countyscore
75.8
County Score
Safety 97.5Disaster Risk 93.4Health 90.7

County Report Card

About Steele County, North Dakota

Exceptional Quality of Life Nationwide

Steele County’s composite score of 75.8 is significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a county that excels in almost every category of rural livability. It is one of the most well-rounded counties in the United States according to the index.

A Standout Performer in North Dakota

Steele County easily beats the North Dakota state average of 61.5 with its 75.8 score. It ranks among the top tier of North Dakota counties, offering a superior mix of safety and economic health. It sets a high bar for neighboring communities to follow.

Peak Safety and Financial Security

With a Safety Score of 97.5, Steele County is one of the most secure places to live in the region. Residents also enjoy high incomes ($80,313) and excellent health outcomes, scoring 90.7 in the health dimension. Housing remains affordable with a median home value of $120,400.

Managing Taxes and Local Schools

The primary area for improvement is the Tax Score of 41.6, as the effective tax rate of 0.952% is higher than some neighbors. The School Score of 52.0 is solid but represents a potential area for further investment. These are minor critiques for an otherwise high-performing county.

A Perfect Balance for Families and Professionals

Steele County is a premier choice for those who want high-paying jobs without sacrificing safety or community health. Its rare combination of high income and low home values creates incredible lifestyle mobility. It is arguably the best-kept secret for family life in North Dakota.

Score breakdown

Tax41.6Cost84.8Safety97.5Health90.7Schools52Income84.1Risk93.4Water86Weather40.4
🏛41.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠84.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼84.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤90.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓52
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡93.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤40.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨61.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱57.1
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

Griggs County
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70
Traill County
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64.5
Barnes County
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Grand Forks County
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Nelson County
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Cass County
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Eddy County
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Norman County
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Deep Dives

Steele County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Steele County

via TaxByCounty

Steele taxes slightly exceed national average

Steele County's effective tax rate of 0.952% is modestly higher than the national average of 0.885%, placing it in the upper-middle tier of American counties. With annual property taxes of $1,146 on a median home valued at $120,400, residents pay well below the national median of $2,690.

Above-average rate for North Dakota

Steele County ranks in the upper portion of North Dakota counties at 0.952%, above the state average of 0.885%. Median property taxes of $1,146 exceed the state median of $1,460 by percentage of home value, reflecting strong tax rates.

Higher burden than most nearby areas

Steele's 0.952% rate is noticeably higher than Towner County (0.878%), Sheridan County (0.699%), and Slope County (0.379%), though lower than Sargent County (1.142%) and Stutsman County (1.095%). It ranks in the region's upper-middle tier.

What a $120,400 home costs annually

A median-valued home in Steele County incurs roughly $1,146 in annual property taxes, or about $96 per month. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $1,293, while outright ownership drops to $1,033.

Review your assessment for accuracy

Steele County residents should verify their property assessments regularly, as overvaluation is possible regardless of local tax rates. An appeal process can correct errors and provide tax relief for qualifying homeowners.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Steele County

via CostByCounty

Steele County offers above-average affordability

At 9.4%, Steele County's rent-to-income ratio is notably below the national norm, reflecting a county where modest rents meet solid incomes. With median household income of $80,313 and rent at just $630 monthly, residents enjoy genuine housing affordability compared to typical American households.

Best-in-class North Dakota affordability

Steele County ranks among North Dakota's most affordable, with a 9.4% rent-to-income ratio well below the state average of 12.8%. The $630 median rent runs below the state average of $770, while median income of $80,313 exceeds most county peers.

Strong value vs. wealthier neighbors

Steele County's $630 rent undercuts Sargent ($835) and Stark ($966) while staying affordable relative to income. At $120,400, median home values fall between rural bargains like Sheridan ($107,700) and pricier neighbors, offering efficient value for homebuyers.

Renters and owners both get good deals

Renters spend 9.4% of income on $630 monthly rent, while homeowners dedicate 9.9% to $661 owner costs—among the state's lowest percentages. This efficiency holds even among homebuyers, suggesting Steele County delivers broad-based affordability.

Balance of affordability and income strength

If you're relocating to North Dakota and housing affordability matters, Steele County delivers genuine value without sacrificing local earning potential. Strong income combined with below-average housing costs makes this county a standout choice for budget-conscious movers.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Steele County

via IncomeByCounty

Steele County exceeds national income

Steele County's median household income of $80,313 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by approximately $5,558. The county ranks among the nation's stronger income performers, reflecting a stable, diversified economy.

Second-highest income in North Dakota

Steele County's median income of $80,313 ranks second statewide, exceeding North Dakota's county average of $72,537 by $7,776. Only Stark County earns more among all North Dakota counties.

Strong income among regional peers

Steele County's $80,313 median household income rivals Stark County ($80,744) and exceeds Sargent County ($77,697) by a comfortable margin. The county's economic strength is evident in regional income rankings.

Excellent housing affordability

Steele County residents enjoy a rent-to-income ratio of just 9.4%, the second-lowest burden among these counties. The median home value of $120,400 remains highly accessible for households earning the county median.

Build significant wealth capacity

Steele County's strong income and affordable housing create substantial surplus for savings and investment. Work with financial professionals to develop comprehensive wealth strategies including retirement planning and long-term investment diversification.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Steele County

via CrimeByCounty

Steele County Reports Perfect Safety Score

Steele County reports a total crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents, resulting in a perfect 100.0 safety score. This is an extraordinary figure compared to the national average of 2,385.5.

Ranking at the Top for State Safety

Steele County's zero-reported crime rate is the lowest in North Dakota, far below the state average of 976.6. While data from a single agency requires cautious interpretation, it suggests a very safe environment.

The Quietest County in the Region

Steele County stands out among its neighbors for having no reported criminal incidents in 2022. This makes it a significant outlier compared to the more typical crime rates seen in the surrounding counties.

No Reported Violent or Property Crime

There were zero violent crimes and zero property crimes reported per 100,000 residents in 2022. This represents a rare level of community safety that is nearly unparalleled across the country.

Maintaining Steele County's Safe Environment

Even with zero reported crimes, staying alert and maintaining basic home security is always a smart move. A vigilant community is the best defense against a change in these excellent statistics.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Steele County

via HealthByCounty

Steele County leads U.S. longevity

At 80.9 years, Steele County's life expectancy ranks among the highest in America, exceeding the U.S. average of 76.1 years by nearly five years. Just 14.4% report poor/fair health, well below the national 15% average, indicating exceptional population health.

North Dakota's healthiest county

Steele County's 80.9-year life expectancy dramatically outpaces North Dakota's 77.5 state average by 3.4 years, making it a clear state leader. The 14.4% poor/fair health rate is among the best in North Dakota, reflecting sustained excellent health outcomes.

Outstanding regional health outcomes

Steele County's 80.9-year life expectancy and 14.4% poor/fair health rate far surpass neighboring counties—Stark County (78.4 years), Sargent County (77.5), and all others in the region. Steele stands as a clear health leader across the surrounding area.

Strong coverage backs exceptional health

Steele County's uninsured rate of 5.7% beats the state average of 7.5%, ensuring most residents access care. Provider data is limited, but the combination of low uninsured rates and exceptional life expectancy suggests strong healthcare access supports this county's outstanding outcomes.

Protect Steele's health advantage

With 5.7% uninsured and exceptional health outcomes, Steele County is doing it right—but that remaining 5.7% should review coverage options through Healthcare.gov or state plans. Maintaining universal coverage helps Steele County preserve its position as North Dakota's healthiest community.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Steele County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Schools in Steele County

Steele County provides education to 149 students through three public schools. The infrastructure includes one elementary school and two high schools, ensuring residents have access to local secondary education.

Premier Investment in Students

Steele County's school score of 66.8 is significantly higher than the North Dakota average of 54.8. This high performance is fueled by an exceptional per-pupil expenditure of $16,783, far exceeding the national average.

Finley-Sharon District Focus

The Finley-Sharon 19 district is the primary provider, operating two of the county's three schools for 90 students. No charter schools are available, as the county maintains a traditional public school focus.

Quiet Rural Classrooms

Every school in the county is rural, and the average school size is a compact 50 students. Hope Page High School is the largest campus with 59 students, while Finley-Sharon's elementary and high schools each serve 45.

Invest in Steele County Real Estate

With some of the highest per-pupil spending and school scores in the region, Steele County is a hidden gem for families. Look for your next home in a community that invests deeply in its children's success.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Steele County

via RiskByCounty

Steele ranks safely below average

With a composite risk score of 6.65, Steele County earns a "Very Low" rating and ranks well below the national average for disaster risk. Your community enjoys substantially safer conditions than most U.S. counties.

Among ND's lowest-risk counties

Steele County's 6.65 score sits significantly below North Dakota's state average of 22.19, placing it firmly in the state's safest communities. This advantage reflects minimal exposure to major natural hazards across the region.

Comparable safety to regional peers

Steele's 6.65 score resembles nearby Sargent County (7.44) and Towner County (2.00), establishing the east-central region as one of North Dakota's safest areas. All three counties dramatically underperform the state average.

Wildfire and tornado are modest concerns

Wildfire risk (17.02) and tornado risk (16.76) represent Steele County's primary hazards, though both scores remain low relative to state and national comparisons. Flood and earthquake risks are negligible.

Standard homeowners insurance suffices

Steele County's minimal disaster risks mean standard homeowners coverage provides adequate protection for most residents. Confirm your policy includes wildfire and tornado coverage, and review your emergency preparedness plan annually.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Steele County

via WeatherByCounty

A Truly Cold Northern Climate

Steele County is one of the coldest spots in the nation, with an annual average temperature of just 38.7°F. This is nearly 17 degrees below the national median for temperature. The climate is defined by long, harsh winters and short, vibrant summers.

Colder than the State Average

While the North Dakota state average is 41.0°F, Steele County remains significantly cooler at 38.7°F. It ranks among the coldest counties in the state due to its northeastern position. This chill persists even as other parts of the state begin to thaw.

The Chilly Red River Valley

Steele County is much colder than western counties like Stark, particularly in winter. It receives 20.9 inches of precipitation, making it wetter than the arid western plains. It shares this cold, moist profile with neighbors like Towner County.

Sub-Zero Starts and Mild Summers

January is brutal with an average temperature of 4.1°F, contributing to a winter average of 7.9°F. Summers are mild with only 11 days of extreme heat and a July average of 68.7°F. The county averages 34.7 inches of snow annually.

Essential Cold-Weather Preparation

Heavy-duty heating systems are a non-negotiable requirement for the 4.1°F January averages. Residents should stock winter emergency kits to handle the 34.7 inches of snow and extreme wind chills. Summer cooling needs are modest given the few days of extreme heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Steele County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Earth in Steele County

Steele County has an average pH of 7.29, making it one of the more alkaline areas in the state. This level is significantly higher than the national median of 6.5.

Sandy Loam Characteristics

With 41.6% sand and 39.2% silt, the soil here is light and easy to till. The relatively low 19.2% clay content helps prevent the soil from becoming too compacted.

High Water Holding Capacity

Organic matter reaches 4.15%, which is strong but slightly behind the state average of 4.69%. The available water capacity of 0.189 in/in is higher than the state average, providing a great moisture reservoir.

Predicting Drainage Trends

Official drainage data is not recorded, but the high sand percentage generally points to good drainage. This prevents water from pooling around plant roots after heavy North Dakota storms.

Short Season Success

Gardeners in Zone 4a focus on fast-growing varieties like spinach and beets. The easy-to-work soil makes it simple to prepare beds as soon as the ground thaws.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Steele County

via LawnByCounty

Steele County Offers Prime Growing Conditions

Steele County's lawn difficulty score of 57.1 is one of the highest in the state, beating the North Dakota average of 54.0. This Zone 4a county provides a relatively forgiving environment for those looking to maintain a lush, green yard.

Cooler Summers Benefit Northern Turf

With only 11 extreme heat days and 20.9 inches of rain, Steele County avoids the harsh scorching seen in western North Dakota. The 2,011 growing degree days support steady, manageable growth without the constant mowing required in warmer climates.

Sandy Texture Requires Nutrient Care

The soil is comprised of 41.6% sand, which promotes drainage but may lead to nutrient leaching. A pH of 7.29 is slightly high, so consider using sulfur-based fertilizers to bring the alkalinity down closer to the ideal 6.0-7.0 range.

Stable Moisture for Worry-Free Lawns

Remarkably, Steele County saw zero weeks of drought over the past year. While 0.3% of the area is currently listed as abnormally dry, the overall moisture stability makes this one of the most reliable counties for lawn care in the state.

Seeding Success Begins in Early May

Wait until after May 10th to start your lawn projects to avoid late spring frost damage. Tall Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass are top performers here, provided they are established before the first frost on September 24th.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Steele County's county score?
Steele County, North Dakota has a composite county score of 75.8 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 Steele County rank among counties in North Dakota?
Steele County ranks #3 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 Steele County, North Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Steele County is $1,146, with an effective tax rate of 0.95%. This earns Steele County a tax score of 41.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Steele County?
The median household income in Steele County, North Dakota is $80,313 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Steele County earns an income score of 84.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Steele County, North Dakota a good place to live?
Steele County scores 75.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #3 in North Dakota. The best way to evaluate Steele 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 Steele County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.