Cost of Living in Bowman County, North Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Bowman County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Bowman County ranks #272 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 9%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Bowman County, North Dakota
Bowman County rents strain even strong incomes
At 12.4%, Bowman County's rent-to-income ratio edges above the national average, with median rent of $869 per month approaching levels in higher-cost regions. The silver lining: median household income of $83,773 ranks among the highest in North Dakota, providing cushion despite elevated rents.
Above-average rents for North Dakota
Bowman County ranks below middle in affordability, with renters spending 12.4% of income on housing versus the state average of 12.8%. The median rent of $869 significantly exceeds the state average of $770, suggesting tight local housing markets despite rural location.
Highest rents in the comparison set
Bowman County's $869 median rent is the steepest among these eight counties, exceeding even Burleigh County's $996—wait, no. Bowman is second-highest after Burleigh, and substantially above Benson ($616), Adams ($545), and Billings ($630). However, its $83,773 income is strong enough to make these rents manageable.
Higher rents require higher incomes here
Bowman County renters spend $869 monthly (12.4% of income), the second-highest burden in this group, while homeowners pay $730. A median household income of $83,773—likely linked to energy sector employment—makes these costs sustainable for current residents but may challenge relocators without similar earning power.
Relocate here only with secure income
Bowman County suits relocators earning $80,000+ with stable employment, particularly those in energy, agriculture, or remote work. If your household income falls below $75,000, the 12.4% rent burden may exceed comfort levels—compare carefully to lower-cost alternatives like Benson or Billings counties.
Cost of Living Advisory: Bowman County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Bowman County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $869/month in gross rent, with 19.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $869/month rent versus $730/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $139/month cheaper — a 16% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,760/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $31,286/year. With a median household income of $83,773, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 19.0% of renter households in Bowman County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Bowman County sits 7% less expensive than Cass County ($930/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Bowman County
Rent Burden
12.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,955
per month
Owner Cost Burden
10.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Bowman County
Median home value is $176,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,408 vs. your max of $1,955.
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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