Slope County's score of 84.0 is 68% above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the nation's elite for livability. This exceptional ranking reflects outstanding resilience and health outcomes paired with manageable costs.
2 / 5
North Dakota's second-best livability
Slope ranks second statewide with 84.0, just behind Sheridan's 82.5, and well above the state average of 74.8. It's a genuine leader in regional livability.
3 / 5
Health, resilience, and low taxes excel
Slope's standout dimensions are risk (99.4—nearly perfect), health (86.1), and tax burden (91.6 with 0.379% effective rate). Housing remains affordable at $121,300 median home value, creating a well-rounded livable environment.
4 / 5
Income growth lags expectations
The county's income score of 24.2 reflects a median household income of $62,500, limiting economic mobility. Like rural peers, Slope lacks major employers and wage growth opportunities.
5 / 5
For health-conscious, self-sufficient families
Slope County excels for remote workers, retirees, and families prioritizing health infrastructure and economic stability over career advancement. If you can work from anywhere and value resilient communities with excellent healthcare access, Slope delivers top-tier livability.
Slope County's score of 84.0 is 68% above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the nation's elite for livability. This exceptional ranking reflects outstanding resilience and health outcomes paired with manageable costs.
North Dakota's second-best livability
Slope ranks second statewide with 84.0, just behind Sheridan's 82.5, and well above the state average of 74.8. It's a genuine leader in regional livability.
Health, resilience, and low taxes excel
Slope's standout dimensions are risk (99.4—nearly perfect), health (86.1), and tax burden (91.6 with 0.379% effective rate). Housing remains affordable at $121,300 median home value, creating a well-rounded livable environment.
Income growth lags expectations
The county's income score of 24.2 reflects a median household income of $62,500, limiting economic mobility. Like rural peers, Slope lacks major employers and wage growth opportunities.
For health-conscious, self-sufficient families
Slope County excels for remote workers, retirees, and families prioritizing health infrastructure and economic stability over career advancement. If you can work from anywhere and value resilient communities with excellent healthcare access, Slope delivers top-tier livability.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛91.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Slope County's effective tax rate of 0.379% ranks among the nation's lowest, less than half the national average of 0.885%. Property taxes average just $460 annually—one-sixth of the national median of $2,690—despite a median home value of $121,300.
Second-lowest rate in North Dakota
Slope County ranks second in North Dakota for lowest property tax rates at 0.379%, well below the state average of 0.885%. Residents pay $460 in median taxes, just 32% of the state median of $1,460.
Most affordable in the remote west
Slope's 0.379% rate is the lowest among its western peers, including Sioux County (0.469%), Sheridan County (0.699%), and Stark County (0.921%). It represents the region's most property-tax-friendly jurisdiction.
What a $121,300 home costs annually
A median-valued home in Slope County incurs roughly $460 in annual property taxes, or about $38 per month. With a mortgage, that figure drops to $377, while outright ownership rises to $513.
Consider challenging your valuation
Even at Slope's remarkably low tax rates, homeowners should periodically verify that their assessments reflect fair market value. An appeal process exists to correct overvaluations if they occur.
Slope County's 13.8% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national norm, even as median rent of $719 remains modest in absolute dollars. With median household income of $62,500—well below the national average of $74,755—residents stretch further to afford housing than typical American households.
Above average housing burden for county
Slope County ranks in the less-affordable half of North Dakota counties, with a 13.8% rent-to-income ratio topping the state average of 12.8%. The $719 median rent runs $51 above the state median, adding to the affordability pressure on an income base below state norms.
Mid-range costs in rural North Dakota
Slope's $719 rent sits between affordable Sheridan ($373) and pricier Sargent ($835), while home values of $121,300 similarly occupy the middle. The county offers neither the bargain pricing of far-rural areas nor the economic strength of wealthier neighboring counties.
Rent strains more than ownership
At 13.8%, rent consumes a notably larger share of income than the 9.8% homeowners dedicate to $509 monthly mortgage costs. For renters in Slope County, housing is a tighter squeeze relative to local earning power.
Moderate option with affordability caution
Slope County offers modest rents and home prices, but its below-average income base means housing still bites harder here than in wealthier counties. Renters should be prepared for housing costs that consume more of their budget than state averages suggest.
Slope County's median household income of $62,500 trails the national median of $74,755 by about $12,255. The county reflects typical rural economic conditions in the northern Great Plains.
Below North Dakota county average
Slope County's median income of $62,500 falls $10,037 short of North Dakota's county average of $72,537. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier of North Dakota counties.
Middle income among regional counties
Slope County's $62,500 median household income sits between Towner County ($63,017) and Stutsman County ($60,172), representing a middle position regionally. The county performs modestly compared to higher-income neighbors like Sargent and Stark.
Housing costs strain household budgets
Slope County residents spend 13.8% of income on rent, among the highest burdens in this group. The median home value of $121,300 represents a significant commitment relative to the $62,500 median household income.
Balance housing and savings goals
With housing consuming substantial income share, create a realistic budget that protects both housing stability and retirement savings. Explore employer-sponsored retirement plans and gradually build wealth as income opportunities expand.
Life expectancy data is unavailable for Slope County, but its 15% poor/fair health rate matches the national average, suggesting typical population health patterns. Complete longevity data would clarify where Slope truly stands versus the 76.1-year U.S. life expectancy benchmark.
Excellent health perception statewide
Slope County's 15% poor/fair health rate ties it as one of North Dakota's best performers, matching national benchmarks. Without life expectancy data, this self-reported metric suggests Slope residents experience health conditions similar to top-performing counties in the state.
Among the healthiest in northeast
Slope County's 15% poor/fair health rate matches Sheridan's and slightly edges Sargent's 16%, placing it among the region's top counties by this measure. The county ranks far above Sioux County's crisis-level 36.8% and represents a healthier northeast corner.
Good coverage, limited provider data
Slope County's uninsured rate of 6.2% beats the state average of 7.5%, showing strong insurance penetration among residents. Primary care and mental health provider numbers are unavailable, but the strong coverage suggests residents have a foundation for accessing care.
Maintain coverage leadership
Slope County's 6.2% uninsured rate is among the state's best—if you're in that uninsured minority, explore Healthcare.gov or state plans to complete coverage. Keeping coverage rates high protects your community's health and ensures preventive care reaches everyone.
With a composite risk score of just 0.64, Slope County ranks among the safest places in the entire United States. Your community faces minimal exposure to the natural disasters that threaten most American counties.
ND's safest county overall
Slope County's 0.64 score is far below North Dakota's state average of 22.19, making it the state's most resilient community by a substantial margin. This exceptional safety reflects low exposure across nearly all major hazard categories.
Safest in an already-safe region
Slope's 0.64 score edges out neighboring Bowman County (6.63) and Hettinger County (17.06), establishing it as the region's clear safety leader. Even within one of North Dakota's lowest-risk areas, Slope stands apart.
Wildfire is your only notable hazard
Wildfire risk (38.04) is the only significant threat in Slope County, while flood (0.57), tornado (5.50), and earthquake (0.60) risks remain negligible. Even your highest risk category remains modest compared to state and national standards.
Basic coverage is sufficient
Standard homeowners insurance provides robust protection in Slope County given the county's minimal disaster exposure. Confirm your policy covers wildfire as a precaution, and maintain basic emergency preparedness for severe weather.