Cost of Living in Stark County, North Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Stark County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Stark County ranks #1,921 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 39%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Stark County, North Dakota
Stark County: North Dakota's most expensive
Stark County's 14.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the least affordable in the state, driven by the region's oil-boom legacy and home values averaging $260,400. Despite strong median income of $80,744, residents here pay substantially more for housing than the national average household.
Priciest housing market in North Dakota
Stark County leads North Dakota in housing costs, with a 14.4% rent-to-income ratio exceeding the state average of 12.8% and median rent of $966 well above the state median of $770. Median home values of $260,400 nearly double the state typical, reflecting the county's unique economic position.
Clear outlier in regional affordability
Stark County's $966 rent and $260,400 home values dwarf those of rural neighbors Sargent ($835/$149,600) and Slope ($719/$121,300). This county represents a different economic tier—more akin to Bismarck-area suburbs than rural North Dakota.
Homeownership most strained, here
Homeowners in Stark County face the region's steepest monthly costs at $1,211—consuming 14.9% of median household income, well above renters' 14.4% burden. Despite the county's highest incomes, housing here demands a larger financial commitment than anywhere else in the comparison set.
Premium market for premium incomes
Stark County suits high-earning households seeking newer construction and amenities tied to oil-sector development, but affordability-conscious buyers should look south or east. If housing-cost efficiency matters, nearly every neighboring county offers significantly better value.
Cost of Living Advisory: Stark County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Stark County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $966/month in gross rent, with 26.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Stark County is $966/month, while owner costs run $1,211/month. Renting saves approximately $245/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $38,640/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $51,900/year. With a median household income of $80,744, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Stark County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Morton County where rent averages $1,036/month, Stark County is approximately 7% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Stark County
Rent Burden
14.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,884
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.0%
of gross income
The median home in Stark County may be a stretch
Median home value is $260,400. Estimated monthly cost: $2,079 vs. your max of $1,884.
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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