Stutsman County's 70.7 score exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 41%, marking it as reasonably livable by U.S. standards. However, it trails many of its peers within North Dakota.
2 / 5
Below state average in North Dakota
Stutsman's 70.7 score falls below the state average of 74.8, placing it among the weaker performers regionally. The county faces notable challenges in income and risk resilience.
3 / 5
Affordable housing and decent health
Stutsman excels in cost (82.3) with median rent of $742/month and reasonable health outcomes (76.3). Tax burden is moderate at 71.5, supporting modest household finances.
4 / 5
Income and risk resilience lag
The county's income score of 22.7 reflects a median household income of just $60,172, significantly below state norms. A risk score of 53.6 signals economic vulnerability, suggesting limited economic resilience and employment diversity.
5 / 5
For budget-conscious, stable workers
Stutsman County suits retirees, remote workers, and families with stable outside income who prioritize low housing costs over wage growth. If you can offset local income limitations with pensions or remote work and value small-town affordability, Stutsman works—but limited local job prospects are a real trade-off.
Stutsman County's 70.7 score exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 41%, marking it as reasonably livable by U.S. standards. However, it trails many of its peers within North Dakota.
Below state average in North Dakota
Stutsman's 70.7 score falls below the state average of 74.8, placing it among the weaker performers regionally. The county faces notable challenges in income and risk resilience.
Affordable housing and decent health
Stutsman excels in cost (82.3) with median rent of $742/month and reasonable health outcomes (76.3). Tax burden is moderate at 71.5, supporting modest household finances.
Income and risk resilience lag
The county's income score of 22.7 reflects a median household income of just $60,172, significantly below state norms. A risk score of 53.6 signals economic vulnerability, suggesting limited economic resilience and employment diversity.
For budget-conscious, stable workers
Stutsman County suits retirees, remote workers, and families with stable outside income who prioritize low housing costs over wage growth. If you can offset local income limitations with pensions or remote work and value small-town affordability, Stutsman works—but limited local job prospects are a real trade-off.
Score breakdown
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🏛71.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Stutsman County's effective tax rate of 1.095% exceeds the national average of 0.885%, placing it in the upper tier of American counties for property tax burden. Median taxes of $2,193 on a $200,300 home reflect a substantial burden compared to the national median of $2,690.
Highest rate in North Dakota
Stutsman County leads all North Dakota counties with an effective tax rate of 1.095%, well above the state average of 0.885%. Residents pay $2,193 in median property taxes annually, 50% more than the state median of $1,460.
Highest among surrounding counties
Stutsman's 1.095% rate surpasses all neighboring counties: Sargent County (1.142%) edges it out, but Steele (0.952%), Towner (0.878%), and Sheridan (0.699%) lag significantly. It ranks among the region's most tax-burdened jurisdictions.
What a $200,300 home costs annually
A median-valued home in Stutsman County incurs roughly $2,193 in annual property taxes, or about $183 per month. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $2,365, while outright ownership drops to $1,909.
Consider appealing your valuation
At Stutsman's high tax rates, overassessments create significant financial consequences for homeowners. Many residents have successfully challenged valuations and recovered substantial refunds through the appeals process.
At 14.8%, Stutsman County's rent-to-income ratio ranks among the state's worst, driven by relatively modest median income of $60,172 against $742 monthly rent. Residents here dedicate nearly 15 cents of every income dollar to housing—well above national norms—leaving less for other essentials.
Least affordable county in North Dakota
Stutsman County ranks last among North Dakota counties for rental affordability, with a 14.8% rent-to-income ratio significantly above the state average of 12.8%. The combination of below-median income ($60,172) and above-median rent ($742) creates the region's tightest housing squeeze.
Caught between rural and affluent areas
Stutsman's $742 rent falls between affordable rural counties (Sheridan at $373) and expensive ones (Stark at $966), yet the county's below-average income makes the burden feel heavier. Home values at $200,300 exceed most rural neighbors, reflecting Jamestown's presence but not translating to stronger incomes.
Both rent and ownership stretch thin
Renters shoulder a 14.8% housing burden while homeowners pay 16.8% of income toward $843 monthly mortgage costs—the state's harshest owner-cost ratio. For both renters and buyers, housing consumes a substantially larger share of budget than North Dakota norms suggest.
Affordability concerns outweigh other factors
Stutsman County presents real affordability challenges compared to surrounding counties and state averages; renters and homebuyers should carefully assess whether local job prospects justify the higher housing burden. Consider neighboring Steele County or rural alternatives if housing costs are a priority.
Stutsman County's median household income of $60,172 falls approximately $14,583 below the national median of $74,755. The county reflects broader rural and agricultural economic challenges in the region.
Below-average income for state
Stutsman County's median income of $60,172 sits $12,365 below North Dakota's county average of $72,537. The county ranks among the lower-income counties statewide, despite serving as home to Jamestown.
Lower earnings than most neighbors
Stutsman County's $60,172 median household income trails Towner County ($63,017) and trails most other regional neighbors significantly. The county faces income disadvantages compared to stronger economic performers nearby.
Housing costs consume substantial income
Stutsman County residents spend 14.8% of income on rent, the highest burden among these eight counties. The median home value of $200,300 represents a significant commitment relative to the $60,172 median household income.
Strategically manage housing costs
With housing consuming substantial income share, prioritize creating a realistic budget that allows for both housing stability and retirement savings. Explore first-time homebuyer programs and gradually build emergency reserves before investing.
At 78.2 years, Stutsman County's life expectancy beats the U.S. average of 76.1 by over two years. With 15.8% reporting poor/fair health (just above the national 15% rate), Stutsman demonstrates solid population health outcomes.
Strong health standing statewide
Stutsman County's 78.2-year life expectancy edges above North Dakota's 77.5 state average, placing it among the state's healthier counties. The 15.8% poor/fair health rate aligns with state patterns, indicating consistent baseline health.
Top-tier regional performer
Stutsman County's 78.2-year life expectancy and 15.8% poor/fair health rate rank among the region's best—exceeding Sargent (77.5) and matching or beating most state peers. The county stands well above Sioux County's health crisis zone.
Strongest provider network in state
Stutsman County boasts 79 primary care providers and 435 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—the highest mental health capacity in the dataset. With a 6.7% uninsured rate below state average, residents access one of North Dakota's most robust healthcare networks.
Leverage regional care excellence
Stutsman County's 6.7% uninsured rate and exceptional provider network mean strong care infrastructure—if you're uninsured, use Healthcare.gov to access this excellent system. Coverage matters; ensure your family connects to Stutsman's outstanding healthcare resources.
With a composite risk score of 46.37, Stutsman County carries a "Relatively Low" rating but exceeds the national average for disaster risk. Your community faces notably more natural hazard exposure than the typical U.S. county.
Among ND's higher-risk counties
Stutsman County's 46.37 score significantly exceeds North Dakota's state average of 22.19, ranking it among the state's most hazard-prone communities. This elevated exposure spans multiple disaster types across the county.
Riskier than surrounding counties
Stutsman's 46.37 score exceeds most neighboring counties, including Wells County (26.15) to the east and Kidder County (22.60) to the west. Only Sioux County (62.09) and Stark County (37.34) present comparable or greater statewide risk.
Wildfire and tornado dominate threats
Wildfire risk (66.86) ranks as Stutsman County's highest hazard, while tornado risk (47.14) follows closely behind, both significantly exceeding state averages. Flood risk (26.91) presents a tertiary but material concern for your community.
Comprehensive coverage is critical
Stutsman County residents should ensure homeowners policies explicitly cover wildfire, tornado, and flood damage, adding riders as necessary. Develop a detailed evacuation plan, maintain defensible space around your home, and keep emergency supplies readily accessible year-round.