Cost of Living in Nelson County, North Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Nelson County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Nelson County ranks #42 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 1%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Nelson County, North Dakota
Nelson County delivers exceptional housing affordability
Nelson County's 10.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the nation's most affordable, beating the national standard of 12% by a significant margin. At $593 monthly rent against a median household income of $68,051, renters enjoy extraordinary cost relief relative to income.
Nelson County is North Dakota's affordability leader
With a 10.5% rent-to-income ratio and $593 median rent—23% below the state average of $770—Nelson County stands as one of the state's most accessible housing markets. The county combines rock-bottom costs with solid affordability metrics.
Nelson offers the lowest costs in the cluster
Nelson County's $593 median rent is the lowest across all comparison counties, undercutting McIntosh's $600 and McHenry's $737 by substantial margins. Its 10.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks as the best in this statewide group.
Nelson maximizes income flexibility for housing
Renters pay $593 monthly while homeowners pay $655, both among the lowest costs across all comparison counties despite modest median income. On a $68,051 median income, just 10.5% goes to rent, leaving 89.5% for savings and other expenses.
Nelson County is the affordability champion
If housing cost is your primary relocation criterion, Nelson County is unbeatable: 10.5% rent-to-income, $593 median rent, and $655 median owner costs. Compare Nelson's exceptional affordability against higher-cost counties like McKenzie, Morton, and Mercer to understand the real impact on your household budget.
Cost of Living Advisory: Nelson County
Affordability Verdict
Nelson County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $593/month representing approximately 10.5% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 17.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Nelson County pay $593/month on average, compared to $655/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 9%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $23,720/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $28,071/year. With a median household income of $68,051, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 17.0% of renter households in Nelson County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Grant County where rent averages $650/month, Nelson County is approximately 9% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Nelson County
Rent Burden
10.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,588
per month
Owner Cost Burden
11.6%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Nelson County
Median home value is $114,500. Estimated monthly cost: $914 vs. your max of $1,588.
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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