Cost of Living in Grand Forks County, North Dakota

$971/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$244,200

Median Home Value

26% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$971/mo

26% above state average

Median Home Value

$244,200

13% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

27.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Grand Forks County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Grand Forks County$971/mo

North Dakota Average$770/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$971/mo

Median Gross Rent

$244,200

Median Home Value

$1,229/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

27.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Grand Forks County, North Dakota

Grand Forks rents pinch household budgets harder

Grand Forks County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.0% signals affordability strain—renters here dedicate a noticeably larger share of income to housing than the national norm. A median income of $68,450 falls short of the national median by $6,305, yet median rent of $971 runs well above state averages.

Tightest rental market in the survey

At 17.0%, Grand Forks County's rent-to-income ratio ranks as the highest among these eight North Dakota counties and well above the state average of 12.8%. The median rent of $971 reflects university demand and regional economic activity that push costs upward.

Urban pressure drives higher housing costs

Grand Forks's $971 rent stands significantly above rural neighbors like Griggs County ($606) and LaMoure County ($607), reflecting the county's larger population and University of North Dakota influence. Homebuyers here face median values of $244,200—the highest in this group—nearly double some neighboring counties.

Rent dominates, ownership costs surge

Renters spend $971 monthly (17% of income), while homeowners face $1,229 in monthly costs—the steepest owner burden in the survey. On a $68,450 median income, housing easily exceeds the recommended 30% threshold for many households.

Grand Forks rewards higher earners and seekers of urban life

If you're moving to Grand Forks for university employment or a professional career, verify your salary exceeds the county median to maintain housing comfort. Renters and buyers here need household incomes above $75,000 to breathe easily—or consider nearby rural counties for significant savings.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Grand Forks County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

17.0%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,597

per month

Owner Cost Burden

21.5%

of gross income

The median home in Grand Forks County may be a stretch

Median home value is $244,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,950 vs. your max of $1,597.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio17.0%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Grand Forks County, North Dakota?

Grand Forks County, North Dakota has a median monthly rent of $971/mo and a median home value of $244,200. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 27.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Grand Forks County?

The median gross rent in Grand Forks County is $971/mo. This is 26% above state average for North Dakota.

Is Grand Forks County affordable?

Grand Forks County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 27.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Grand Forks County's rent compare to the state average?

Grand Forks County's median rent of $971/mo is 26% above state average of $770/mo for North Dakota.

What is the median home value in Grand Forks County?

The median home value in Grand Forks County, North Dakota is $244,200. This is 13% below the national median home value of $281,900.