Cost of Living in Pembina County, North Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Pembina County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Pembina County ranks #94 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 3%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Pembina County, North Dakota
Pembina's rents meet national standards
Pembina County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.4% sits just below the national average and matches North Dakota's state average of 12.8%. Renters here keep their housing costs comfortably within the affordable range, leaving room for other expenses.
Middle of the pack affordability
Pembina County ranks in the middle tier for housing affordability in North Dakota, with a rent-to-income ratio of 12.4% compared to the state average of 12.8%. The median rent of $692 is notably lower than the state median of $770, offering modest savings.
Pembina punches above its weight
Pembina County offers some of the lowest rents in its region at $692 monthly, beaten only by Rolette County's $479. Despite lower median household income of $66,884 compared to Oliver County's $76,953, Pembina delivers strong rent affordability through genuine low costs.
Renting is cheaper than buying
Pembina County renters spend 12.4% of income on housing, while homebuyers allocate 10.6% to monthly owner costs—a rare case where ownership is more affordable than renting. With a median home value of $116,600, Pembina offers the region's lowest property prices.
Pembina appeals to savvy buyers
If affordable homeownership matters most, Pembina County's combination of low property values ($116,600) and manageable owner costs makes it worth serious consideration. Compare it to Oliver County ($217,000 homes) or Pierce County ($143,400 homes) to see how far your dollar stretches.
Cost of Living Advisory: Pembina County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Pembina County is affordable. The median rent is $692/month against a median household income of $66,884, putting rent at 12.4% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Pembina County pay $692/month on average, compared to $593/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 14%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $27,680/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $25,414/year. With a median household income of $66,884, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 22.0% of renter households in Pembina County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Pembina County sits 8% less expensive than Dickey County ($749/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Pembina County
Rent Burden
12.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,561
per month
Owner Cost Burden
10.6%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Pembina County
Median home value is $116,600. Estimated monthly cost: $931 vs. your max of $1,561.
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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