Cost of Living in Grand Forks County, North Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Grand Forks County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Grand Forks County ranks #2,507 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 20%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Grand Forks County
Affordability Verdict
Grand Forks County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $971/month — about 17.0% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Grand Forks County is $971/month, while owner costs run $1,229/month. Renting saves approximately $258/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $38,840/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $52,671/year. With a median household income of $68,450, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Grand Forks County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Grand Forks County sits 6% less expensive than Morton County ($1,036/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Grand Forks County
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
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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