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Williams County, North Dakota — County Report Card

ND

#50 in North Dakota

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
42.7
County Score
Income & Jobs 92.2Health 66.9Water Quality 61.7

County Report Card

About Williams County, North Dakota

Economic Boom Amidst Quality Trade-offs

Williams County sits at a composite score of 42.8, which is notably lower than the national median of 50.0. While its economy is a powerhouse, other livability factors drag down its national standing.

Lagging Behind State Averages

Williams falls significantly short of the 61.5 North Dakota average. Its unique profile reflects the rapid-growth pressures of an industrial hub rather than the traditional stability found elsewhere in the state.

High Salaries and Low Taxes

The county offers massive financial incentives, including a 92.2 income score and a low tax burden score of 61.6. With a $90,224 median income and a tiny 0.714% effective tax rate, it is built for wealth accumulation.

Safety and High Living Costs

Intense growth has led to a very low safety score of 17.9 and a cost score of 26.0. Median home values of $267,800 and $1,108 rents make it one of the most expensive markets in North Dakota.

Built for Ambitious Industry Professionals

Williams County is a magnet for workers in the energy sector who want to maximize take-home pay. It is best suited for those willing to tolerate high costs and urban-style safety concerns to secure a high-salary lifestyle.

2040608010061.62617.966.935.692.246.461.734.6Tax61.6Cost26Safety17.9Health66.9Schools35.6Income92.2Risk46.4Water61.7Weather34.642.7/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Williams County DNA

Foverall

How Williams County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Williams County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (92.2/100) but notably weak in Safety (17.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
61.6+9.600000000000001
Cost
26-22
Safety
17.9-37.1
Health
66.9+16.900000000000006
Schools
35.6-18.4
Income
92.2+41.2
Risk
46.4
Water
61.7
Weather
34.6-21.4
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$267,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,108/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$267,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$44,320/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $90,224/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

25.4

per 100K

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

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

McKenzie County
North Dakota
48.8
Divide County
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72.2
Mountrail County
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60.7
Richland County
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Sheridan County
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Burke County
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Roosevelt County
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Dunn County
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Deep Dives

Williams County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Williams County

via TaxByCounty

Williams has North Dakota's lowest tax rate

Williams County's 0.714% effective tax rate ranks below the national median of 0.76%, making it one of America's lower-taxed counties. Residents pay $1,913 in median annual taxes, below the national median of $2,690.

Williams leads ND with lowest tax burden

Williams County boasts North Dakota's lowest effective property tax rate at 0.714%, nearly 20% below the state average of 0.885%. The $1,913 median tax bill still exceeds the state median of $1,460 due to higher home values in the county.

Williams taxes substantially lower than peers

Williams County's 0.714% rate dramatically undercuts all four neighboring counties: Wells (1.040%), Traill (1.044%), Ward (1.075%), and Walsh (1.105%). This makes Williams the clear tax-advantage region in northeastern North Dakota.

Median Williams home costs $1,913 yearly

On a median home valued at $267,800, Williams County residents pay approximately $1,913 in annual property taxes. Including mortgage escrow, homeowners typically pay around $1,987.

Williams homeowners can file assessment appeals

Even in Williams County's favorable tax environment, some homeowners may still be overassessed and could benefit from filing an appeal. The county assessor's office can review valuations annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Williams County

via CostByCounty

Williams leads in income, trails in housing affordability

Williams County boasts the highest median household income ($90,224) of the five counties examined—20% above the national median—yet its rent-to-income ratio of 14.7% exceeds the national benchmark and state average. This reflects the energy sector's wage growth combined with rapidly escalating housing demand in the Williston area.

High earners, high housing costs in Williams

Williams County ranks among North Dakota's least affordable counties for renters, despite commanding the state's strongest incomes. The 14.7% rent-to-income ratio reveals that even robust wages cannot keep pace with housing cost growth driven by oil and gas industry expansion.

Williston premium: rents and homes command top prices

Williams' median rent of $1,108 trails only Ward County and reflects Williston's role as an energy hub. The median home value of $267,800 is the highest in the region, surpassing Ward County and pricing out many first-time buyers despite strong area incomes.

Energy boom inflates housing alongside wages

Renters pay $1,108 monthly (14.7% of a $90,224 income), while homeowners pay $991 on properties worth $267,800. Even with the region's strongest salaries, housing consumes a disproportionate share, squeezing budgets despite earning more than peers elsewhere in the state.

Williams: high pay, high cost, calculated risk

Williams County attracts workers with its energy sector salaries, but housing costs rise in tandem—plan for 15% of income devoted to rent. If you prioritize affordability over maximum wages, Traill County delivers nearly identical incomes at far lower housing ratios.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Williams County

via IncomeByCounty

Williams County earns near national peak

Williams County's median household income of $90,224 runs 21% above the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it among the highest-earning counties nationally. The per capita income of $45,793 further confirms robust individual earning power across the workforce.

Second-highest earner in North Dakota

At $90,224, Williams County ranks second only to Traill County ($88,289), exceeding the state average of $72,537 by 24%. This elite standing reflects strong oil, agriculture, and professional service sectors driving regional prosperity.

Williams leads regional income rankings

Williams County edges out Traill by $1,935 and vastly outearns Wells County ($61,346) by $28,878. Its strong position demonstrates how energy-sector employment and economic diversification can elevate entire regional economies.

High costs offset strong incomes

At 14.7%, Williams County's rent-to-income ratio is manageable but elevated—the second-highest in the region after Ward County. The median home value of $267,800 is the highest regionally, requiring careful household budgeting despite above-average earnings.

Premium earnings support ambitious goals

Williams County's high incomes position households to pursue aggressive wealth-building strategies despite elevated housing costs. Maximize retirement contributions, establish college savings plans, and explore investment diversification to capitalize on strong earning potential.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Williams County

via CrimeByCounty

Safety Dynamics in Williams County

Williams County has a safety score of 96.5, with a total crime rate of 2,188.0 per 100,000 residents. While this rate is lower than the national average of 2,385.5, it represents higher activity than many neighboring areas.

Below the North Dakota Average

The safety score of 96.5 is lower than the statewide average of 98.5. Williams County's crime rate of 2,188.0 is more than double the North Dakota average of 976.6.

A High-Activity Regional Hub

Williams County reports significantly more crime than Ward County, which has a rate of 1,146.2. It also experiences over four times the per capita crime of nearby Wells County at 401.0.

Understanding the Crime Mix

Violent crime is 386.4 per 100,000, slightly exceeding the national average of 369.8. Property crime is the largest factor at 1,801.6, though this is still below the national average of 2,015.7.

Prioritizing Home and Asset Safety

Given the higher local property crime rates, residents should take active steps to secure their homes and vehicles. Investing in surveillance cameras and smart security systems can help deter theft and keep the community safer.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Williams County

via SchoolsByCounty

Expanding Infrastructure in a Growing County

Williams County supports 6,731 students across 21 public schools managed by five districts. The system includes 11 elementary schools and 6 high schools to accommodate its growing population.

Ongoing Investment in Student Success

Per-pupil spending stands at $7,962, focusing on a student body that currently sees a 78.7% graduation rate. The county's composite school score is 49.7, and local districts are actively working to raise outcomes toward state averages.

Williston Basin 7 Dominates Enrollment

Williston Basin 7 is the primary district, serving 5,292 students across 13 different schools. All schools in the county are traditional public institutions, with no charter options currently available.

A Dynamic Mix of Large and Small Schools

The county features 13 rural and 8 town-based schools, with Williston High School being a standout facility at 1,363 students. This variety allows families to choose between large-scale high school experiences and smaller elementary environments.

Join a Growing Community in Williams County

With significant infrastructure in the Williston Basin district, this county is a prime spot for families following the region's growth. Research local real estate to find a home that puts your children close to the county's expanding schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Williams County

via RiskByCounty

Williams County faces above-average risk

With a composite risk score of 53.66, Williams County ranks as Relatively Low but significantly exceeds the national average for disaster risk. This places it among the higher-risk counties in the nation's upper plains.

Second-highest risk county in state

Williams County's 53.66 score ranks second only to Ward County (64.76) in North Dakota, more than doubling the state average of 22.19. The county faces a multifaceted disaster risk landscape.

Riskier than most surrounding counties

Williams County (53.66) approaches Ward County (64.76) in hazard exposure, far exceeding Traill (11.01), Walsh (29.01), and Wells (8.59). Only Ward County presents comparable or greater risk in northwestern North Dakota.

Wildfires and tornadoes dominate hazards

Wildfire risk (77.42) and tornado risk (53.12) are Williams County's primary threats, with wildfire exposure nearly matching Ward County's 79.42. Flood risk (42.91) and earthquake risk (18.19) also warrant attention and preparation.

Dual planning for fire and tornado

Williams County residents need both wildfire and tornado preparedness strategies: create defensible space around your home and identify or build a safe room. Confirm that homeowners insurance covers both wildfire and tornado damage, and update your emergency supply kits for extended power outages.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Williams County

via WaterByCounty

Williams County Reports Moderate Compliance Success

Williams County holds a 'C' grade for drinking water, with two health violations recorded in the last five years. The county's violation rate is 5.3 per 100,000 people, which is significantly better than the state average of 47.0. While the grade is mid-range, the low violation rate shows strong performance relative to many other North Dakota counties.

Low Impairment Rates in Williams County Watersheds

Only 6.7% of the 75 assessed water bodies in Williams County are listed as impaired, one of the lowest rates in the region. The primary concerns noted in the 2022 cycle include nutrients, fecal coliform, and methylmercury. This 6.7% rate is much lower than the North Dakota state average of 19.3%.

Expansive Monitoring Network Covers Williams County

Local water quality is heavily tracked via 23 monitoring sites that have produced 11,341 measurements over five years. Data collection focuses on physical traits, nutrients, and inorganic metals. This robust monitoring footprint is crucial for managing water resources near the Montana border.

Little Muddy River Flows Significantly Below Mean

Current discharge for the Little Muddy River near Williston is 12 cubic feet per second, just 30% of its long-term mean. This 875 square mile drainage area is experiencing notable dry conditions compared to historical averages. Decreased flows can lead to higher concentrations of nutrients and other contaminants.

Monitor Water Quality During Low Flow Periods

With the Little Muddy River at only 30% capacity, residents should be aware that contaminants like methylmercury and nutrients can become more concentrated. Given the recent 'C' grade for drinking water, checking annual quality reports for your specific provider is a smart precaution. Reducing fertilizer use can help protect the county’s exceptionally clean watershed from further impairment.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Williams County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer and Drier Than Regional Peers

Williams County averages 42.4°F annually, which is warmer than its neighbors but still well below the national median. This area features a semi-arid influence with significantly less rainfall than most of the United States.

Surpassing the State Temperature Average

At 42.4°F, Williams County is warmer than the 41.0°F state average for North Dakota. It is notably dry, receiving only 15.1 inches of precipitation annually compared to the state's 19.5-inch average.

Double the Heat of Neighbors

Williams County records 21 days of extreme heat over 90°F, more than double the 10 days seen in Wells County. Its 43.7 inches of annual snow falls between the levels of its western and eastern neighbors.

Sunnier Summers and Steadier Winters

July averages 70.5°F, contributing to a summer average of 68.0°F that is among the highest in the region. Winter temperatures average 15.2°F, which is relatively mild by North Dakota standards.

Water Conservation and Heat Prep

The low 15.1-inch annual precipitation makes drought-resistant landscaping a smart choice for residents. Homeowners should also prepare for three weeks of 90-degree days, requiring efficient cooling systems alongside winter heating.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Williams County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral Soils in the Western Plains

Williams County features an average pH of 7.16, making it the most neutral soil among its neighbors and very close to the state average of 7.18. While still higher than the national 6.5 median, this profile provides an excellent chemical environment for nutrient uptake. This near-neutrality is a key advantage for western North Dakota farmers.

Extremely Gravelly Sand Foundations

The dominant texture here is extremely gravelly sand, containing 42.2% sand and just 21.1% clay. This coarse composition means the soil is very light and allows for rapid water movement through the ground. While it requires more frequent monitoring for moisture, it is very easy to work with hand tools or light machinery.

Productive Soils with Lower Water Storage

The organic matter content sits at 3.74%, which is lower than the state average but still nearly double the national 2.0% average. Because of its sandy nature, the available water capacity is 0.181 in/in, the lowest in this group. Growers here prioritize drought-resistant varieties to maximize the potential of this unique soil.

Excessively Drained for Fast Runoff

The soil is classified as excessively drained, meaning water moves through the profile very quickly. This prevents the ground from becoming waterlogged but can lead to dry conditions faster than in other counties. These drainage characteristics are excellent for construction and infrastructure, as the soil rarely holds excess moisture.

Gardening in the High Plains

In Zone 4a, the fast-draining sandy soil is perfect for drought-tolerant native plants and hardy grains. Gardeners should consider using mulch or raised beds to help retain moisture in the 3.74% organic matter soil. It is a fantastic place to grow berries and other perennials that prefer well-aerated ground.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Williams County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Conditions in Williams County

A lawn difficulty score of 45.0 indicates that Williams County is one of the more challenging places in the state to maintain grass. This score falls well below both the national and state averages due to harsh local conditions.

High Heat and Low Rainfall

Homeowners face 21 extreme heat days—nearly double the state average—and a meager 15.1 inches of annual rain. These factors create a high-stress environment that requires dedicated irrigation and heat-tolerant grass choices.

Gravelly Sand and Rapid Drainage

The soil is classified as excessively drained extremely gravelly sand with 42.2% sand content. This soil type sheds water almost immediately, meaning frequent, light watering is often necessary to keep roots hydrated.

Navigating Persistent Drought

The county spent 22 weeks in drought over the last year, the highest among its peers. In these conditions, dormant-mowing and choosing native prairie grasses can significantly reduce your water footprint.

Choosing Rugged Grass Species

Buffalo grass or Sheep Fescue are your best bets for surviving the high heat and gravelly soil of zone 4a. Aim to seed after the May 13 frost, but be prepared for a short season that ends by September 26.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Williams County's county score?
Williams County, North Dakota has a composite county score of 42.7 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 Williams County rank among counties in North Dakota?
Williams County ranks #50 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 Williams County, North Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Williams County is $1,913, with an effective tax rate of 0.71%. This earns Williams County a tax score of 61.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Williams County?
The median household income in Williams County, North Dakota is $90,224 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Williams County earns an income score of 92.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Williams County, North Dakota a good place to live?
Williams County scores 42.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #50 in North Dakota. The best way to evaluate Williams 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 Williams County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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