Cost of Living in Ward County, North Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Ward County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Ward County ranks #1,773 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 44%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Ward County, North Dakota
Ward's housing costs strain local incomes
Ward County residents spend 15.1% of income on rent—the highest rent-to-income ratio among the counties examined and well above the national 12% benchmark and state average of 12.8%. Median household income of $79,273 is solid, but Ward's median rent of $1,000 pushes housing costs into uncomfortable territory.
Least affordable rental county in North Dakota
Ward County ranks lowest in rental affordability among North Dakota counties, with renters dedicating the largest share of income to housing. This reflects Minot's role as a regional economic hub, where demand for housing has outpaced supply and wage growth.
Rents spike in Ward, mortgages follow suit
Ward's median rent of $1,000 far exceeds Traill ($758), Walsh ($766), and Wells ($630), while homeownership costs of $1,228 are also the highest in the region. The median home value of $259,100 reflects Ward's stronger economy but strains first-time buyers and renters alike.
Housing eats 15% of Ward household budgets
Renters pay $1,000 monthly (15.1% of a $79,273 income), while homeowners pay $1,228 for mortgages on properties worth $259,100. For a typical family, this leaves considerably less room for retirement savings, education, and emergency funds compared to neighboring counties.
Ward: strong job market, steep housing costs
Ward County offers genuine economic opportunity through Minot's presence, but renters and homebuyers should budget carefully for housing's larger bite. If affordability is your priority, nearby Traill or Wells counties deliver comparable incomes with significantly lower housing costs.
Cost of Living Advisory: Ward County
Affordability Verdict
Ward County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,000/month representing approximately 15.1% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 23.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Ward County pay $1,000/month on average, compared to $1,228/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 19%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $40,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $52,629/year. With a median household income of $79,273, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Ward County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Ward County sits 6% more expensive than Dunn County ($941/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Ward County
Rent Burden
15.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,850
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.6%
of gross income
The median home in Ward County may be a stretch
Median home value is $259,100. Estimated monthly cost: $2,068 vs. your max of $1,850.
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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