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
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.
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
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.