Cost of Living in Benson County, North Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Benson County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Benson County ranks #365 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 12%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Benson County, North Dakota
Benson County offers exceptional rental value
With a rent-to-income ratio of 10.9%, Benson County beats the national average and delivers renters substantial housing affordability. The median rent of $616 per month is roughly 45% cheaper than the typical American rental, making this county one of the nation's true housing bargains.
Second-most affordable county in North Dakota
Benson County ranks among North Dakota's best for rental affordability, with a ratio of 10.9% compared to the state average of 12.8%. Only a handful of counties match this efficiency, positioning Benson as a premier choice for budget-conscious renters.
Beats nearby counties on affordability metrics
Benson County's $616 rent undercuts Bottineau County ($763) and is far below Burleigh County ($996), while homebuyers benefit from a median home value of just $83,100—the lowest in this comparison set. At $68,049 median household income, residents here enjoy the strongest housing-to-income balance among comparable rural counties.
Housing costs stay remarkably lean
Benson County renters spend just $616 monthly (10.9% of income) and homeowners pay $572, both among the state's lowest. This efficiency means a family earning $68,049 retains nearly $60,000 annually for food, healthcare, transportation, and savings after housing costs.
Maximum housing value for your dollar
Relocators prioritizing affordability should seriously consider Benson County's 10.9% rent-to-income ratio—among the best in the nation. If you're leaving a high-cost area, moving here could cut your housing costs in half while maintaining access to basic services.
Cost of Living Advisory: Benson County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Benson County is affordable. The median rent is $616/month against a median household income of $68,049, putting rent at 10.9% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Benson County is $616/month, while owner costs run $572/month. Owning saves approximately $44/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $24,640/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $24,514/year. With a median household income of $68,049, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 16.0% of renter households in Benson County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within North Dakota, Benson County is more affordable than Emmons County by roughly 12% ($616/mo vs $551/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Benson County
Rent Burden
10.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,588
per month
Owner Cost Burden
10.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Benson County
Median home value is $83,100. Estimated monthly cost: $663 vs. your max of $1,588.
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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