Cost of Living in Williams County, North Dakota

$1,108/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$267,800

Median Home Value

44% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$1,108/mo

44% above state average

Median Home Value

$267,800

5% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

23.0%

% 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 Williams County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Williams County$1,108/mo

North Dakota Average$770/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$1,108/mo

Median Gross Rent

$267,800

Median Home Value

$991/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

23.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Williams County, North Dakota

Williams leads in income, trails in housing affordability

Williams County boasts the highest median household income ($90,224) of the five counties examined—20% above the national median—yet its rent-to-income ratio of 14.7% exceeds the national benchmark and state average. This reflects the energy sector's wage growth combined with rapidly escalating housing demand in the Williston area.

High earners, high housing costs in Williams

Williams County ranks among North Dakota's least affordable counties for renters, despite commanding the state's strongest incomes. The 14.7% rent-to-income ratio reveals that even robust wages cannot keep pace with housing cost growth driven by oil and gas industry expansion.

Williston premium: rents and homes command top prices

Williams' median rent of $1,108 trails only Ward County and reflects Williston's role as an energy hub. The median home value of $267,800 is the highest in the region, surpassing Ward County and pricing out many first-time buyers despite strong area incomes.

Energy boom inflates housing alongside wages

Renters pay $1,108 monthly (14.7% of a $90,224 income), while homeowners pay $991 on properties worth $267,800. Even with the region's strongest salaries, housing consumes a disproportionate share, squeezing budgets despite earning more than peers elsewhere in the state.

Williams: high pay, high cost, calculated risk

Williams County attracts workers with its energy sector salaries, but housing costs rise in tandem—plan for 15% of income devoted to rent. If you prioritize affordability over maximum wages, Traill County delivers nearly identical incomes at far lower housing ratios.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Williams County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

14.7%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$2,105

per month

Owner Cost Burden

13.2%

of gross income

The median home in Williams County may be a stretch

Median home value is $267,800. Estimated monthly cost: $2,138 vs. your max of $2,105.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio14.7%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Williams County, North Dakota has a median monthly rent of $1,108/mo and a median home value of $267,800. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 23.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Williams County?

The median gross rent in Williams County is $1,108/mo. This is 44% above state average for North Dakota.

Is Williams County affordable?

Williams County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 23.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

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

Williams County's median rent of $1,108/mo is 44% above state average of $770/mo for North Dakota.

What is the median home value in Williams County?

The median home value in Williams County, North Dakota is $267,800. This is 5% below the national median home value of $281,900.