Cost of Living in Adams County, North Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Adams County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Adams County ranks #427 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 14%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Adams County, North Dakota
Adams County rents are remarkably affordable
At 11.8%, Adams County's rent-to-income ratio beats the national norm, where renters typically spend more of their paycheck on housing. The median rent of $545 per month is less than half what renters pay nationally, giving households here significant breathing room in their budgets.
Best rental affordability in North Dakota
Adams County ranks among the most affordable places to rent in North Dakota, with a ratio of 11.8% versus the state average of 12.8%. This advantage comes despite household incomes being $19,338 below the national median, reflecting genuinely low housing costs across the county.
More affordable than similar rural counties
Adams County's $545 rent is substantially lower than nearby Benson County ($616) and Bowman County ($869), making it a standout value in rural North Dakota. Even on a median income of $55,417—the lowest in this peer group—renters here keep more money in their pockets each month.
Housing eats just 12% of income here
Adams County renters spend $545 monthly while homeowners pay $585, meaning both groups dedicate roughly 11-12% of income to housing—well below the 30% threshold experts consider sustainable. The median home value of $108,300 remains accessible to buyers on a $55,417 median household income.
Relocating? Adams County maximizes your paycheck
If you're considering a move and want housing costs to take up the smallest slice of your paycheck, Adams County delivers. Compare your current rent-to-income ratio to 11.8%—odds are you'd gain immediate financial relief by relocating here.
Cost of Living Advisory: Adams County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Adams County is affordable. The median rent is $545/month against a median household income of $55,417, putting rent at 11.8% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $545/month rent versus $585/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $40/month cheaper — a 7% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $21,800/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $25,071/year. With a median household income of $55,417, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 22.0% of renter households in Adams County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to McIntosh County where rent averages $600/month, Adams County is approximately 9% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Adams County
Rent Burden
11.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,293
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Adams County
Median home value is $108,300. Estimated monthly cost: $865 vs. your max of $1,293.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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