Cost of Living in Ransom County, North Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Ransom County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Ransom County ranks #183 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 6%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Ransom County, North Dakota
Ransom rents rank among nation's best
Ransom County's rent-to-income ratio of 11.4% beats both the national average and North Dakota's state average of 12.8%. At $710 monthly, rents are surprisingly affordable for the $74,521 median household income, approaching the national median of $74,755.
Top-tier rental affordability in ND
Ransom County ranks among North Dakota's most affordable counties for renters, with an 11.4% rent-to-income ratio well below the state average of 12.8%. The median rent of $710 sits comfortably below the state median of $770, combining strong affordability with healthy income.
Ransom holds its own regionally
Ransom County's $710 rent and 11.4% ratio put it in the top tier alongside Oliver County (11.3% ratio, $725 rent) and Richland County (12.4% ratio, $751 rent). With a median income of $74,521—among the highest in this peer group—Ransom offers solid income-to-rent balance.
Housing consumes 22% of income
Ransom County residents allocate 11.4% of income to rent and another 14.0% to owner costs, totaling roughly 25.4% of household income toward housing. Both renters and homebuyers stay well within the 30% affordability threshold, suggesting financial stability.
Ransom combines income and value
Ransom County is ideal if you want strong incomes paired with affordable housing in both rental and ownership markets. For direct comparison, check Oliver County (11.3% rent ratio, $76,953 income) or Richland County (12.4% rent ratio, $72,524 income) to see which best matches your relocation needs.
Cost of Living Advisory: Ransom County
Affordability Verdict
Ransom County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $710/month representing approximately 11.4% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 22.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Ransom County is $710/month, while owner costs run $872/month. Renting saves approximately $162/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $28,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $37,371/year. With a median household income of $74,521, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 22.0% of renter households in Ransom County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Ransom County sits 7% less expensive than Bottineau County ($763/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Ransom County
Rent Burden
11.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,739
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Ransom County
Median home value is $174,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,395 vs. your max of $1,739.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
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
What is the cost of living in Ransom County, North Dakota?
What is the median rent in Ransom County?
Is Ransom County affordable?
How does Ransom County's rent compare to the state average?
What is the median home value in Ransom County?
Counties with Similar Housing Costs
Planning a Move?
Researching the cost of living in Ransom County, North Dakota? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.
Compare Moving QuotesCompare Mortgage Rates in Ransom County
Whether you're buying your first home or refinancing, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.
See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
CostByCounty participates in affiliate programs. We may earn a commission when you use our links, at no extra cost to you.