Cost of Living in Stutsman County, North Dakota

$742/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$200,300

Median Home Value

4% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$742/mo

4% below state average

Median Home Value

$200,300

29% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

26.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Stutsman County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Stutsman County$742/mo

North Dakota Average$770/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$742/mo

Median Gross Rent

$200,300

Median Home Value

$843/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

26.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Stutsman County, North Dakota

Stutsman County's housing squeeze most evident

At 14.8%, Stutsman County's rent-to-income ratio ranks among the state's worst, driven by relatively modest median income of $60,172 against $742 monthly rent. Residents here dedicate nearly 15 cents of every income dollar to housing—well above national norms—leaving less for other essentials.

Least affordable county in North Dakota

Stutsman County ranks last among North Dakota counties for rental affordability, with a 14.8% rent-to-income ratio significantly above the state average of 12.8%. The combination of below-median income ($60,172) and above-median rent ($742) creates the region's tightest housing squeeze.

Caught between rural and affluent areas

Stutsman's $742 rent falls between affordable rural counties (Sheridan at $373) and expensive ones (Stark at $966), yet the county's below-average income makes the burden feel heavier. Home values at $200,300 exceed most rural neighbors, reflecting Jamestown's presence but not translating to stronger incomes.

Both rent and ownership stretch thin

Renters shoulder a 14.8% housing burden while homeowners pay 16.8% of income toward $843 monthly mortgage costs—the state's harshest owner-cost ratio. For both renters and buyers, housing consumes a substantially larger share of budget than North Dakota norms suggest.

Affordability concerns outweigh other factors

Stutsman County presents real affordability challenges compared to surrounding counties and state averages; renters and homebuyers should carefully assess whether local job prospects justify the higher housing burden. Consider neighboring Steele County or rural alternatives if housing costs are a priority.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Stutsman County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

14.8%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,404

per month

Owner Cost Burden

16.8%

of gross income

The median home in Stutsman County may be a stretch

Median home value is $200,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,599 vs. your max of $1,404.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio14.8%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Stutsman County, North Dakota?

Stutsman County, North Dakota has a median monthly rent of $742/mo and a median home value of $200,300. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 26.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Stutsman County?

The median gross rent in Stutsman County is $742/mo. This is 4% below state average for North Dakota.

Is Stutsman County affordable?

Stutsman County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 26.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Stutsman County's rent compare to the state average?

Stutsman County's median rent of $742/mo is 4% below state average of $770/mo for North Dakota.

What is the median home value in Stutsman County?

The median home value in Stutsman County, North Dakota is $200,300. This is 29% below the national median home value of $281,900.