Cost of Living in Divide County, North Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Divide County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Divide County ranks #37 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 1%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Divide County, North Dakota
Divide County rents rise above national baseline
At 14.3%, Divide County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national median, yet the county's unusually high median household income of $89,297 provides substantial cushion. Renters paying $1,064 monthly—the highest among these eight counties—benefit from earnings well above the $74,755 national average, masking what would otherwise be significant affordability pressure.
Divide offers highest incomes and highest rents
Divide County's median household income of $89,297 leads all eight counties by nearly $13,000, enabling its 14.3% rent-to-income ratio to remain manageable despite the state's priciest rents at $1,064 monthly. The county's oil and energy economy drives both high wages and elevated housing costs.
Divide's rents reflect energy economy premium
At $1,064 monthly, Divide County renters pay the region's highest rates—$205 more than Cass County ($930) and $449 more than Eddy County ($615). However, Divide's exceptional median income of $89,297 makes these rents proportionally more affordable than they appear; the county effectively trades higher costs for higher wages.
High earnings offset Divide's elevated costs
Divide renters earning $89,297 annually spend $1,064 monthly—just 14.3% of income—while homeowners pay only $604, an unusually low rate reflecting the county's quirky housing market. The median home value of $173,100 remains surprisingly modest given local incomes, suggesting strong ownership affordability.
Divide attracts high earners with premium lifestyle
If your job or business brings you to North Dakota's oil region, Divide County's $89,297 median income and robust economy create strong purchasing power for both renters and buyers. Despite the state's highest rents, Divide's wage premium makes housing proportionally affordable; relocate here for career opportunity, not budget constraints.
Cost of Living Advisory: Divide County
Affordability Verdict
Divide County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,064/month representing approximately 14.3% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 13.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,064/month rent versus $604/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $460/month cheaper — a 43% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $42,560/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $25,886/year. With a median household income of $89,297, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 13.0% of renter households in Divide County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within North Dakota, Divide County is more affordable than Ward County by roughly 6% ($1,064/mo vs $1,000/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Divide County
Rent Burden
14.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,084
per month
Owner Cost Burden
8.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Divide County
Median home value is $173,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,382 vs. your max of $2,084.
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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