Cost of Living in Rolette County, North Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Rolette County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Rolette County ranks #811 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 26%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Rolette County, North Dakota
Rolette rents are remarkably affordable
Rolette County's rent-to-income ratio of 10.0% is the lowest in this entire dataset, well below both the national average and North Dakota's state average of 12.8%. At just $479 monthly, Rolette rents are less than half the regional average, making it a standout affordability story.
Most affordable rents in North Dakota
Rolette County ranks as the most affordable rental market in North Dakota by a significant margin, with a rent-to-income ratio of 10.0% and median rent of $479. This exceptional affordability holds despite a lower median household income of $57,355, the lowest in this peer group.
Rolette's rents are unmatched
Rolette County's $479 monthly rent is less than two-thirds of any other county in this regional cluster, with the next-lowest being Ramsey County at $687. Combined with the lowest median income at $57,355, Rolette delivers unparalleled housing affordability for budget-conscious relocators.
Housing takes just 17% of income
Rolette County residents spend only 10.0% of income on rent and another 11.6% on owner costs, totaling roughly 21.6% of household income toward housing. This leaves significantly more room in the budget than any neighboring county, despite the lowest area incomes.
Rolette is the affordability champion
If housing affordability is your top priority, Rolette County is unbeatable—rents at $479 and a 10.0% rent-to-income ratio have no peers in this region. Accept the trade-off of lower regional incomes and compare it carefully to higher-income alternatives like Oliver County ($76,953 income) or Renville County ($76,311 income).
Cost of Living Advisory: Rolette County
Affordability Verdict
Rolette County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $479/month representing approximately 10.0% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 17.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Rolette County is $479/month, while owner costs run $553/month. Renting saves approximately $74/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $19,160/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $23,700/year. With a median household income of $57,355, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 17.0% of renter households in Rolette County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within North Dakota, Rolette County is less affordable than Adams County by roughly 12% ($479/mo vs $545/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Rolette County
Rent Burden
10.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,338
per month
Owner Cost Burden
11.6%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Rolette County
Median home value is $93,000. Estimated monthly cost: $742 vs. your max of $1,338.
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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