Cost of Living in Burleigh County, North Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Burleigh County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Burleigh County ranks #2,055 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 35%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Burleigh County, North Dakota
Burleigh County rents press against affordability
At 14.1%, Burleigh County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national average and approaches the threshold where housing becomes financially burdensome. The median rent of $996 per month reflects a major urban area (Bismarck, the state capital), though the $84,948 median household income slightly exceeds the national median.
Least affordable county in North Dakota
Burleigh County ranks lowest in North Dakota for housing affordability, with renters spending 14.1% of income on rent versus the state average of 12.8%. The median rent of $996 is the highest in the state comparison, reflecting Bismarck's role as the largest metro area in North Dakota.
Most expensive rents and mortgages
Burleigh County's $996 rent and $1,174 monthly owner cost far exceed rural peers—nearly twice Adams County's costs and substantially higher than all other comparison counties. The median home value of $314,700 is second only to Billings County, reflecting Bismarck's regional economic hub status.
Housing takes largest bite from paychecks
Burleigh County renters spend $996 monthly (14.1% of income) and homeowners pay $1,174, the highest burdens in this eight-county set. On a median household income of $84,948, a family spends roughly $13,000 annually on rent or $14,000 on mortgage—leaving less for other needs.
Urban amenities come with a cost here
Relocate to Burleigh County for Bismarck's services, jobs, and urban infrastructure—but budget carefully for housing at 14.1% of income. If affordability is your priority, consider rural alternatives like Benson or Billings counties; if you need city amenities, Burleigh is worth the premium despite the highest housing burden in the state.
Cost of Living Advisory: Burleigh County
Affordability Verdict
Burleigh County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $996/month — about 14.1% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Burleigh County is $996/month, while owner costs run $1,174/month. Renting saves approximately $178/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $39,840/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $50,314/year. With a median household income of $84,948, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Burleigh County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within North Dakota, Burleigh County is more affordable than Dunn County by roughly 6% ($996/mo vs $941/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Burleigh County
Rent Burden
14.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,982
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.6%
of gross income
The median home in Burleigh County may be a stretch
Median home value is $314,700. Estimated monthly cost: $2,512 vs. your max of $1,982.
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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