countyscore
48.2
County Score
Water Quality 86Income & Jobs 83Health 79

County Report Card

About Ward County, North Dakota

Just Below the National Median

Ward County earns a 48.2 composite score, placing it slightly below the national median of 50.0. This suggests the county faces more significant lifestyle trade-offs than the average American community.

A Significant Gap Within State

Ward struggles to match the North Dakota state average, falling over 13 points behind the 61.5 benchmark. This disparity is driven largely by higher localized costs compared to rural state peers.

Strong Wages and Healthcare Access

High earning potential and healthcare quality are primary strengths, with scores of 83.0 and 79.0 respectively. The median household income of $79,273 provides significant local purchasing power for many residents.

High Costs and Safety Concerns

The county faces a low cost score of 22.6, driven by a $1,000 median rent and $259,100 home values. Safety and climate risk also lag, with scores of 48.9 and 35.3 respectively.

Suited for Career-Focused Professionals

Ward County is best for high-earning individuals who value urban amenities like specialized healthcare over quiet rural life. It suits those willing to navigate higher costs in exchange for professional growth.

2040608010032.922.648.97951.88335.38640.9Tax32.9Cost22.6Safety48.9Health79Schools51.8Income83Risk35.3Water86Weather40.948.2/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Ward County DNA

Foverall

How Ward County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Ward County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (83/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (22.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
32.9-19.1
Cost
22.6-25.4
Safety
48.9
Health
79+29
Schools
51.8
Income
83+32
Risk
35.3-11.700000000000003
Water
86+28
Weather
40.9-15.100000000000001
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$259,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,000/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$259,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$40,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $79,273/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

10.1

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Renville County
North Dakota
66.8
Mountrail County
North Dakota
60.7
Burke County
North Dakota
72.5
McHenry County
North Dakota
69.3
Bottineau County
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McLean County
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Mercer County
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Dunn County
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Deep Dives

Ward County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Ward County

via TaxByCounty

Ward County taxes match national typical

Ward County's effective tax rate of 1.075% exceeds the national median of 0.76% by about 40%, reflecting above-average property tax burden. At $2,785 in median annual taxes, Ward residents pay slightly above the national median of $2,690.

Ward ranks among ND's highest-tax counties

Ward County's 1.075% effective rate ranks third-highest across North Dakota, 21% above the state average of 0.885%. The $2,785 median tax bill substantially exceeds the statewide median of $1,460.

Ward taxes higher than most neighbors

Ward County's rate of 1.075% exceeds Wells (1.040%), Williams (0.714%), and Traill (1.044%) counties, though it falls slightly below Walsh County's 1.105%. Among the region's five counties, Ward ranks second in tax burden.

Median Ward home costs $2,785 yearly

On a median home valued at $259,100, Ward County residents pay approximately $2,785 in annual property taxes. Adding mortgage escrow brings the total to roughly $2,903 for most homeowners.

Ward homeowners should review assessments

Property owners in Ward County can file an appeal if they believe their home is overassessed, potentially reducing their annual tax burden. The county assessor's office processes these requests regularly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Ward County

via CostByCounty

Ward's housing costs strain local incomes

Ward County residents spend 15.1% of income on rent—the highest rent-to-income ratio among the counties examined and well above the national 12% benchmark and state average of 12.8%. Median household income of $79,273 is solid, but Ward's median rent of $1,000 pushes housing costs into uncomfortable territory.

Least affordable rental county in North Dakota

Ward County ranks lowest in rental affordability among North Dakota counties, with renters dedicating the largest share of income to housing. This reflects Minot's role as a regional economic hub, where demand for housing has outpaced supply and wage growth.

Rents spike in Ward, mortgages follow suit

Ward's median rent of $1,000 far exceeds Traill ($758), Walsh ($766), and Wells ($630), while homeownership costs of $1,228 are also the highest in the region. The median home value of $259,100 reflects Ward's stronger economy but strains first-time buyers and renters alike.

Housing eats 15% of Ward household budgets

Renters pay $1,000 monthly (15.1% of a $79,273 income), while homeowners pay $1,228 for mortgages on properties worth $259,100. For a typical family, this leaves considerably less room for retirement savings, education, and emergency funds compared to neighboring counties.

Ward: strong job market, steep housing costs

Ward County offers genuine economic opportunity through Minot's presence, but renters and homebuyers should budget carefully for housing's larger bite. If affordability is your priority, nearby Traill or Wells counties deliver comparable incomes with significantly lower housing costs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Ward County

via IncomeByCounty

Ward earns solidly above national median

Ward County's median household income of $79,273 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by 6%. This modest but meaningful advantage positions Ward residents in the upper-middle range of American counties, reflecting steady economic opportunity.

North Dakota's second-highest earner

At $79,273, Ward County ranks second in North Dakota, trailing only Traill County's $88,289. The per capita income of $42,299 also surpasses the state average of $40,644, demonstrating broad-based earning strength across the county workforce.

Ward competes well with rivals

Ward County sits between Traill County ($88,289) and Walsh County ($69,976), earning more than three-quarters of its regional neighbors. This middle-ground position reflects Ward's role as a balanced mixed-economy county with both agricultural and professional sectors.

Housing costs are elevated but manageable

Ward County's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio is well below the 30% affordability ceiling, though higher than Traill's 10.3%. The median home value of $259,100 is substantial, but Ward incomes support this cost, making homeownership achievable for most households.

Mid-range income supports growth plans

Ward County households with moderate housing costs have room to pursue education, skill development, and investment strategies. Consider employer benefits like 401(k) matching, health savings accounts, and diversified portfolios to maximize long-term wealth building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Ward County

via CrimeByCounty

Strong Safety Scores in Ward County

Ward County maintains a high safety score of 98.2, reflecting a crime rate that is significantly lower than national figures. The total crime rate of 1,146.2 per 100,000 residents is roughly half the national average of 2,385.5.

A Look at State Comparisons

The county's safety score of 98.2 is slightly lower than the North Dakota average of 98.5. With a crime rate of 1,146.2, Ward County sees more activity than the state average of 976.6.

Regional Crime Rate Analysis

Ward County reports a higher crime rate than nearby Wells County, which sits at just 401.0. However, Ward remains significantly safer per capita than Williams County at 2,188.0.

Violent and Property Crime Details

Violent crime in Ward County is 253.1 per 100,000, which is lower than the national average of 369.8. Property crime is 893.1, though six different reporting agencies contribute to this robust dataset.

Securing Your Ward County Residence

With property crime as the primary local concern, homeowners should focus on visible security measures. Utilizing alarm systems and neighborhood watch programs helps maintain the high safety standards residents expect.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Ward County

via SchoolsByCounty

The Educational Hub of the Region

Ward County features a robust education system with 10,528 students and 36 public schools. This extensive infrastructure includes 21 elementary schools and 10 high schools spread across eight school districts.

Strong Scores and Consistent Investment

The county earns a 55.4 school score, outperforming the state average of 54.8. Investment is high with per-pupil spending at $9,065, supporting an 85.1% graduation rate that aligns with state benchmarks.

Minot 1 Manages the Largest Enrollment

The Minot 1 district is a major provider, overseeing 22 schools and 7,700 students. There are no charter schools in Ward County, making the Minot public system the primary educational driver for the area.

Substantial Schools in Town and Country

The county offers a diverse mix of 20 town schools and 16 rural campuses, with an average school size of 301 students. Central Campus School is the largest facility with 1,085 students, offering a scale rarely found elsewhere in the state.

Settle Near Ward County’s Premier Schools

Families seeking variety in school size and locale will find Ward County’s real estate market highly attractive. Explore homes in Minot for a town feel or the surrounding areas for a more rural educational experience.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Ward County

via RiskByCounty

Ward County faces notably elevated risk

With a composite score of 64.76, Ward County ranks as Relatively Low but sits well above the national average, placing it in the higher-risk category for the region. This reflects its exposure to multiple serious hazards.

Ward County is North Dakota's riskiest

At 64.76, Ward County's composite risk score nearly triples the state average of 22.19, making it the highest-risk county in North Dakota. This significant elevation reflects the convergence of tornado, wildfire, and flood threats in the county.

Far riskier than surrounding counties

Ward County (64.76) faces substantially higher hazards than neighbors Traill (11.01), Walsh (29.01), and Wells (8.59). Only Williams County (53.66) approaches Ward's risk level in the region.

Tornadoes pose the greatest threat

Tornado risk (66.13) is Ward County's most serious hazard, significantly exceeding state and regional norms. Wildfire risk (79.42) and flood risk (41.89) round out the top three concerns, creating a complex disaster landscape.

Build a comprehensive emergency plan

Ward County residents should invest in tornado shelter construction or safe room installation as a priority. Review homeowners and flood insurance policies annually, consider adding sump pumps and backup power systems, and practice family tornado drills every spring.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Ward County

via WaterByCounty

Ward County Maintains Perfect Drinking Water Compliance

Ward County earns a top 'A' grade for drinking water quality with zero health violations over five years. This performance places the county well ahead of the statewide average violation rate of 47.0 per 100,000 people. Residents can trust that their public water systems are operating within strict federal safety limits.

Watershed Health Beats State Average in Ward

Only 16.7% of the 42 assessed water bodies in Ward County are listed as impaired, outperforming the state average of 19.3%. The 2022 data indicates that dissolved oxygen levels and nutrient concentrations are the primary concerns for these local streams and lakes. These findings suggest relatively healthy aquatic ecosystems compared to neighboring regions.

Strong Monitoring Records Support Ward Water Management

The EPA Water Quality Portal tracks 8,620 measurements from eight monitoring sites across Ward County over the last five years. Researchers focus their efforts on physical attributes, inorganic metals, and major non-metals. This consistent data stream helps local officials respond to changes in the Souris River basin.

Souris River Flow Drops to Critical Lows

The Souris River above Minot currently records a discharge of just 16 cubic feet per second. This is a mere 9% of its typical long-term mean, signaling severe low-water conditions for the 10,600 square mile drainage area. Such low flows can significantly impact local aquatic life and concentrate existing pollutants.

Watch Nutrient Levels During Low Flow Periods

With the Souris River at only 9% of its typical flow, nutrients and low dissolved oxygen pose a higher risk to watershed health. While tap water remains safe and compliant, residents should be mindful of water conservation and avoid over-applying fertilizers that could further stress the river. Protecting the seven currently impaired water bodies is vital during these dry cycles.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Ward County

via WeatherByCounty

A Chilly Northern Continental Climate

Ward County averages 41.3°F annually, which is significantly cooler than the national median of approximately 54°F. This region is defined by its humid continental climate, featuring short, warm summers and long, punishing winters.

Matching the North Dakota Standard

With an annual average of 41.3°F, Ward County sits just above the North Dakota state average of 41.0°F. It remains one of the more active weather hubs in the northern tier of the state.

Higher Snowfall Than Eastern Neighbors

Ward County receives 50.7 inches of annual snowfall, significantly outpacing Wells County's 33.5 inches. Its annual precipitation of 18.1 inches is slightly lower than the state average of 19.5 inches.

Harsh Winters and Mild Summers

Winter temperatures average a frigid 13.9°F, while July brings a comfortable average of 69.4°F. Residents typically experience only 12 days per year where temperatures reach or exceed 90°F.

Prepare for Heavy Snow and Cold

Residents must invest in high-efficiency heating systems to handle January averages of 11.1°F. Heavy-duty snow removal equipment is a necessity given the 50.7 inches of annual accumulation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Ward County

via SoilByCounty

High-Performing Soils of North-Central ND

Ward County features a soil score of 64.8, outperforming the state average of 63.2. The soil is moderately alkaline with a pH of 7.22, which is higher than the national 6.5 median but typical for North Dakota. This chemical balance is ideal for the various grains and oilseeds that define the local economy.

Sand-Forward Texture for Easy Tilling

The soil contains 40.8% sand and 36.5% silt, creating a lighter texture compared to many eastern neighbors. With clay at 21.6%, the ground provides enough density to hold nutrients while remaining easy to till. This composition allows for excellent root penetration and efficient water movement through the soil profile.

Superior Organic Matter Levels

Ward County boasts an impressive 5.03% organic matter content, which is significantly higher than both the state average of 4.69% and the national 2.0% average. The available water capacity is also high at 0.189 in/in. These numbers translate to a highly fertile landscape with exceptional drought resistance.

Efficient Water Management Potential

While standardized drainage and hydrologic group data are unavailable for the county, the high sand content suggests efficient natural drainage. The high soil score of 64.8 further implies that the land manages moisture and nutrients effectively for agriculture. These physical traits support the county's reputation as a productive farming hub.

Abundant Growth in Ward County

In Hardiness Zone 4a, the rich 5.03% organic matter supports heavy feeders like corn, squash, and sunflowers. The lighter soil texture also makes it easy to maintain flower beds and productive home vegetable gardens. Your backyard is primed for high-yield gardening with very little soil amendment needed.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Ward County

via LawnByCounty

Meeting the National Average in Ward

Ward County posts a lawn difficulty score of 49.9, placing it right at the national median for maintenance ease. This score is slightly lower than the North Dakota state average of 54.0, indicating a need for more attentive care.

Dryer Conditions and Cooler Seasons

Annual precipitation of 18.1 inches is lower than the state average, requiring supplemental irrigation to keep grass lush. The county records 2157 growing degree days and 12 extreme heat days, typical for its 4a hardiness rating.

Sandy Soil and Higher pH

With 40.8% sand, the soil here likely loses moisture faster than more clay-heavy neighbors. The pH of 7.22 is manageable, but you may need sulfur amendments to bring it closer to the turf-ideal 6.5.

Rising to the Drought Challenge

The county endured 15 weeks in drought over the last year, more than double some neighboring areas. Mulching grass clippings back into the lawn is a vital strategy here to keep moisture in the sandy ground.

Focusing on Drought-Tolerant Varieties

Select drought-tolerant Fine Fescues to handle the 18.1-inch annual rainfall. Seed your lawn after May 13 to avoid late frosts and ensure a strong start before the early September 29 fall freeze.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ward County's county score?
Ward County, North Dakota has a composite county score of 48.2 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 Ward County rank among counties in North Dakota?
Ward County ranks #47 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 Ward County, North Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Ward County is $2,785, with an effective tax rate of 1.07%. This earns Ward County a tax score of 32.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ward County?
The median household income in Ward County, North Dakota is $79,273 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ward County earns an income score of 83/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ward County, North Dakota a good place to live?
Ward County scores 48.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #47 in North Dakota. The best way to evaluate Ward 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 Ward County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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