North Dakotaincome tax up to 2.5%, 23rd highest property tax, median home $255K
R+33 · Moderate tax burden · COL index 98
2.5%
Income Tax
285
Violent Crime / 100K
78.8
Life Expectancy
$255K
Median Home
$1,050
Childcare / Mo
North Dakota in plain English
Worth knowing before you move to North Dakota
North Dakota's income tax is now among the lowest of any state that has one, with a top rate under 2.5% after 2023 cuts funded by oil revenue, and it stopped taxing Social Security in 2021. Housing is inexpensive and the state has the lowest unemployment in the country in most years. Winters are severe, and the Bakken oil economy makes the western counties boom and bust.
What North Dakota taxes, and what it doesn't
North Dakota levies a graduated income tax that tops out at 2.5%. A household earning $75,000 pays an effective 1.5%, about $1,110 a year; at $150,000 the effective rate is 1.8%. Among the 41 states that tax income, North Dakota has the lowest effective rate at $100,000 of income.
Property tax runs 0.88% of home value a year, roughly $2,244 on the state's median home of $255K. The national effective rate is about 1.10%, and North Dakota has the 23rd highest rate of the 50 states.
Combined state and local sales tax averages 6.97%, the 24th lowest in the country (the state portion is 5%).
For retirees: Social Security benefits are not taxed, pension income is partly exempt, and there is no estate or inheritance tax.
Capital gains are taxed as ordinary income.
Housing and the cost of living in North Dakota
North Dakota's cost of living index is 98, where 100 is the national average; that is the 24th most expensive of the 50 states.
The median home costs $255K, 16% below the national figure and the 14th lowest among the states. A two-bedroom rents for about $1,100 a month.
Carrying costs matter as much as the price: home insurance averages $2,200 a year, flood coverage adds about $600 where it is needed, car insurance runs $1,290.
Budget $125 a month for electricity and gas, $470 a month in groceries for two, $1,050 a month for full-time infant care.
Safety, health and schools
Violent crime is 285 incidents per 100,000 residents in the FBI's 2023 Crime Data Explorer figures, below the median state (387); North Dakota is the 16th safest of the 50 by that measure. Property crime is 1,779 per 100,000.
Life expectancy is 78.8 years (County Health Rankings 2024). 7.5% of residents have no health insurance, and the state has expanded Medicaid. The Commonwealth Fund's 2023 scorecard ranks North Dakota's health system 27th of 50.
Education Week's 2023 Quality Counts report ranks K-12 schools 17th in the country.
Politics, guns and social policy
Politically, North Dakota is a solidly Republican state that went to Trump by 33 points in 2024.
On guns, no permit is required to carry a concealed handgun, and Giffords grades the state's gun laws F.
Abortion is banned with narrow exceptions. Marijuana is medical only. North Dakota is a right-to-work state, and the minimum wage is $7.25 an hour.
Climate, risk and getting around
Natural disaster risk is moderate. The main hazards are blizzard, tornado, flood. Annual average air quality index is 25 (under 50 is good).
North Dakota has no top-25 hub airport, with about 20 nonstop destinations from its busiest airport.
Written from the figures on this page. Rankings compare the 50 states. Sources and years are listed with each figure below.
Largest counties in North Dakota
State Profile
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Taxes
Sources: state revenue departments · Tax Foundation 2026 · income-tax brackets 2026
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Taxes
Sources: state revenue departments · Tax Foundation 2026 · income-tax brackets 2026
Income Tax
Property Tax
~$2,244/yr on median home
Sales Tax
Social Security
Pension / IRA
Estate Tax
Inheritance Tax
Capital Gains
Housing & Cost of Living
Sources: Zillow · Census ACS · iii.org and state insurers 2026 · WRLURI 2018 · Census 2024 (HOA)
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Housing & Cost of Living
Sources: Zillow · Census ACS · iii.org and state insurers 2026 · WRLURI 2018 · Census 2024 (HOA)
Price Level vs US (BEA)
Below US average (100)
Mortgages 90+ Days Late
FHFA, latest quarter
Cost of Living Index
National avg = 100
Median Home Price
Median Rent (2BR)
Home Insurance
Near national avg (~$1,900/yr)
Flood Insurance
Homestead Exemption
Home equity protected from creditors
Asset Protection
Homes in HOAs
HOAs are rare here (Census ACS 2024)
Zoning Restrictiveness
Among the least restrictive zoning (Wharton WRLURI 2018)
Short-Term Rentals (Airbnb)
Broad state guidelines; local jurisdictions tailor regulations.
Crime & Safety
Sources: FBI Crime Data Explorer 2023 · SafeHome registry counts 2025 · HUD PIT 2024
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Crime & Safety
Sources: FBI Crime Data Explorer 2023 · SafeHome registry counts 2025 · HUD PIT 2024
Violent Crime Rate
Near national avg
Property Crime Rate
Near national avg
Traffic Fatality Rate
Registered Sex Offenders
Above the state median (SafeHome 2025)
Homeless Population
Moderate homelessness rate — 22% unsheltered (HUD 2024 PIT)
Healthcare
Sources: Commonwealth Fund 2023 · KFF · CDC
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Healthcare
Sources: Commonwealth Fund 2023 · KFF · CDC
State Healthcare Rank
Life Expectancy
Medicaid Expansion
Uninsured Rate
Education
Sources: Education Week 2023 · NCES · state statutes (school choice)
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Education
Sources: Education Week 2023 · NCES · state statutes (school choice)
College Completion Rate
College Scorecard, in-state institutions (mean)
Avg College Cost of Attendance
College Scorecard 2024
K-12 Quality Rank
School Choice / Vouchers
HS Graduation Rate
Near national avg (~87%)
Pupil-Teacher Ratio
Below national avg (~16)
Childcare
Sources: Child Care Aware · Census ACS 2022
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Childcare
Sources: Child Care Aware · Census ACS 2022
Avg Infant Care (Full-Time)
Utilities & Daily Costs
Sources: EIA (electricity, weekly gas) · USDA · eGRID 2022
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Utilities & Daily Costs
Sources: EIA (electricity, weekly gas) · USDA · eGRID 2022
Grid Carbon Intensity
Dirtier than US average (~820)
Avg Monthly Energy Bill
Electricity Rate
Below national avg (13¢)
Energy Mix
Avg Monthly Groceries
2-person household, moderate spending
Road Quality Rank
Among the best roads in the US
Airports & Travel
Sources: FAA · BTS
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Airports & Travel
Sources: FAA · BTS
Nonstop Destinations
From state's primary airport
Major Hub Airport
Regional airport — connections via hub
Culture & Lifestyle
Sources: Census CBP · Brewers Association 2024 · Pollstar · AANR/TNS · AGA 2024
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Culture & Lifestyle
Sources: Census CBP · Brewers Association 2024 · Pollstar · AANR/TNS · AGA 2024
Urban Population
Mix of urban and rural
Restaurant Density
Limited dining options
Religious Congregations
Strong religious community
Pro Sports Teams
NFL + NBA + MLB + NHL + MLS
Major Venues
Stadiums, arenas, amphitheaters (10K+ capacity)
Craft Breweries
2.9/100K residents — Solid scene
Craft Distilleries
Live Music
Fargo Brewing Co; Fargo Film Festival; small but growing craft scene
Transportation
Sources: NHTSA FARS · FCC · insurance rate surveys 2024 · IIHS helmet laws 2026
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Transportation
Sources: NHTSA FARS · FCC · insurance rate surveys 2024 · IIHS helmet laws 2026
Car Insurance (Avg Annual)
Traffic Fatality Rate
Broadband Access
Work From Home
State residents who primarily work from home (ACS)
Social & Legal
Sources: Guttmacher · KFF · NCSL · state statutes 2026
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Social & Legal
Sources: Guttmacher · KFF · NCSL · state statutes 2026
Formal Volunteering Rate
AmeriCorps / Census CPS 2023 (US ~28%)
Votes in Local Elections
AmeriCorps / Census CPS 2023
Abortion Access
Near-total ban; trigger law took effect after Dobbs
LGBTQ+ Protections
Marijuana
Minimum Wage
Right to Work
Sports Betting
Casino Gambling
Online Gambling
State Lottery
Tribal casinos and licensed charitable gambling. No commercial casinos. Blackjack games at charitable events allowed.
Age of Consent
Sex Education
No state sex ed mandate
Nude Beaches & Naturist Clubs
No known naturist facilities
Environment & Climate
Sources: EPA AQI · NOAA · FEMA National Risk Index
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Environment & Climate
Sources: EPA AQI · NOAA · FEMA National Risk Index
Air Quality (Annual AQI)
Excellent (national avg ~38)
Natural Disaster Risk
Primary Hazards
Politics & Gun Laws
Sources: OpenElections 2024 · Giffords 2025 · state statutes
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Politics & Gun Laws
Sources: OpenElections 2024 · Giffords 2025 · state statutes
2024 Presidential Vote
Gun Laws
Carry Permit
Purchase Permit Required
Carry in Bars
Carry in Restaurants
Carry in Places of Worship
Prohibited in liquor establishments; churches require permission; restaurant-area exception unverified.
Gambling
Jobs & Economy
Sources: BLS QCEW 2024 · BLS JOLTS 2024 · BLS union membership 2025 · Census ACS
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Jobs & Economy
Sources: BLS QCEW 2024 · BLS JOLTS 2024 · BLS union membership 2025 · Census ACS
Job Openings Rate (JOLTS)
Tight labor market (US ~4.5%)
Quits Rate (JOLTS)
Workers quit when they can find better; BLS 2024 average
Job Market
+1% job growth · 2% unemployment
Top Industries
Tech Jobs
Healthcare Jobs
Remote Work
Median Household Income
Union Membership
Below-average union presence (BLS 2025)
Business Climate
Sources: Tax Foundation · state filings
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Business Climate
Sources: Tax Foundation · state filings
Corporate Income Tax
LLC Formation Fee
LLC Annual Fee
Business Climate Rank
Daily Life
Sources: American Pyrotechnics Association · state statutes 2026 · IIHS
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Daily Life
Sources: American Pyrotechnics Association · state statutes 2026 · IIHS
Gas Price (Regular)
Below avg (-0.24 vs national avg)
Consumer Fireworks
Consumer fireworks broadly legal
Motorcycle Helmet Law
Required under 18 (IIHS 2026)
Weather & Natural Risks
Sources: NOAA · NWS Storm Prediction Center · FEMA NRI
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Weather & Natural Risks
Sources: NOAA · NWS Storm Prediction Center · FEMA NRI
Winter Severity
Avg January high: 14°F
Summer Heat
Moderate summers
Annual Rainfall
Tornado Risk
Hurricane Risk
Wildfire Risk
Flood Risk
Natural Hazards
Sources: USGS · CDC · USDA APHIS · NOAA · FEMA NRI 2023
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Natural Hazards
Sources: USGS · CDC · USDA APHIS · NOAA · FEMA NRI 2023
Venomous Snakes
Spider Hazard
Hurricane Risk
Tornado Risk
Wildfire Risk
Earthquake Risk
Danger score is a composite index. Methodology ↗
Veteran Benefits
Sources: VA.gov · Military.com state guide · Tax Foundation
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Veteran Benefits
Sources: VA.gov · Military.com state guide · Tax Foundation
Veteran-Friendly Score
6.7% of state population are veterans
Property Tax Exemption
Disabled vet property tax credit
Military Retirement Pay
Active Duty Pay
VA Facilities Access
Notable Benefits
Explore North Dakota counties
Income, housing, poverty, healthcare — ranked by county
See your full cost of living in North Dakota
Housing, taxes, childcare, insurance — all estimated.
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Trending in North Dakota
Free speech protection bill headed to North Dakota Legislature next year - northdakotamonitor.com
northdakotamonitor.com · Sep 8
UPDATED: Armstrong signs bill banning synthetic kratom, restricting natural kratom to 21 and older - North Dakota Office of the Governor (.gov)
North Dakota Office of the Governor (.gov) · Sep 5
North Dakota governor calls for total ban on kratom - aberdeennews.com
aberdeennews.com · Sep 7
North Dakota Senate, House pass legislation regulating kratom products - The Flag - AM 1100 and FM 92.3 WZFG
The Flag - AM 1100 and FM 92.3 WZFG · Sep 4
North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong Gave State of the State Address Before Special Session Started - knoxradio.com
knoxradio.com · Sep 3
What Residents Say
What's it like living in North Dakota? I may be moving there ...
Cost of living isn't terrible. Rent IS NOT ridiculously high as compared to any other rural state. And wages are on par if not higher than ......
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Considering moving to North Dakota : r/northdakota
The cost of living is NOT cheap in North Dakota. The cost of living and taxes are low. Plus people here are friendly. North Dakota is a state ......
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Is North Dakota a good place to live? : r/northdakota
I need to get out of Florida. This heat is crazy.. after 30 years I can't take it anymore. *Good schools? Jobs? Good economy? ** This got a lot of comments. ......
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Weighing options for moving, how is life here? : r/northdakota
ND is generally a cheaper place to live. Yes, your housing costs will be a lot lower than New Jersey. in return for a nearly halved rent cost ......
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what is the average cost of living for a single male
I am currently trying to find out where it would be best to live after college and I am unable to find any information on what the yearly average cost of ......
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Is it worth moving to ND? : r/northdakota
The taxes end up being pretty much the same and services are far better. For me it was cost of homes, cost of living, average wage for my ......
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The 2025 Q3 North Dakota Cost of Living numbers just ...
If you are looking for a single family house, it's probably 250k minimum, 350k if you want anything newer than 2000 and a decent neighborhood....
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Considering Moving from Toronto/Southwestern Ontario to ...
Due to lower taxes, higher wages and overall lower cost of living the majorty of North Dakotans live fairly well. Lots of job opportunities....
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Is North Dakota right for me? : r/northdakota
Don't like city living in general. What attracts me to North Dakota: Low rent. Low taxes. Cold. Always cold ......
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How's it living in North Dakota? : r/northdakota
I was just wondering because I’m a 25 year old and about to have a kid. Looking for a nice place to settle down and raise a family. The city I’m ......
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North Dakota will change its laws. We'll email you when it does.
One email when North Dakota changes a tax, gun, cannabis or abortion law. Unsubscribe in one click.
Data is informational only. Verify with a tax professional, real estate agent, and local sources before making relocation decisions. Crime data: FBI Crime Data Explorer 2023. Healthcare: Commonwealth Fund 2023; life expectancy from County Health Rankings 2024. Education: Education Week 2023. Housing: Zillow monthly index and Census ACS 2022. Insurance: rate surveys 2024. Sponsored links marked “Sponsored” may earn a commission. This does not affect our data or rankings.