Cost of Living in Barnes County, North Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Barnes County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Barnes County ranks #946 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 30%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Barnes County, North Dakota
Barnes County rents outpace national affordability
At 13.3%, Barnes County's rent-to-income ratio runs above the national average, placing renters under more pressure than typical American households. The median rent of $779 per month reflects higher costs than many rural peers, though household income of $70,230 sits below the national median of $74,755.
Slightly less affordable than the state average
Barnes County ranks below middle in North Dakota's affordability spectrum, with renters spending 13.3% of income on housing versus the state average of 12.8%. The gap widens when comparing median rent: Barnes at $779 exceeds the state average of $770, suggesting tighter housing markets here.
Pricier than Adams, cheaper than Burleigh
Barnes County's $779 rent positions it higher than rural Adams County ($545) but well below Burleigh County's $996, reflecting its middle ground in North Dakota's cost spectrum. Homebuyers face median prices of $168,100, more affordable than Burleigh County's $314,700 but steeper than Adams County's $108,300.
Rent and mortgages both climb here
Renters in Barnes County spend $779 monthly (13.3% of income) while homeowners pay $844, creating one of the higher dual-cost burdens in the state. With a median home value of $168,100 on a $70,230 income, buying power requires careful budgeting.
Balance affordability against opportunity here
Barnes County works best for relocators with household incomes near $70,000 or higher who can absorb its 13.3% rent-to-income ratio. If you're earning less, nearby Adams or Benson counties may deliver better value; if you need more urban services, the cost premium may be worth it.
Cost of Living Advisory: Barnes County
Affordability Verdict
Barnes County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $779/month representing approximately 13.3% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 24.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Barnes County pay $779/month on average, compared to $844/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 8%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,160/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $36,171/year. With a median household income of $70,230, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Barnes County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Hettinger County where rent averages $830/month, Barnes County is approximately 6% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Barnes County
Rent Burden
13.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,639
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Barnes County
Median home value is $168,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,342 vs. your max of $1,639.
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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