Cost of Living in Emmons County, North Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Emmons County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Emmons County ranks #555 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 18%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Emmons County, North Dakota
Emmons County achieves exceptional rental affordability
At 9.8%, Emmons County's rent-to-income ratio stands far below the national median, representing one of North Dakota's strongest rental bargains. With median income of $67,368 and rents of just $551—the state's second-lowest—Emmons renters spend barely one-tenth of earnings on housing, leaving maximum flexibility for other needs.
Emmons delivers North Dakota's affordability crown
Emmons County's 9.8% rent-to-income ratio ranks as the state's best among these eight counties, beating even North Dakota's 12.8% average by three full percentage points. At just $551 monthly rent, Emmons offers extraordinary housing value relative to the state norm.
Emmons' rents set region's affordability standard
Emmons renters pay $551 monthly—$64 less than Eddy County, $198 less than Dickey, and nearly $400 less than Divide—yet earn a respectable $67,368 median income. Only Foster County approaches Emmons' affordability ratio, though Foster's slightly higher income and rent leave Emmons as the affordability champion.
Emmons achieves minimal housing cost burden
Emmons County residents earning $67,368 spend just $551 monthly on rent—a mere 9.8% of income—while homeowners pay $576 on a median value of $112,400. This exceptional affordability across both rental and ownership pathways creates maximum discretionary income.
Emmons County: Maximum value for frugal families
Emmons County's 9.8% rent-to-income ratio edges every neighboring county, making it North Dakota's affordability sweet spot for families seeking maximum purchasing power. Budget just $551 for rent or $576 for a $112,400 home, and you'll have resources remaining for savings, education, or other priorities.
Cost of Living Advisory: Emmons County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Emmons County is affordable. The median rent is $551/month against a median household income of $67,368, putting rent at 9.8% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Emmons County is $551/month, while owner costs run $576/month. Renting saves approximately $25/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $22,040/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $24,686/year. With a median household income of $67,368, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Emmons County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Emmons County sits 9% less expensive than Griggs County ($606/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Emmons County
Rent Burden
9.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,572
per month
Owner Cost Burden
10.3%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Emmons County
Median home value is $112,400. Estimated monthly cost: $897 vs. your max of $1,572.
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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