Cost of Living in Ramsey County, North Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Ramsey County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Ramsey County ranks #1,560 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 50%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Ramsey County, North Dakota
Ramsey rents align with state norms
Ramsey County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.4% sits slightly above the national average but close to North Dakota's state average of 12.8%. The median rent of $687 remains affordable for the $61,319 median household income, though income here lags the national median.
Below-average income, near-average rents
Ramsey County ranks in the middle-to-lower tier for housing affordability in North Dakota, with a rent-to-income ratio of 13.4% versus the state average of 12.8%. While rents ($687) sit comfortably below the state median of $770, lower median income of $61,319 makes affordability more challenging.
Ramsey offers modest rent savings
Ramsey County's $687 monthly rent is among the lowest in its region, beaten only by Pembina County ($692, but practically equal) and Rolette County ($479). However, Ramsey's median income of $61,319 is the second-lowest in this cluster, making the rent savings less impactful.
Housing takes 24% of income
Ramsey County residents spend 13.4% of income on rent and another 15.8% on owner costs, totaling roughly 29.2% of income for housing. Homebuyers face proportionally higher costs than renters in this market, suggesting renting may be the better financial move.
Ramsey suits income-conscious movers
Ramsey County works well if you value low rent costs and don't mind a lower-income area. Before relocating, compare it to higher-income peers like Oliver County ($76,953 income, 11.3% rent ratio) to ensure the trade-offs align with your priorities.
Cost of Living Advisory: Ramsey County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Ramsey County is affordable. The median rent is $687/month against a median household income of $61,319, putting rent at 13.4% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Ramsey County is $687/month, while owner costs run $809/month. Renting saves approximately $122/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $27,480/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $34,671/year. With a median household income of $61,319, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Ramsey County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within North Dakota, Ramsey County is less affordable than Stutsman County by roughly 7% ($687/mo vs $742/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Ramsey County
Rent Burden
13.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,431
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.8%
of gross income
The median home in Ramsey County may be a stretch
Median home value is $197,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,576 vs. your max of $1,431.
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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