sioux County experiences a profound public health challenge.
Dramatic health disparities within state
Sioux County's 59.6-year life expectancy lags North Dakota's state average of 77.5 by 18 years, representing a stark disparity within the state. The county's 36.8% poor/fair health rate far exceeds all other North Dakota counties, signaling concentrated and severe health challenges.
Crisis far exceeds regional peers
Sioux County's 59.6-year life expectancy and 36.8% poor/fair health rate dramatically exceed all neighboring counties—life expectancy gaps of 18+ years are evident compared to Sargent, Sheridan, and Slope counties. This county faces health conditions far beyond typical rural North Dakota challenges.
Mental health services present but gaps remain
Sioux County has 55 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, below the state's best-resourced counties, while uninsured rates of 7% align near state average. Primary care provider data is unavailable, but the combination of limited mental health resources and severe population health needs suggests significant care gaps.
Coverage is critical, help is available
With 7% uninsured and overwhelming health challenges, every covered resident in Sioux County matters—ensure your family has insurance through Healthcare.gov or state programs. If you're uninsured, contact North Dakota's Indian Health Services or tribal health programs immediately; comprehensive coverage can connect you to the care this community urgently needs.
With a composite risk score of 62.09, Sioux County carries "Relatively Low" but significantly elevated risk compared to most U.S. counties. Your community faces nearly three times the national average exposure to natural disasters.
ND's highest-risk county by far
Sioux County's 62.09 score towers above North Dakota's state average of 22.19, making it the state's most disaster-prone community. This exceptional vulnerability stems primarily from extreme wildfire exposure in the state's northwestern region.
Far riskier than surrounding areas
Sioux County's 62.09 score dwarfs Mountrail County (43.12) to the east and Dunn County (18.77) to the south. Your county faces unique hazard exposure that demands heightened preparedness compared to virtually every neighboring area.
Wildfire dominates your risk profile
Wildfire risk scores an alarming 80.53 in Sioux County—the single highest wildfire exposure in North Dakota. Tornado risk (25.00) and flood risk (9.99) present secondary concerns, but wildfire remains your defining natural hazard.
Wildfire insurance is essential here
Standard homeowners policies often exclude wildfire; verify that your coverage includes this critical peril or purchase a separate rider. Create defensible space around your home, maintain gutters free of debris, and establish an evacuation plan before fire season arrives.