Cost of Living in Foster County, North Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Foster County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Foster County ranks #303 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 10%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Foster County, North Dakota
Foster County rents align with national affordability
At 10.9%, Foster County's rent-to-income ratio runs below the national median, indicating strong housing affordability for renters. With a solid median income of $83,412 and monthly rent of $756, Foster delivers rental value that exceeds the typical U.S. household's housing burden.
Foster ranks among North Dakota's most affordable
Foster County's 10.9% rent-to-income ratio beats North Dakota's state average of 12.8%, positioning it as one of the state's most affordable rental markets. At $756 monthly rent, Foster residents enjoy below-state-average costs while earning a above-average $83,412 median income.
Foster balances strong income with modest rents
Foster County renters earning $83,412—third-highest among these eight counties—pay $756 rent, yielding a 10.9% burden that ranks second-best only to Emmons' 9.8%. Foster delivers strong affordability without sacrificing local earning power, making it attractive for balanced-lifestyle seekers.
Foster income covers housing comfortably
Foster County renters earning $83,412 spend $756 monthly—10.9% of income—while homeowners pay $788 on a median value of $162,800, demonstrating that housing demands remain manageable. Both rental and ownership pathways consume roughly one-ninth of household income.
Foster offers Goldilocks balance: income and affordability
Foster County attracts relocating families seeking middle ground: $83,412 median income paired with 10.9% rent-to-income ratio creates genuine housing ease without extreme sacrifice. Whether renting at $756 or buying at $162,800, Foster delivers rural stability with urban-level financial breathing room.
Cost of Living Advisory: Foster County
Affordability Verdict
Foster County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $756/month representing approximately 10.9% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 31.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $756/month rent versus $788/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $32/month cheaper — a 4% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,240/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $33,771/year. With a median household income of $83,412, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Foster County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Foster County sits 6% less expensive than Pierce County ($807/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Foster County
Rent Burden
10.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,946
per month
Owner Cost Burden
11.3%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Foster County
Median home value is $162,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,300 vs. your max of $1,946.
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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