Cost of Living in Billings County, North Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Billings County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Billings County ranks #1 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 0%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Billings County, North Dakota
Billings County crushes national affordability benchmarks
At 9.3%, Billings County's rent-to-income ratio is among the best in America, allowing renters to allocate most income to other priorities. The median rent of $630 per month is remarkably low, and the $81,250 median household income (above the national average) compounds the advantage.
Most affordable renting county in North Dakota
Billings County leads North Dakota with a 9.3% rent-to-income ratio—well below the state average of 12.8%. This exceptional performance reflects both low rents and incomes that exceed most other rural counties in the state.
Rent is lowest, income is highest here
Billings County's $630 rent is lower than Bottineau ($763), Bowman ($869), and Burleigh ($996) counties, while its median income of $81,250 exceeds all three. This combination makes Billings the easiest county for renters to afford, despite higher home prices of $322,500 reflecting local economic strength.
Renters pocket more than most in the state
At just $630 monthly (9.3% of income), Billings County renters spend less on housing than nearly anywhere else in North Dakota. Homeowners pay $838 per month, and while median home values reach $322,500—reflecting the county's economic vitality—the $81,250 income makes this accessible for qualified buyers.
Top choice for affordability-conscious relocators
If you're moving to North Dakota and want the tightest rent-to-income ratio in the state, Billings County is your answer. The combination of low rents, above-average incomes, and strong local economy makes this ideal for remote workers or those relocating with stable employment.
Cost of Living Advisory: Billings County
Affordability Verdict
Billings County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $630/month representing approximately 9.3% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 12.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $630/month rent versus $838/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $208/month cheaper — a 25% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $25,200/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $35,914/year. With a median household income of $81,250, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 12.0% of renter households in Billings County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Billings County sits 8% less expensive than Ramsey County ($687/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Billings County
Rent Burden
9.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,896
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.4%
of gross income
The median home in Billings County may be a stretch
Median home value is $322,500. Estimated monthly cost: $2,575 vs. your max of $1,896.
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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