Cost of Living in Towner County, North Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Towner County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Towner County ranks #556 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 18%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Towner County, North Dakota
Towner's rents reasonable, but income modest
Towner County's 13.7% rent-to-income ratio slightly exceeds the national norm, though at $719 monthly, rent remains affordable in absolute terms. With median household income of $63,017—well below the national average of $74,755—residents here stretch further to cover housing than typical American households.
Slightly above average housing burden
Towner County's 13.7% rent-to-income ratio tops North Dakota's state average of 12.8%, placing it in the less-affordable half of the state's counties. The $719 median rent runs $51 above the state median, adding modest pressure on an income base below state norms.
Mid-range rural affordability
Towner's $719 rent matches Slope County and falls between bargain Sheridan ($373) and pricier Sargent ($835), while home values at $122,800 similarly occupy the middle ground. The county offers modest rural living costs without exceptional value or premium amenities.
Renters face steeper burden than owners
At 13.7%, renters dedicate substantially more of their income to housing than the 12.3% homeowners pay toward $643 monthly owner costs. For Towner County renters especially, housing represents a tighter squeeze relative to local earning power.
Modest costs, modest economic base
Towner County offers middle-of-the-road housing costs without dramatic savings, paired with below-average incomes that make housing still feel costly. Consider this county if you bring outside income or remote work; relying on local employment may strain housing affordability.
Cost of Living Advisory: Towner County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Towner County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $719/month in gross rent, with 22.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Towner County pay $719/month on average, compared to $643/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 11%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $28,760/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $27,557/year. With a median household income of $63,017, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 22.0% of renter households in Towner County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within North Dakota, Towner County is less affordable than Barnes County by roughly 8% ($719/mo vs $779/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Towner County
Rent Burden
13.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,470
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Towner County
Median home value is $122,800. Estimated monthly cost: $980 vs. your max of $1,470.
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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