countyscore
64.5
County Score
Income & Jobs 91.1Disaster Risk 89Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Traill County, North Dakota

Exceeding the National Livability Median

Traill County earns an impressive 64.5 composite score, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This high ranking suggests a superior quality of life compared to the majority of counties across the United States.

Outperforming the North Dakota Average

The county's 64.5 score beats the North Dakota state average of 61.5. It holds a competitive position within the state by balancing economic opportunity with community stability.

High Incomes and Environmental Stability

Economic power is a hallmark of the area, evidenced by a 91.1 income score and a median household income of $88,289. The county also excels in safety and climate resilience, posting an 89.0 risk score and an 86.0 water quality score.

Managing the Local Tax Burden

Taxation remains the primary area for improvement, with a score of 34.8 and an effective tax rate of 1.044%. While housing is reasonably priced at $193,200, the local tax structure is less favorable than in some neighboring regions.

A Haven for High-Earning Families

Traill County is an ideal choice for professionals who prioritize high wages and environmental security. It suits families looking for the economic upside of North Dakota within a stable, low-risk community.

Score breakdown

Tax34.8Cost53Safety77.5Health83.9Schools57.2Income91.1Risk89Water86Weather44.4
🏛34.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠53
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼91.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡77.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤83.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓57.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡89
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤44.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨59.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱57.9
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

Norman County
Minnesota
68.8
Steele County
North Dakota
75.8
Grand Forks County
North Dakota
40.5
Cass County
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38.9
Polk County
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Clay County
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Red Lake County
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Griggs County
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70

Deep Dives

Traill County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Traill County

via TaxByCounty

Traill's taxes rank above national average

Traill County's effective tax rate of 1.044% exceeds the national median of 0.76%, placing the county in the higher half of American counties. Homeowners here pay a median of $2,018 annually—falling short of the national median of $2,690, though this reflects lower home values rather than lower rates.

Among North Dakota's highest tax rates

Traill County ranks among the top tax-burden counties in North Dakota, with an effective rate of 1.044% compared to the state average of 0.885%. The $2,018 median property tax bill substantially exceeds North Dakota's state median of $1,460.

Traill taxes higher than nearby counties

Traill's 1.044% rate outpaces Wells County (1.040%) and Williams County (0.714%) nearby, though it matches Traill's regional peers in the eastern part of the state. Walsh County, just to the east, carries a slightly higher rate at 1.105%.

Median Traill home costs $2,018 yearly

On a median home valued at $193,200, Traill County residents pay approximately $2,018 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically see an additional $132 in escrow payments, bringing the total to $2,150.

Traill homeowners can challenge assessments

Many Traill County homeowners are potentially overassessed and may qualify for a reduction by appealing their property valuation to the county assessor. A successful appeal—whether through clerical correction or formal hearing—can lower your annual tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Traill County

via CostByCounty

Traill beats the national affordability benchmark

Traill County renters spend just 10.3% of their income on rent, well below the national threshold of 12% and notably better than the state average of 12.8%. With a median household income of $88,289—18% above the national median—residents here enjoy substantial breathing room in their housing budgets.

Most affordable rental market in North Dakota

Traill County ranks among the most housing-affordable counties in North Dakota, with a rent-to-income ratio that beats 80% of the state's counties. At $758 per month for median rent, Traill offers stability without sacrificing income to housing costs.

Cheaper rents than surrounding counties

Traill's median rent of $758 undercuts nearby Walsh County ($766) and Ward County ($1,000), while homeownership costs are competitive at $986 monthly. Only Wells County ($630) offers significantly lower rents, but Traill's higher incomes make it a more balanced market overall.

Housing takes a manageable slice of income

Renters in Traill spend about $758 monthly while homeowners pay roughly $986 on a median household income of $88,289. This means housing costs consume just 10–13% of typical household income, leaving families with flexibility for savings, childcare, and other essentials.

Traill: afford to live, not just survive

If you're weighing a move to North Dakota, Traill County delivers strong incomes paired with reasonable housing costs—a rare combination. Compare this stability to nearby counties, and you'll see why Traill works for families seeking both opportunity and affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Traill County

via IncomeByCounty

Traill earns well above U.S. average

Traill County's median household income of $88,289 runs 18% higher than the national median of $74,755. This strong earning power ranks Traill in the upper tier of U.S. counties, reflecting a robust agricultural and small business economy.

Top earner in North Dakota

At $88,289, Traill County leads all North Dakota counties by median household income, outpacing the state average of $72,537 by 22%. The county's per capita income of $43,803 also exceeds the state average of $40,644, signaling strong individual earning potential.

Traill outpaces regional peers

Traill County residents earn $8,313 more than Ward County ($79,273) and $18,313 more than Walsh County ($69,976). Even compared to neighboring Williams County ($90,224), Traill remains competitive, demonstrating consistent economic strength across the region.

Housing costs are very manageable

With a rent-to-income ratio of 10.3%, Traill County residents dedicate less than one-tenth of their earnings to housing—well below the national affordability threshold of 30%. The median home value of $193,200 is accessible on Traill incomes, making homeownership realistic for most households.

Strong income offers wealth-building opportunity

Traill County's above-average household income creates real opportunity for saving and investing beyond housing costs. With such favorable income-to-housing ratios, residents should prioritize retirement accounts, emergency funds, and diversified investments to build long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Traill County

via CrimeByCounty

Traill County Ranks Among Nation's Safest

Traill County boasts an exceptional safety score of 99.2 out of 100, placing it far above most American communities. Its total crime rate of 537.2 per 100,000 residents is less than a quarter of the national average of 2,385.5.

Leading the State in Public Safety

With a safety score of 99.2, Traill County outperforms the North Dakota state average of 98.5. The local crime rate of 537.2 is significantly lower than the statewide average of 976.6 per 100,000 people.

A Quiet Alternative to Regional Hubs

Traill County is considerably quieter than neighboring Walsh County, which reports a crime rate of 1,004.4. It also maintains a much lower incident frequency than Ward County's rate of 1,146.2.

Analyzing Violent and Property Crime Trends

Violent crime is nearly nonexistent at 25.0 per 100,000 residents, compared to the national rate of 369.8. While property crime sits at 512.2, note that data comes from a single reporting agency and should be viewed as a snapshot.

Maintaining a Secure Local Environment

Low crime rates offer peace of mind, but consistent vigilance remains the best defense for homeowners. Residents can further enhance safety by installing motion-activated lighting and securing all entry points.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Traill County

via HealthByCounty

Traill residents live longer than average

At 78.3 years, Traill County's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 76.1 years by more than two years. Just 14.1% of residents report poor or fair health, outperforming the national average of 17.9%. These numbers suggest a healthier-than-typical community.

Traill leads North Dakota in longevity

Traill County ranks among the top in the state with a life expectancy of 78.3 years, compared to the North Dakota average of 77.5 years. The county's 6.4% uninsured rate also beats the state average of 7.5%, indicating stronger coverage across the population.

Traill outpaces regional health trends

Traill's life expectancy of 78.3 years exceeds Walsh County (78.6) when accounting for uninsured rates—Traill's 6.4% is significantly lower than Walsh's 10.8%. Compared to Ward County at 77.5 years, Traill residents enjoy a clear longevity advantage.

Good primary care, mental health gaps remain

Traill has 38 primary care providers per 100,000 residents but only 13 mental health providers per 100,000, suggesting strong routine care access but limited psychiatric support. The 6.4% uninsured rate means most residents have coverage, yet mental health provider scarcity may force some to travel for specialized care.

Check your coverage, boost care access

With 6.4% of Traill residents uninsured, reviewing your health insurance options through ND state marketplace resources ensures you're protected. Coverage gaps can delay mental health care—verify your plan includes behavioral health support.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Traill County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small-Scale Rural Education Infrastructure

Traill County supports 1,404 students across 10 public schools, including five elementary and four high schools. These students are served by four distinct school districts that maintain a tight-knit educational community.

High Graduation Rates Outpace the State

The county boasts a 91.7% graduation rate, significantly exceeding both the North Dakota average of 84.8% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending of $7,509 is below the state average, the county's 55.5 school score remains competitive.

May-Port CG and Hillsboro Lead the Way

The May-Port CG 14 and Hillsboro 9 districts are the largest, serving 508 and 507 students respectively. There are currently no charter schools in the county, with all students attending traditional public institutions.

Intimate Rural Learning Environments

Every school in the county is classified as rural, creating an average school size of just 140 students. Facilities range from Peter Boe Jr. Elementary with 262 students to smaller primary schools like Central Valley Elementary.

Find Your Home in a Top-Performing District

Families looking for high-achieving rural schools will find Traill County a compelling choice for their next move. Explore homes near these high-performing districts where small class sizes and high graduation rates are the standard.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Traill County

via RiskByCounty

Traill County sits well below national risk

With a composite risk score of 11.01, Traill County ranks as Very Low—substantially safer than the national average. This means residents face significantly fewer natural disaster threats compared to most U.S. counties.

Among North Dakota's safest counties

Traill County's 11.01 score places it well below the state average of 22.19, making it one of North Dakota's lowest-risk counties. This protective position reflects the county's geography and climate patterns.

Safer than surrounding counties

Traill County's risk profile is notably lower than nearby Walsh County (29.01) and Ward County (64.76), which face greater tornado and wildfire exposure. Its neighbors in the region experience considerably higher composite risks.

Tornadoes and wildfires pose most threat

Tornado risk (29.99) and wildfire risk (23.31) are Traill County's primary concerns, though both remain below state averages. Flood risk is relatively modest at 12.66, and earthquake activity is minimal at 3.88.

Keep tornado preparedness front and center

While Traill County's overall risk is low, tornado season demands attention: a safe room or basement shelter is essential. Standard homeowners insurance covers wind and hail, but verify your policy includes tornado-related damage coverage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Traill County

via WeatherByCounty

A Damp and Cool Continental Climate

Traill County features an annual average temperature of 41.0°F, which is notably lower than the national median. It is the wettest county in this group, receiving 23.1 inches of precipitation annually. This combination of cold and moisture defines the local Red River Valley landscape.

The North Dakota Temperature Standard

Traill County’s average temperature of 41.0°F exactly matches the state average for North Dakota. It represents the quintessential North Dakota climate experience in terms of temperature. However, its higher precipitation sets it apart from the drier western half of the state.

Wetter than the Western Plains

At 23.1 inches of precipitation, Traill is significantly wetter than neighbors like Steele or Sheridan. Its temperature profile is milder than Steele’s but cooler than Walsh’s. The county's geography makes it more susceptible to humidity and heavy rain.

Mild Heat and Winter Extremes

The county experiences only 8 days of extreme heat above 90°F, keeping the July average at 69.8°F. Winter averages 11.5°F, though specific snowfall data is currently unavailable for this location. Residents still face a significant chill with January temperatures averaging 7.8°F.

Managing Moisture and Mud

With the highest precipitation in the region at 23.1 inches, drainage and moisture control are vital for property owners. High-quality winter clothing is essential to withstand the 11.5°F winter average. Cooling needs remain low with fewer than 10 days of extreme heat annually.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Traill County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Soils in the Red River Valley

Traill County features an alkaline soil profile with a pH of 7.32, which sits notably higher than the national median of 6.5. This chemical makeup is typical for the region and exceeds the North Dakota state average of 7.18. While specific taxonomic data is limited, the soil score of 59.6 indicates a solid foundation for local agriculture.

Silt-Heavy Mix for Structural Stability

The soil composition is 43.4% silt and 23.6% clay, providing a dense medium that holds together well under pressure. With sand making up 32.9% of the profile, the ground balances moisture retention with enough aeration for root development. This mix creates a sturdy environment for the heavy machinery common in regional farming.

Strong Organic Matter Beyond National Averages

The county boasts an organic matter content of 4.44%, more than doubling the national average of 2.0%. Although it falls slightly below the state average of 4.69%, the available water capacity of 0.184 in/in remains competitive. This fertility level ensures that the soil can sustain productive growth throughout the North Dakota summer.

Managing Moisture in Dense Soils

Specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not currently recorded for this county. However, the high silt and clay percentages suggest a landscape that requires careful water management to prevent saturation. Local land use typically adapts to these moisture-retaining characteristics to maintain high productivity.

Hardy Crops for the 4a Zone

Situated in Hardiness Zone 4a, Traill County is ideal for cold-season staples like spring wheat, soybeans, and sugar beets. Gardeners can find great success with potatoes and sunflowers, which thrive in these nutrient-rich, alkaline soils. Start your garden today to take advantage of the high organic content in your backyard.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Traill County

via LawnByCounty

Above Average Lawn Ease in Traill County

Traill County earns a lawn difficulty score of 57.9, making it easier to maintain grass here than in the average North Dakota county. While the region sits in hardiness zone 4a, its score remains significantly higher than the national median of 50.0.

Ample Rainfall Compared to State Averages

The county receives 23.1 inches of annual precipitation, which outpaces the state average of 19.5 inches though it falls short of the 30-inch ideal. With only 8 extreme heat days per year, your lawn faces less scorching stress than most of North Dakota.

Alkaline Soil with a Clay Kick

A soil pH of 7.32 is slightly above the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, requiring careful nutrient management. The 23.6% clay content helps retain moisture, though specific drainage data remains unavailable for this local soil profile.

Managing Moderate Dry Spells

Traill County experienced 7 weeks of drought over the past year, and 81.1% of the area currently shows abnormal dryness. You can build resilience by watering deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth during these dry periods.

Spring Seeding for Zone 4a Success

Hardy Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescue thrive in this zone when planted after the last spring frost on May 13. Aim to establish your lawn early to prepare for the first fall frost arriving around October 9.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Traill County's county score?
Traill County, North Dakota has a composite county score of 64.5 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 Traill County rank among counties in North Dakota?
Traill County ranks #22 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 Traill County, North Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Traill County is $2,018, with an effective tax rate of 1.04%. This earns Traill County a tax score of 34.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Traill County?
The median household income in Traill County, North Dakota is $88,289 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Traill County earns an income score of 91.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Traill County, North Dakota a good place to live?
Traill County scores 64.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #22 in North Dakota. The best way to evaluate Traill 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 Traill County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.