Cost of Living in Walsh County, North Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Walsh County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Walsh County ranks #1,141 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 36%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Walsh County, North Dakota
Walsh renters spend more than peers nationally
Walsh County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.1% exceeds both the national threshold and North Dakota's state average of 12.8%. With a median household income of $69,976—below the national median of $74,755—renters here allocate a slightly tighter share of earnings to housing.
Middle-of-the-pack affordability in North Dakota
Walsh County ranks in the middle tier of North Dakota counties for rental affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio just slightly above the state average. Homeownership is more favorable: the $692 monthly owner cost represents just 12% of household income.
Similar rent, lower home prices than rivals
Walsh County's median rent of $766 mirrors nearby Traill ($758) but trails Ward County ($1,000) considerably. Home values in Walsh ($125,700) are significantly cheaper than Traill ($193,200) and Ward ($259,100), making it the most affordable county to buy in this cluster.
Homeownership is the affordability sweet spot
Renters in Walsh pay $766 monthly (13.1% of income) while homeowners pay just $692—making mortgages the better deal here. On a median income of $69,976, the difference between renting and owning is stark: homeowners keep hundreds more in their pockets each month.
Walsh: buy instead of rent and save big
Walsh County is ideal for buyers seeking affordable homeownership; renters considering the leap will find mortgages surprisingly cheaper than rents. If you're relocating to rural North Dakota, Walsh's low home values and stable employment make it worth serious consideration.
Cost of Living Advisory: Walsh County
Affordability Verdict
Walsh County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $766/month — about 13.1% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Walsh County pay $766/month on average, compared to $692/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 10%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,640/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,657/year. With a median household income of $69,976, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 22.0% of renter households in Walsh County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within North Dakota, Walsh County is more affordable than Ransom County by roughly 8% ($766/mo vs $710/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Walsh County
Rent Burden
13.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,633
per month
Owner Cost Burden
11.9%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Walsh County
Median home value is $125,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,004 vs. your max of $1,633.
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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