Cost of Living in Cavalier County, North Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Cavalier County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Cavalier County ranks #208 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 7%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Cavalier County, North Dakota
Cavalier rents strain incomes above national baseline
Cavalier County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.4% exceeds the national median, placing affordability pressure on renters despite a below-average household income of $67,064. At $859 monthly, rents consume a larger wage share here than typical across the United States, signaling tighter housing affordability for the county's renters.
Cavalier's rents rank above North Dakota average
At 15.4%, Cavalier County's rent-to-income ratio ranks among the state's highest, exceeding North Dakota's 12.8% average by 2.6 percentage points. With median rent at $859—nearly $90 above the state median of $770—Cavalier presents one of the state's tightest rental markets relative to local earnings.
Cavalier renters pay more than most neighbors
Cavalier County renters pay $859 monthly, placing it in the middle-to-upper range among its peers; Eddy County renters spend just $615, while Cass County residents face $930. Despite similar incomes to Eddy County, Cavalier's higher rents create a noticeably steeper affordability challenge.
Renting and owning both require careful budgeting
With median household income of just $67,064, Cavalier renters spending $859 monthly allocate 15.4% of income to housing, while homebuyers face $774 monthly payments on a median home value of $122,300. Both rental and ownership pathways demand significant financial discipline in this lower-income county.
Cavalier offers affordable ownership, tighter rentals
Cavalier County appeals to homebuyers seeking modest prices—median home value of $122,300 ranks among the state's most affordable—but renters should note above-average rent-to-income ratios of 15.4%. If you value small-town living with reasonable ownership costs and don't mind rental affordability constraints, Cavalier merits consideration.
Cost of Living Advisory: Cavalier County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Cavalier County is affordable. The median rent is $859/month against a median household income of $67,064, putting rent at 15.4% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $859/month rent versus $774/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $85/month cheaper — a 10% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,360/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $33,171/year. With a median household income of $67,064, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Cavalier County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Cavalier County sits 6% more expensive than Pierce County ($807/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Cavalier County
Rent Burden
15.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,565
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.8%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Cavalier County
Median home value is $122,300. Estimated monthly cost: $976 vs. your max of $1,565.
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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