Cost of Living in Williams County, North Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Williams County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Williams County ranks #2,311 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 26%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Williams County
Affordability Verdict
Williams County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,108/month representing approximately 14.7% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 23.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Williams County is $1,108/month, while owner costs run $991/month. Owning saves approximately $117/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $44,320/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $42,471/year. With a median household income of $90,224, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Williams County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Mercer County where rent averages $1,043/month, Williams County is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Williams County
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
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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