Cost of Living in Mountrail County, North Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Mountrail County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Mountrail County ranks #529 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 17%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Mountrail County, North Dakota
Mountrail County matches national affordability standards
Mountrail County's 12.8% rent-to-income ratio equals the national benchmark, offering solid affordability for renters and homeowners alike. With a median household income of $81,292—9% above the national median—residents enjoy stable housing costs relative to earning power.
Mountrail tracks the state affordability average
At 12.8% rent-to-income, Mountrail County precisely matches the North Dakota state average, while its $864 median rent sits 12% above the state norm. The county delivers middle-of-the-road affordability by regional standards.
Mountrail sits between affordable and tight markets
Mountrail County's $864 median rent and 12.8% rent-to-income ratio place it solidly between affordable counties like McIntosh at $600 and high-cost clusters like McKenzie at $1,153. Its position reflects a transitional affordability zone within the state.
Mountrail balances rental and ownership costs
Renters pay $864 monthly while homeowners pay just $627, the lowest owner cost in this comparison group despite higher rental rates. With median household income at $81,292, the 12.8% rent-to-income ratio preserves substantial purchasing power.
Mountrail offers accessible homeownership
Considering Mountrail County? Its combination of 12.8% rent-to-income affordability and exceptionally low homeowner costs at $627 monthly makes it attractive for buyers. Compared to pricier counties like McKenzie and Morton, Mountrail delivers better ownership economics for relocating families.
Cost of Living Advisory: Mountrail County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Mountrail County is affordable. The median rent is $864/month against a median household income of $81,292, putting rent at 12.8% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $864/month rent versus $627/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $237/month cheaper — a 27% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,560/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $26,871/year. With a median household income of $81,292, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 18.0% of renter households in Mountrail County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Pierce County where rent averages $807/month, Mountrail County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Mountrail County
Rent Burden
12.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,897
per month
Owner Cost Burden
9.3%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Mountrail County
Median home value is $222,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,774 vs. your max of $1,897.
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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