countyscore
60.4
County Score
Disaster Risk 98Water Quality 86Cost of Living 80.4

County Report Card

About Towner County, North Dakota

Strong Livability Above the National Average

Towner County scores a 60.4, placing it firmly above the national median of 50.0. This performance highlights the county's ability to provide a high quality of life through environmental resilience and affordability. It is a competitive choice for those looking to relocate to the Midwest.

Keeping Pace with the State Average

With a score of 60.4, Towner County is almost exactly in line with the North Dakota state average of 61.5. It represents the quintessential North Dakota experience, offering balanced metrics across most categories. It is a reliable performer that meets the state's high expectations.

Exceptional Safety from Natural Hazards

The county boasts a near-perfect Risk Score of 98.0, meaning residents face almost no threat from natural disasters. A Water Score of 86.0 and a Cost Score of 80.4 further bolster its appeal. Housing is affordable, with a median value of $122,800.

Boosting Incomes and Tax Efficiency

The Income Score of 48.2 and Tax Score of 47.0 are the primary areas where the county could improve. While not critical weaknesses, they indicate a modest local economy with a standard tax burden. Enhancing local job opportunities would be the best path toward a higher composite score.

Ideal for a Low-Stress, Stable Lifestyle

Towner County is a fantastic choice for people seeking an uncomplicated life in a very safe environment. The high scores in risk and water provide a level of long-term security that is increasingly rare. It is best for those who value community stability and disaster-resilient living.

Score breakdown

Tax47Cost80.4Safety52.2Health59.8Schools50.5Income48.2Risk98Water86Weather44.5
🏛47
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼48.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡52.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤59.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓50.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡98
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤44.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨62
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱54.3
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

Rolette County
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57.6
Cavalier County
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Ramsey County
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Benson County
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Pierce County
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Deep Dives

Towner County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Towner County

via TaxByCounty

Towner taxes align with national average

Towner County's effective tax rate of 0.878% nearly matches the national average of 0.885%, making it representative of typical American property tax burden. Median property taxes of $1,078 on a home valued at $122,800 fall well below the national median of $2,690.

Slightly below North Dakota average

Towner County's effective tax rate of 0.878% sits just below the state average of 0.885%, placing it near the middle of North Dakota counties. Residents pay $1,078 in median property taxes, compared to the state median of $1,460.

Moderate burden in the northeast region

Towner's 0.878% rate is lower than Sargent County (1.142%) and Stutsman County (1.095%), but higher than Sheridan County (0.699%) and Steele County (0.952%). It represents a moderate tax environment for the northeastern region.

What a $122,800 home costs annually

A median-valued home in Towner County incurs roughly $1,078 in annual property taxes, or about $90 per month. Both with and without a mortgage, taxes remain between $1,074 and $1,098, indicating consistent valuation.

Verify your assessment regularly

Towner County homeowners should periodically review their property tax assessments for accuracy, as overvaluations can occur. Appealing an inflated assessment through the county process may result in tax savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Towner County

via CostByCounty

Towner's rents reasonable, but income modest

Towner County's 13.7% rent-to-income ratio slightly exceeds the national norm, though at $719 monthly, rent remains affordable in absolute terms. With median household income of $63,017—well below the national average of $74,755—residents here stretch further to cover housing than typical American households.

Slightly above average housing burden

Towner County's 13.7% rent-to-income ratio tops North Dakota's state average of 12.8%, placing it in the less-affordable half of the state's counties. The $719 median rent runs $51 above the state median, adding modest pressure on an income base below state norms.

Mid-range rural affordability

Towner's $719 rent matches Slope County and falls between bargain Sheridan ($373) and pricier Sargent ($835), while home values at $122,800 similarly occupy the middle ground. The county offers modest rural living costs without exceptional value or premium amenities.

Renters face steeper burden than owners

At 13.7%, renters dedicate substantially more of their income to housing than the 12.3% homeowners pay toward $643 monthly owner costs. For Towner County renters especially, housing represents a tighter squeeze relative to local earning power.

Modest costs, modest economic base

Towner County offers middle-of-the-road housing costs without dramatic savings, paired with below-average incomes that make housing still feel costly. Consider this county if you bring outside income or remote work; relying on local employment may strain housing affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Towner County

via IncomeByCounty

Towner County trails national income

Towner County's median household income of $63,017 falls approximately $11,738 below the national median of $74,755. The county reflects typical rural economic conditions facing small counties in the northern Great Plains.

Below North Dakota county average

Towner County's median income of $63,017 sits $9,520 below North Dakota's county average of $72,537. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier of North Dakota counties for household earnings.

Middle position among regional peers

Towner County's $63,017 median household income slightly exceeds Slope County ($62,500) but trails most other neighboring counties. The county represents a mid-range income position in the regional economy.

Housing costs strain moderate incomes

Towner County residents spend 13.7% of income on rent, a significant burden relative to the county median. The median home value of $122,800 represents a substantial commitment for households earning $63,017.

Build wealth despite income constraints

With moderate income and housing costs, focus on maximizing employer benefits like retirement plans and health savings accounts. Start with modest but consistent savings goals and gradually expand investment opportunities as income grows.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Towner County

via CrimeByCounty

Towner County Safer Than National Norms

Towner County maintains a total crime rate of 1,068.7 per 100,000, significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a respectable safety score of 98.3.

Monitoring Crime Near State Averages

The county's crime rate of 1,068.7 is slightly higher than the North Dakota state average of 976.6. Its safety score of 98.3 is just below the state average of 98.5.

Safety Trends in Northern North Dakota

Towner County shows a crime rate that is relatively typical for the northern region, though higher than some neighbors. A single reporting agency provides all data, requiring residents to stay engaged with local safety reports.

Violent Crime Rate Above State Average

The violent crime rate is 232.3 per 100,000, which is notably higher than the state average of 121.0. Property crime is reported at a rate of 836.4, making it the more frequent local incident.

Securing Homes in Towner County

Given the higher-than-average violent crime rate for the state, residents should prioritize home security systems and neighbor-watch programs. Simple steps like locking doors and windows can prevent the majority of property incidents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Towner County

via HealthByCounty

Towner exceeds U.S. life expectancy average

At 78.6 years, Towner County's life expectancy beats the U.S. average of 76.1 by 2.5 years. However, 19.4% report poor/fair health, notably above the national 15% average, suggesting longevity masks underlying health challenges.

Life expectancy strong, health struggles

Towner County's 78.6-year life expectancy exceeds North Dakota's 77.5 state average, but its 19.4% poor/fair health rate ranks among the state's worst. This gap suggests Towner residents live longer but report higher rates of health struggles than state peers.

Mixed performance versus region

Towner County's 78.6-year life expectancy aligns with top-tier counties like Stutsman (78.2) and Stark (78.4), but its 19.4% poor/fair health rate significantly exceeds neighboring counties. The disconnect between longevity and self-reported health is notable in regional context.

High uninsured rate, strong mental health

Towner County's uninsured rate of 9.5% ranks among the state's highest, exceeding the 7.5% state average by 2 percentage points. The county does feature 296 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, suggesting mental health support is available but may not fully address care access barriers.

Close coverage gap urgently

At 9.5% uninsured, Towner County trails the state significantly—if you lack coverage, visit Healthcare.gov or contact the state marketplace immediately. Combined with higher self-reported health struggles, getting covered is critical to ensuring access to mental health and primary care services available in your county.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Towner County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused Learning in Towner County

Towner County supports 299 students within a single school district that operates one elementary and one high school. This structure provides a clear, unified path for students from kindergarten through graduation.

Leading the State in Graduation

Towner County boasts an impressive 90% graduation rate, significantly higher than the state average and the national 87% benchmark. This success comes despite a lower-than-average per-pupil expenditure of $7,424.

The North Star 10 District

North Star 10 is the sole district in the county, managing all 299 students. The county does not host any charter schools, relying on its high-performing traditional public system instead.

Rural Schools with Strong Presence

Both schools are rural, with an average enrollment of 150 students per campus. North Star Elementary is the primary hub with 223 students, while the high school maintains a focused group of 76 students.

Join the Towner County Community

With graduation rates that lead the region, Towner County is a premier choice for families looking for proven results. Consider a home here to give your children the benefit of the North Star school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Towner County

via RiskByCounty

Towner County ranks exceptionally safe

With a composite risk score of just 2.00, Towner County earns a "Very Low" rating and ranks among the safest counties in the United States. Your community faces minimal exposure to natural disasters compared to the national average.

ND's second-safest county

Towner County's 2.00 score ranks second only to Slope County (0.64) in safety across North Dakota, sitting far below the state average of 22.19. This exceptional resilience reflects minimal hazard exposure across virtually all disaster categories.

Safest in the northeast region

Towner's 2.00 score edges out Eddy County (8.34) to the south and surpasses Ramsey County (18.97) to the east, establishing it as the region's clear safety leader. Only Slope County matches or exceeds this exceptional protection.

Wildfire is your sole notable hazard

Wildfire risk (56.77) is Towner County's primary hazard, yet even this score remains moderate in state context. Flood (1.11), tornado (7.79), and earthquake (0.45) risks are negligible.

Basic insurance coverage suffices

Towner County's exceptionally low disaster risk means standard homeowners insurance provides ample protection for most residents. Verify your policy covers wildfire, and maintain a basic emergency preparedness kit as a precaution.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Towner County

via WeatherByCounty

One of America's Coldest Counties

Towner County is defined by its extreme cold, with an annual average temperature of 38.6°F. This is nearly 17 degrees colder than the national median, placing it among the frostiest locales in the continental U.S. The county faces a short growing season and long, dominant winters.

Well Below the State Median

Towner County remains much colder than the state average of 41.0°F, recording just 38.6°F annually. It sits in the cold northern tier of North Dakota, where Arctic air masses often settle. This makes it one of the most temperature-challenged counties in the state.

North-Central Cold and Moisture

Towner is colder than western counterparts like Sheridan and Stark, sharing more in common with Steele County. It receives 19.8 inches of precipitation and 37.6 inches of snow annually. These figures are typical for the north-central plains but harsh by national standards.

Brief Summers and Frozen Winters

Winters are intense with a 9.1°F average, while January lows plummet to 5.8°F. The county sees only 7 days of extreme heat above 90°F per year, keeping summers exceptionally mild. The July average of 67.6°F is one of the lowest in the region.

Maximum Insulation and Cold Prep

The primary resident concern is the long winter, requiring high-performance heating and vehicle engine block heaters. With only 7 extreme heat days, cooling is a lower priority than winterizing homes. Residents must prepare for 37.6 inches of snow and a January average of 5.8°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Towner County

via SoilByCounty

High Alkalinity in the North

Towner County soil has an average pH of 7.29, placing it above the state average of 7.18. This alkaline environment is much higher than the 6.5 national median.

Balanced Loamy Composition

The soil features 39.9% sand and 38.3% silt, with 21.8% clay. This balance creates a soil that is both easy to cultivate and capable of holding onto nutrients.

Strong Moisture Storage Potential

Organic matter is healthy at 4.15%, though it trails the state average. The soil shines in available water capacity at 0.190 in/in, which is higher than the North Dakota average.

Managing Heavier Soils

No specific drainage class is recorded, but the 21.8% clay content indicates the soil can hold moisture for long periods. This is beneficial for dry summers but requires attention during wet springs.

Hardy Growing in Zone 3b

Towner County is in the cold 3b hardiness zone, requiring the hardiest perennials and short-season crops. Use the high water capacity to your advantage by planting moisture-loving varieties like onions.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Towner County

via LawnByCounty

Cold-Hardy Lawns in Towner County

Towner County earns a lawn difficulty score of 54.3, aligning closely with the state average. As one of the few Zone 3b counties, the primary challenge here is the extreme winter cold rather than summer heat.

Short, Cool Summers Minimize Stress

The county sees only 7 extreme heat days annually, the lowest among this group, which prevents grass from scorching. However, with only 1,904 growing degree days, the growing season is short and requires efficient management during the brief warm months.

Managing Drainage in Clay-Rich Soil

A soil composition of 21.8% clay and 39.9% sand means the ground can hold onto moisture, but may be prone to compaction. The pH of 7.29 is slightly alkaline, which is common for the region but can be mitigated with regular aeration.

Favorable Moisture Levels for Grass

With only 8 weeks of drought last year and no current dry areas, water availability is generally reliable. The 19.8 inches of annual rain provides a solid baseline for growth, reducing the need for constant supplemental irrigation.

Select Ultra-Hardy Grass Varieties

In Zone 3b, you must choose the most cold-tolerant grasses like Creeping Red Fescue or specialized Kentucky Bluegrass blends. Plant after the last frost on May 18th to give your lawn every possible day to grow before the September 23rd frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Towner County's county score?
Towner County, North Dakota has a composite county score of 60.4 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 Towner County rank among counties in North Dakota?
Towner County ranks #37 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 Towner County, North Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Towner County is $1,078, with an effective tax rate of 0.88%. This earns Towner County a tax score of 47/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Towner County?
The median household income in Towner County, North Dakota is $63,017 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Towner County earns an income score of 48.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Towner County, North Dakota a good place to live?
Towner County scores 60.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #37 in North Dakota. The best way to evaluate Towner 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 Towner 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.