Cost of Living in Dunn County, North Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Dunn County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Dunn County ranks #470 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 15%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Dunn County, North Dakota
Dunn County delivers strong affordability nationwide
At 11.9%, Dunn County's rent-to-income ratio falls below the national median, marking it as one of the nation's more affordable rental markets. With the highest median household income among these eight counties at $94,688 and rents of just $941, Dunn renters enjoy exceptional financial flexibility compared to typical U.S. households.
Dunn ranks as North Dakota's affordability leader
Dunn County's 11.9% rent-to-income ratio bests North Dakota's state average of 12.8%, making it the state's most affordable rental market among these eight counties. The combination of $94,688 median income and $941 rent creates the region's healthiest housing-to-wage ratio.
Dunn offers best affordability-to-income balance
Dunn renters earn $94,688—highest among neighbors—while paying $941 rent, yielding the region's lowest rent-to-income ratio at 11.9%. Even Divide County, with higher rents of $1,064, can't match Dunn's affordability advantage because Dunn's wage advantage more than compensates.
Dunn renters enjoy surplus income after housing
With median income of $94,688, Dunn renters spending $941 monthly allocate just 11.9% to housing—the lowest burden among all eight counties—leaving ample resources for other expenses. Homeowners pay $789 monthly on a median value of $244,000, though this represents a steeper ownership bar than rentals.
Dunn County: Best bang for relocating families
If you're weighing North Dakota relocation, Dunn County delivers the region's strongest income-to-housing ratio at 11.9%, meaning your paycheck stretches furthest here. With median income of $94,688 and rents of just $941, Dunn families retain maximum discretionary income—a compelling advantage for any move.
Cost of Living Advisory: Dunn County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Dunn County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $941/month in gross rent, with 17.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Dunn County pay $941/month on average, compared to $789/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 16%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $37,640/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $33,814/year. With a median household income of $94,688, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 17.0% of renter households in Dunn County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Burleigh County where rent averages $996/month, Dunn County is approximately 6% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Dunn County
Rent Burden
11.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,209
per month
Owner Cost Burden
10.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Dunn County
Median home value is $244,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,948 vs. your max of $2,209.
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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