countyscore
54.6
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 71.3Disaster Risk 71

County Report Card

About Walsh County, North Dakota

Solid Performance Above National Median

Walsh County maintains a composite score of 54.6, positioning it comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a balanced, though modest, lifestyle profile on the national stage.

Trailing the North Dakota Benchmark

The county lags behind the North Dakota state average of 61.5 by roughly seven points. In a state with high livability standards, Walsh faces stiff competition from regional neighbors with higher infrastructure scores.

Exceptional Housing Affordability and Water

Affordability is the county's standout feature, with a cost score of 71.3 and a median home value of just $125,700. Residents also benefit from high-quality natural resources, as shown by a water score of 86.0.

Infrastructure and Tax Hurdles

Educational rankings and tax burdens present challenges, with scores of 36.8 and 30.7 respectively. The effective tax rate of 1.105% is relatively high when compared to the median household income of $69,976.

Best for Budget-Conscious Homeowners

Walsh County is perfectly suited for first-time homebuyers or retirees looking for some of the state's most affordable real estate. It appeals to those who value low entry costs over top-tier school districts.

Score breakdown

Tax30.7Cost71.3Safety56.3Health59.5Schools36.8Income66.3Risk71Water86Weather43.9
🏛30.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠71.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼66.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡56.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤59.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓36.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡71
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤43.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨60
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱58.1
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

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69
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Marshall County
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Kittson County
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Ramsey County
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Deep Dives

Walsh County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Walsh County

via TaxByCounty

Walsh taxes exceed U.S. average significantly

Walsh County's effective tax rate of 1.105% ranks well above the national median of 0.76%, placing it among higher-taxed counties nationwide. Despite this elevated rate, residents pay $1,389 median taxes—considerably below the national median of $2,690—due to lower home values.

Walsh leads North Dakota in tax rates

Walsh County carries North Dakota's highest effective property tax rate at 1.105%, nearly 25% above the state average of 0.885%. The median tax bill of $1,389 exceeds the statewide median by $71.

Walsh's rate tops all neighboring counties

Walsh County's 1.105% rate surpasses Traill County (1.044%), Ward County (1.075%), Wells County (1.040%), and Williams County (0.714%). This positions Walsh as the regional tax-burden leader in northeastern North Dakota.

Median Walsh home taxes $1,389 yearly

On a median home valued at $125,700, Walsh County residents pay approximately $1,389 in annual property taxes. Those with mortgages typically add $243 to that figure through escrow accounts, reaching $1,632 total.

Walsh homeowners can file assessment appeals

Walsh County homeowners who believe their property is overassessed can file a formal challenge with the county assessor's office. Successful appeals have reduced tax bills for residents across the county.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Walsh County

via CostByCounty

Walsh renters spend more than peers nationally

Walsh County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.1% exceeds both the national threshold and North Dakota's state average of 12.8%. With a median household income of $69,976—below the national median of $74,755—renters here allocate a slightly tighter share of earnings to housing.

Middle-of-the-pack affordability in North Dakota

Walsh County ranks in the middle tier of North Dakota counties for rental affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio just slightly above the state average. Homeownership is more favorable: the $692 monthly owner cost represents just 12% of household income.

Similar rent, lower home prices than rivals

Walsh County's median rent of $766 mirrors nearby Traill ($758) but trails Ward County ($1,000) considerably. Home values in Walsh ($125,700) are significantly cheaper than Traill ($193,200) and Ward ($259,100), making it the most affordable county to buy in this cluster.

Homeownership is the affordability sweet spot

Renters in Walsh pay $766 monthly (13.1% of income) while homeowners pay just $692—making mortgages the better deal here. On a median income of $69,976, the difference between renting and owning is stark: homeowners keep hundreds more in their pockets each month.

Walsh: buy instead of rent and save big

Walsh County is ideal for buyers seeking affordable homeownership; renters considering the leap will find mortgages surprisingly cheaper than rents. If you're relocating to rural North Dakota, Walsh's low home values and stable employment make it worth serious consideration.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Walsh County

via IncomeByCounty

Walsh income lags national average

Walsh County's median household income of $69,976 falls 6% below the U.S. median of $74,755. While this positions Walsh below the national middle, the county's per capita income of $37,524 reflects the challenges many rural communities face in earning potential.

Below-average earnings for North Dakota

Walsh County ranks below the state median of $72,537, trailing by $2,561 despite being in a state with historically stable agricultural economies. The per capita income of $37,524 also falls short of North Dakota's state average of $40,644.

Walsh faces regional income gaps

Walsh County residents earn $9,297 less than Ward County ($79,273) and $20,248 less than Traill County ($88,289). Only Wells County ($61,346) earns less in the region, highlighting Walsh's position as a lower-income area among its neighbors.

Housing costs strain budgets

At 13.1%, Walsh County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the 30% affordability standard threshold, meaning housing pressures are more acute here than elsewhere. The median home value of $125,700 represents about 1.8 years of median household income—a steeper climb than more affluent counties.

Strategic planning needed for savings

Walsh County households must prioritize intentional financial planning given tighter budgets after housing costs. Even modest contributions to employer retirement plans or high-yield savings accounts can compound significantly over time, helping build resilience against economic shifts.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Walsh County

via CrimeByCounty

Walsh County Outperforms National Safety Norms

Walsh County earns a strong safety score of 98.4 out of 100, indicating a very secure living environment. Its total crime rate of 1,004.4 per 100,000 is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Consistent with North Dakota Standards

The county's safety score of 98.4 sits just a fraction below the North Dakota state average of 98.5. Its total crime rate of 1,004.4 is slightly higher than the state average of 976.6, reflecting typical regional activity.

Comparing Safety in the Red River Valley

Walsh County sees higher crime rates than Traill County's 537.2, but it remains safer than Williams County at 2,188.0. Two reporting agencies provide the data that forms this local safety profile.

Property Crime Drives Local Incidents

Property crime accounts for 824.4 incidents per 100,000 residents, while the violent crime rate stands at 180.0. Both figures remain well below national benchmarks of 2,015.7 and 369.8, respectively.

Proactive Steps for Home Security

Most local incidents involve property, making home security systems a wise investment for Walsh County residents. Simple habits like locking garages and using smart doorbells can significantly deter opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Walsh County

via HealthByCounty

Walsh life expectancy matches U.S. trends

Walsh County's life expectancy of 78.6 years slightly exceeds the U.S. average of 76.1 years, yet 18.4% of residents report poor or fair health—above the national average of 17.9%. The county shows mixed health outcomes despite reasonable longevity.

Walsh struggles with uninsured rate

At 78.6 years, Walsh County's life expectancy slightly exceeds North Dakota's 77.5-year average, but its 10.8% uninsured rate is the state's highest among these counties. Nearly 1 in 11 Walsh residents lacks health insurance, suggesting coverage gaps that may delay care.

Walsh shows highest uninsured rate regionally

Walsh County's 10.8% uninsured rate far exceeds neighboring Traill (6.4%) and Ward (6.5%), indicating coverage challenges despite adequate provider supply. The county's 18.4% poor/fair health rate is also higher than most regional peers.

Strong mental health access, insurance gaps

Walsh offers 38 primary care and 29 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—solid psychiatric support compared to many rural counties. However, the 10.8% uninsured rate means many residents may forgo preventive or emergency care due to cost.

Uninsured? Explore coverage now

Walsh County's 10.8% uninsured rate is a red flag—if you're without coverage, check the ND health insurance marketplace for plans that fit your budget. Uninsured residents delay care an average of 40% more often than insured peers; coverage offers peace of mind.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Walsh County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse Network of Five Districts

Walsh County educates 1,954 students through a network of 11 public schools managed by five districts. The infrastructure includes five elementary schools and five high schools, balancing primary and secondary education.

Solid Graduation Rates on a Lean Budget

The county maintains an 86.8% graduation rate, which is higher than the North Dakota average of 84.8%. This performance comes despite a per-pupil expenditure of $7,142, which is lower than the state and national averages.

Grafton District Anchors the County

Grafton 18 is the largest district by far, serving 949 students across three schools. No charter schools operate in the county, as traditional public districts manage all local enrollment.

A Blend of Town and Rural Schools

While eight schools are in rural settings, three are located in town locales, offering a mix of educational environments. Century Elementary is the largest school with 540 students, while smaller schools like those in the Fordville-Lankin district offer much smaller cohorts.

Relocate to a Reliable School Community

With graduation rates that beat the state average, Walsh County offers a stable environment for growing families. Consider local real estate options that provide easy access to the county's largest and most resource-rich campuses.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Walsh County

via RiskByCounty

Walsh County remains very low risk nationally

Despite a composite score of 29.01, Walsh County ranks as Very Low when measured against national disaster risk standards. This reflects North Dakota's overall favorable position relative to high-risk regions nationwide.

Slightly above North Dakota's average risk

Walsh County's 29.01 score exceeds the state average of 22.19, placing it in the middle tier of North Dakota counties. Wildfire risk particularly drives this elevation above the state norm.

More exposed than Traill, safer than Ward

Walsh County (29.01) sits between lower-risk Traill County (11.01) and higher-risk Ward County (64.76) in the eastern part of the state. Its wildfire score of 79.17 is notably elevated compared to Traill's 23.31.

Wildfires and tornadoes lead the threats

Wildfire risk reaches 79.17 in Walsh County, a significant hazard that demands attention despite the county's overall Very Low rating. Tornado risk (40.27) and flood risk (35.40) also merit preparation, while earthquakes remain minimal.

Prioritize wildfire and tornado coverage

Walsh County residents should ensure homeowners insurance explicitly covers wildfire damage, as standard policies sometimes exclude it. Create defensible space around your home and develop a family tornado plan for spring and early summer.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Walsh County

via WeatherByCounty

Crisp Air in the Red River Valley

Walsh County maintains an average temperature of 42.0°F, falling well below the national median. It receives a moderate 20.6 inches of precipitation annually, supporting a robust agricultural economy. The climate is characterized by clear, cold air and significant seasonal shifts.

Slightly Above the State Average

Walsh County’s 42.0°F average is one degree higher than the 41.0°F North Dakota state average. This puts it in the middle-to-upper tier of temperatures for the state. Its northeastern position balances northern cold with valley influences.

Warmer Summers than Northern Neighbors

Walsh County features a July average of 71.3°F, making its summers warmer than Towner or Steele. It receives 34.5 inches of snow, which is less than the central snow belts like Sheridan. This makes the winter slightly more manageable than in the highest-snowfall regions.

Warm Summers and 34-Inch Snowfalls

July is surprisingly warm at 71.3°F, though the county only sees 10 days of extreme heat over 90°F. Winter brings 34.5 inches of snow and a January average of 7.7°F. The winter season as a whole averages 11.4°F from December through February.

Winter Resilience and Summer Growth

Residents should prepare for 34.5 inches of snow and the 7.7°F January lows that define the valley winter. Reliable heating systems are a priority for the cold months. Outdoor activities can take advantage of the warm 71.3°F July temperatures while avoiding excessive heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Walsh County

via SoilByCounty

Young Entisols with High Alkalinity

Walsh County's landscape is dominated by Entisols, which are relatively young soils with an average pH of 7.33. This level is significantly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5 and slightly higher than the state average. These soils provide a consistent mineral-rich base for the county's diverse agricultural output.

The Perfect Balance of Loam

The soil is classified as a loam, featuring a balanced mix of 33.9% sand, 41.3% silt, and 24.8% clay. This specific texture is highly prized for its workability and its ability to maintain structure without becoming overly compacted. It offers a versatile medium for everything from large-scale row crops to home gardening.

Reliable Water Storage for High Yields

With 4.39% organic matter, the soil far exceeds the national average of 2.0%, providing a rich reservoir of nutrients. The available water capacity is 0.186 in/in, which perfectly matches the North Dakota state average. This combination of high organic material and water retention supports consistent crop performance even during dry spells.

Well Drained Land for Versatile Use

The soil is categorized as well-drained and belongs to Hydrologic Group C, indicating a moderate rate of water transmission. These characteristics make the land suitable for both intensive farming and residential development without major drainage concerns. It efficiently manages seasonal runoff while keeping the root zone aerated.

Thriving in the Northern Loam

The Zone 4a climate and loamy soil make Walsh County a premier location for growing sugar beets and spring wheat. Root vegetables like carrots and parsnips particularly love the deep, workable loam found here. Grab a shovel and start a vegetable patch to experience the productivity of these Red River Valley soils.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Walsh County

via LawnByCounty

Top-Tier Growing Conditions in Walsh County

With a score of 58.1, Walsh County offers some of the most favorable lawn conditions in the state. This hardiness zone 4a county outperforms the national difficulty average by over eight points.

Balanced Heat and Growing Days

Residents enjoy 2527 growing degree days, providing a robust window for grass development. While 10 extreme heat days are expected, the 20.6 inches of annual precipitation provides a solid foundation above the state average.

Ideal Drainage with Loamy Texture

The soil features a well-drained loam texture that is perfect for turfgrass health. While the 7.33 pH is slightly alkaline, the balanced 24.8% clay and 33.9% sand mix offers excellent natural structure.

Current Conditions Favor Green Lawns

Walsh County currently reports 0% drought coverage, providing a reprieve from the 7 weeks of drought seen in the past year. Maintaining a three-inch mowing height will help shade the soil and preserve this current moisture.

Early Starts in a Well-Drained Bed

The last spring frost typically passes by May 4, giving you a head start on the growing season. Use high-quality cool-season blends to take full advantage of the county's superior loamy soil.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Walsh County's county score?
Walsh County, North Dakota has a composite county score of 54.6 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 Walsh County rank among counties in North Dakota?
Walsh County ranks #42 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 Walsh County, North Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Walsh County is $1,389, with an effective tax rate of 1.10%. This earns Walsh County a tax score of 30.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Walsh County?
The median household income in Walsh County, North Dakota is $69,976 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Walsh County earns an income score of 66.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Walsh County, North Dakota a good place to live?
Walsh County scores 54.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #42 in North Dakota. The best way to evaluate Walsh 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 Walsh 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.