countyscore
68.2
County Score
Disaster Risk 91.4Health 86.6Cost of Living 85.9

County Report Card

About Wells County, North Dakota

A National Leader in Livability

Wells County delivers a robust performance with a 68.2 composite score, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This places it among the higher-tier counties for quality of life in the country.

Exceeding North Dakota Standards

The county outpaces the North Dakota state average of 61.5 by nearly seven points. This suggests it is one of the more desirable rural locations in the state for overall stability.

Top-Tier Safety and Low Costs

Exceptional safety and affordability define the area, marked by a 91.4 risk score and an 85.9 cost score. Median gross rent is just $630 per month, making it one of the most budget-friendly locales in the region.

Income and Water Infrastructure Needs

The county's primary weaknesses are a 43.2 income score and a 39.6 water score. A median household income of $61,346 is lower than many state peers, reflecting a more modest local economy.

A Sanctuary for Retirees and Remote Workers

Wells County is an ideal match for individuals who prioritize safety and low living expenses above all else. It is a perfect fit for those with outside income sources looking for a secure, quiet lifestyle.

Score breakdown

Tax35.1Cost85.9Safety83.2Health86.6Schools52.5Income43.2Risk91.4Water39.6Weather42.4
🏛35.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠85.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼43.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡83.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤86.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓52.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡91.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧39.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤42.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨61.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱57.4
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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62.1
Foster County
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Benson County
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Deep Dives

Wells County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Wells County

via TaxByCounty

Wells taxes run slightly above average

Wells County's effective tax rate of 1.040% exceeds the national median of 0.76%, placing it in the higher half of American counties. However, the $1,107 median tax bill falls well below the national median of $2,690 due to significantly lower home values.

Wells ranks among ND's higher-tax counties

Wells County's 1.040% effective rate ranks above North Dakota's average of 0.885%, contributing to a $1,107 median tax that exceeds the state median of $1,460. Wells stands as one of the state's more tax-burdened counties by rate.

Wells taxes competitive with regional peers

Wells County's 1.040% rate nearly matches Traill County (1.044%) and exceeds Williams County's notably lower 0.714%, while falling short of Walsh (1.105%) and Ward (1.075%). Wells sits comfortably in the middle of this five-county region.

Median Wells home costs $1,107 yearly

On a median home valued at $106,400, Wells County residents pay approximately $1,107 in annual property taxes. Those with mortgages typically pay around $1,178 when including escrow.

Wells homeowners can challenge assessments

Many Wells County property owners may be paying taxes on inflated valuations and can file an appeal to have their assessment reviewed. The appeals process is available annually and can result in meaningful savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Wells County

via CostByCounty

Wells offers the cheapest housing in the region

Wells County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.3% sits just above the national benchmark and state average, achieved through the region's lowest median rent of $630 per month. However, a median household income of $61,346—17% below the national median—means residents here have lower absolute incomes despite favorable ratios.

Top-tier rental affordability in North Dakota

Wells County ranks among the most affordable counties in North Dakota for renters, with a 12.3% rent-to-income ratio that edges below the state average. The $630 median rent is the lowest examined here, making Wells attractive for those prioritizing low housing costs.

Cheapest rents and homes in the cluster

Wells' median rent of $630 undercuts all neighbors, and the median home value of $106,400 is the most affordable in the region—less than half Walsh County's $125,700. Both metrics reflect Wells' rural character and limited employment diversity.

Ultra-low housing costs, modest incomes combine

Renters pay just $630 monthly (12.3% of income) while homeowners pay $644, among the cheapest in the state. On a median household income of $61,346, this efficiency leaves families with predictable budgets—but lower absolute earnings mean less discretionary income overall.

Wells: minimal housing costs, limited opportunity

Wells County is ideal for retirees or remote workers who value ultra-low housing costs and rural quiet over job variety. If you're seeking employment growth alongside affordability, neighboring Traill or Walsh offer higher incomes with still-reasonable housing ratios.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wells County

via IncomeByCounty

Wells trails significantly behind U.S. median

Wells County's median household income of $61,346 runs 18% below the national median of $74,755. This substantial gap reflects the economic headwinds facing smaller, agriculture-dependent rural counties in competing for diverse job opportunities.

Lowest income in North Dakota

Wells County ranks last in North Dakota by median household income, falling $11,191 short of the state average of $72,537. The per capita income of $42,252 matches the state average, suggesting household sizes or employment patterns unique to the county.

Wells lags all regional neighbors

Wells County earns $17,927 less than Ward County ($79,273) and $28,878 less than Williams County ($90,224). Among the five-county region, Wells faces the steepest income challenges, signaling limited higher-wage employment options locally.

Housing remains affordable despite income

Wells County's 12.3% rent-to-income ratio is the best affordability in the region, with a median home value of only $106,400. This means households dedicate minimal income to housing, offering some financial breathing room despite lower overall earnings.

Low housing costs unlock savings potential

Wells County's exceptionally affordable housing creates a rare advantage: residents can save aggressively on limited incomes. Prioritize building emergency reserves and exploring side income opportunities, then direct gains into education, skills training, or small business development to raise long-term earning potential.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Wells County

via CrimeByCounty

Wells County is Exceptionally Safe

Wells County holds an elite safety score of 99.4, making it one of the safest counties in the United States. Its total crime rate of 401.0 per 100,000 residents is a fraction of the national average of 2,385.5.

Exceeding State Safety Averages

The county's safety score of 99.4 easily surpasses the North Dakota state average of 98.5. Residents benefit from a total crime rate that is less than half the state average of 976.6.

Safety Leader Among Nearby Counties

Wells County is significantly safer than Ward County, where the crime rate is nearly triple at 1,146.2. It also maintains a lower rate than neighboring Walsh County's 1,004.4.

Few Incidents Reported Locally

Property crime is remarkably low at 275.7 per 100,000 residents, compared to the national 2,015.7. Violent crime stands at 125.3, which is roughly one-third of the national average of 369.8.

Keeping Wells County Secure

While crime is rare, maintaining these low numbers requires community cooperation and individual awareness. Basic security measures like exterior lighting and locked doors help preserve the county's peaceful atmosphere.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Wells County

via HealthByCounty

Wells residents live longer than most

Wells County's life expectancy of 80.0 years is among the highest in the nation, exceeding the U.S. average of 76.1 years by nearly four years. Only 14.4% of residents report poor or fair health, well below the national average of 17.9%.

Wells tops the state in longevity

At 80.0 years, Wells County has the highest life expectancy among North Dakota counties analyzed and significantly exceeds the state average of 77.5 years. The 6.6% uninsured rate also beats the state average of 7.5%, suggesting robust health coverage.

Wells leads all regional peers in longevity

Wells County's 80.0-year life expectancy outpaces all neighboring counties—Traill (78.3), Walsh (78.6), Ward (77.5), and Williams (77.9)—making it a standout in the region. The combination of high longevity and low uninsured rate (6.6%) suggests effective health promotion.

Outstanding primary care, mental health data limited

Wells boasts 128 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, nearly double the regional average, ensuring strong preventive and routine care access. Mental health provider data is unavailable, limiting insight into psychiatric service availability, though the county's overall health outcomes suggest adequate care.

Maintain coverage in North Dakota's healthiest

Wells County's 80-year life expectancy reflects exceptional health—keep that momentum by confirming your insurance coverage through the ND marketplace. Preventive care access makes early health intervention possible; ensure your plan includes annual checkups and screenings.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Wells County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Rural Education System

Wells County operates a focused system of four public schools serving 573 total students. These schools are managed by just two districts, providing a highly localized and simplified educational landscape.

Excellent Outcomes for Every Student

The graduation rate of 86.8% beats the state average of 84.8%, demonstrating strong secondary success. The county invests $8,651 per pupil, which contributes to a solid composite school score of 55.4.

Harvey and Fessenden-Bowdon Districts

Harvey 38 is the larger of the two districts, enrolling 394 students. Like many neighboring counties, Wells County features no charter schools, relying entirely on its traditional rural districts.

Small Classes in a Rural Setting

All four schools in Wells County are rural, creating an average school size of 143 students. While B.M. Hanson Elementary serves 225 students, Fessenden-Bowdon High School offers an incredibly intimate setting with just 49 students.

Discover Quiet Living Near Great Schools

Wells County is ideal for families who value small class sizes and personalized attention for their children. Look for homes in Harvey or Fessenden to take advantage of these top-performing, tight-knit school communities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wells County

via RiskByCounty

Wells County is among America's safest

With a composite risk score of just 8.59, Wells County ranks as Very Low and sits far below the national average for disaster risk. This makes it one of the lowest-risk counties in the entire United States.

North Dakota's safest county

Wells County's 8.59 score is the lowest in North Dakota, well below the state average of 22.19. The county's protective geography and climate create an exceptionally safe environment.

Significantly safer than all neighbors

Wells County (8.59) offers markedly lower risk than nearby Traill (11.01), Walsh (29.01), Ward (64.76), and Williams (53.66) counties. It stands out as a natural haven in the state.

Wildfire is the only notable concern

Wildfire risk at 51.43 is Wells County's primary hazard, though it remains manageable with standard precautions. Tornado (22.68), flood (4.93), and earthquake (2.07) risks are all minimal.

Focus on wildfire preparedness primarily

Wells County residents should concentrate wildfire preparations on defensible space, roof maintenance, and clearing gutters of debris. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers wind and fire; ensure your policy includes wildfires and review it annually.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wells County

via WeatherByCounty

Deep Below the National Temperature Median

Wells County’s 40.3°F average annual temperature is nearly 14 degrees colder than the national median. This gap highlights the extreme northern continental conditions that dominate the local landscape.

One of the State's Cooler Counties

Averaging 40.3°F, Wells falls below the North Dakota state average of 41.0°F. The county is also slightly drier than average, receiving 18.9 inches of annual precipitation.

Colder Winters Than Nearby Ward

Wells County faces a biting January average of 8.8°F, making it colder than Ward County's 11.1°F. However, it sees less snow, with 33.5 inches compared to over 50 inches in the neighboring region.

Brief Summers and Single-Digit Lows

The summer average is a pleasant 66.5°F with only 10 days of extreme heat annually. Winters are much more intense, with a three-month average of 11.9°F from December through February.

Prioritize Insulation and Winter Gear

With January averages staying in the single digits, robust home insulation and reliable HVAC systems are critical. While snowfall is more moderate at 33.5 inches, the extreme cold requires high-performance winter apparel.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wells County

via SoilByCounty

Consistent Alkalinity in Central ND

Wells County soil maintains a pH of 7.26, placing it comfortably above the national median of 6.5. This alkaline profile is slightly higher than the state average of 7.18 and is characteristic of the Central North Dakota plains. These conditions influence the availability of key nutrients like phosphorus and iron for local vegetation.

Versatile Silt and Sand Blend

The soil composition is a balanced mix of 40.2% sand and 38.4% silt, providing a medium that is both workable and stable. A clay content of 21.4% ensures the soil remains cohesive and capable of retaining essential minerals. This versatile mix supports a wide variety of agricultural applications from pasture to row crops.

Rich Organic Reserves for Crops

At 4.18% organic matter, the soil is incredibly rich compared to the 2.0% national average, though it sits below the state average of 4.69%. The available water capacity of 0.187 in/in slightly exceeds the state average. These metrics indicate a fertile environment that stores water effectively for the growing season.

Natural Productivity and Moisture Control

Specific drainage and hydrologic classifications are currently not listed in the data for this area. However, the soil score of 61.4 points to a high degree of natural productivity and land health. The combination of silt and sand suggests the soil manages typical rainfall without significant pooling issues.

A Haven for Pulses and Grains

Wells County lies in Zone 4a, providing a perfect environment for nitrogen-fixing pulse crops like peas and lentils. The soil's high water capacity also supports a wide range of garden vegetables including brassicas and leafy greens. Planting a home garden is a great way to tap into the natural fertility of this central region.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wells County

via LawnByCounty

Consistent Performance in Wells County

Wells County earns a respectable 57.4 lawn difficulty score, outperforming the state average. This zone 4a region offers a predictable environment for homeowners looking to establish stable turf.

Shorter Seasons with Moderate Heat

The county sees 2064 growing degree days and 10 days of extreme heat annually. While precipitation is lower than ideal at 18.9 inches, it remains consistent with the regional climate profile.

Sandy Foundation Requires Nutrients

A high sand content of 40.2% means the soil provides good aeration but may struggle with nutrient retention. The 7.26 pH is slightly alkaline, so look for fertilizers designed for North Dakota’s specific soil chemistry.

Ideal Recent Drought Conditions

Remarkably, Wells County has seen zero weeks of drought over the past year. Take advantage of this moisture surplus now to overseed thin spots and strengthen the turf before the next dry cycle.

Timing Your Zone 4a Turf

Wait until the May 13 frost date passes before you begin your spring seeding projects. Kentucky Bluegrass is a traditional favorite here, offering the cold hardiness needed for the September 28 first frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wells County's county score?
Wells County, North Dakota has a composite county score of 68.2 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 Wells County rank among counties in North Dakota?
Wells County ranks #14 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 Wells County, North Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Wells County is $1,107, with an effective tax rate of 1.04%. This earns Wells County a tax score of 35.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wells County?
The median household income in Wells County, North Dakota is $61,346 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wells County earns an income score of 43.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wells County, North Dakota a good place to live?
Wells County scores 68.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #14 in North Dakota. The best way to evaluate Wells 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 Wells 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.