Cost of Living in Burke County, North Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Burke County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Burke County ranks #32 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 1%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Burke County, North Dakota
Burke County offers elite housing affordability
At just 9.0%, Burke County's rent-to-income ratio ranks among America's best, matching or exceeding many rural counties nationwide. The median rent of $725 per month is deeply affordable, and the exceptional $96,339 median household income—highest in this group—creates a powerful affordability advantage.
Best combined income and affordability ratio
Burke County ranks in North Dakota's top tier for affordability, with a 9.0% rent-to-income ratio beating the state average of 12.8% by a substantial margin. The county's elevated median income is the primary driver of this exceptional efficiency.
Strong income, moderate rents, best ratio
Burke County's $725 rent is moderate—higher than Adams ($545) and Benson ($616), lower than Bowman ($869) and Burleigh ($996)—but the $96,339 income far exceeds all peers. This income-to-cost advantage delivers the second-best rent-to-income ratio in the eight-county set after Billings County.
Exceptional income supports reasonable costs
Burke County renters spend just $725 monthly (9.0% of income) while homeowners pay $663, among the state's best efficiency levels. The median home value of $141,900 is highly accessible on a $96,339 income, making both renting and buying remarkably affordable here.
Premier choice for economic opportunity seekers
Burke County attracts relocators seeking the combination of high income and low housing burden—rare in rural America. If you can secure employment here, you'll enjoy a 9.0% rent-to-income ratio and financial flexibility that most counties can't match.
Cost of Living Advisory: Burke County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Burke County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $725/month in gross rent, with 15.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $725/month rent versus $663/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $62/month cheaper — a 9% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $28,414/year. With a median household income of $96,339, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 15.0% of renter households in Burke County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Burke County sits 7% less expensive than Barnes County ($779/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Burke County
Rent Burden
9.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,248
per month
Owner Cost Burden
8.3%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Burke County
Median home value is $141,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,133 vs. your max of $2,248.
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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