North Dakota
For Americans thinking of retiring to North Dakota from another state, or comparing it with a move abroad. Prices in North Dakota run at 89 against a US average of 100, with housing at 71.4. We cover North Dakota's 53 counties on the map below, each with a page of its own, and no town in depth yet.
Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities by state, 2024 (SARPP, line codes 1-5), 2024-12-31
North Dakota is not compared with a town — compare two towns instead. Why?
North Dakota, a state of the United States, is not the same kind of thing as a town: it spans many counties and very different places. Putting a state-wide average beside one town's own figures produces a number that looks like an answer and describes nothing a person would experience — so the engine refuses that pairing rather than rendering it thinly. A town against another town, here or abroad, is like-for-like. Build a comparison →
Research in progress. Our quality assessment of the official sources for the United States is not finished yet. Every figure published here is sourced and dated.
North Dakota's 53 counties
Every county in North Dakota on its own figures, against every US county that has the same figure. Pick a county on the map or in the list.
- Lowest fifth of US counties
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- Highest fifth (darker = a larger share 65+)
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- At least one hospital rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- None in the county
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- Top fifth (darker = cheaper)
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- Bottom fifth of US counties
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- Bottom fifth of US counties
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Outlines: US Census Bureau, cartographic boundary files (2024). A fifth is among every US county holding the figure, so a color means the same thing in every state.
All 53 counties, with their figures
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Adams County
2,275 residents, 705 aged 65 or older (31.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.3 Cheaper than 64 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Dakota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,494 Lower than 43 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Adams County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.25 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 56 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest places: Hettinger, Reeder, Haynes (Census, 1 July 2024).
Adams County page → -
Barnes County
10,573 residents, 2,620 aged 65 or older (24.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.3 Cheaper than 64 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Dakota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,619 Lower than 40 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Barnes County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.74 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 27 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,165 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Valley City, Wimbledon, Litchville (Census, 1 July 2024).
Barnes County page → -
Benson County
5,759 residents, 1,035 aged 65 or older (18.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.3 Cheaper than 64 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Dakota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,177 Lower than 50 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Benson County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.26 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 55 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest places: Leeds, Maddock, Minnewaukan (Census, 1 July 2024).
Benson County page → -
Billings County
1,071 residents, 264 aged 65 or older (24.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.3 Cheaper than 64 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Dakota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,281 Lower than 96 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Billings County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.58 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 33 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest place: Medora (Census, 1 July 2024).
Billings County page → -
Bottineau County
6,284 residents, 1,726 aged 65 or older (27.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.3 Cheaper than 64 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Dakota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,524 Lower than 67 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Bottineau County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.50 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 99 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest places: Bottineau, Westhope, Lansford (Census, 1 July 2024).
Bottineau County page → -
Bowman County
2,762 residents, 784 aged 65 or older (28.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.3 Cheaper than 64 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Dakota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,545 Lower than 66 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Bowman County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.73 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 95 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest places: Bowman, Scranton, Rhame (Census, 1 July 2024).
Bowman County page → -
Burke County
2,132 residents, 514 aged 65 or older (24.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.3 Cheaper than 64 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Dakota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,873 Lower than 85 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Burke County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.68 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 97 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest places: Powers Lake, Bowbells, Lignite (Census, 1 July 2024).
Burke County page → -
Burleigh County
103,251 residents, 20,018 aged 65 or older (19.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.0 Cheaper than 39 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Bismarck, ND metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,093 Lower than 52 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 2 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Burleigh County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.16 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 16 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,789 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Bismarck, Lincoln, Wilton (Census, 1 July 2024).
Burleigh County page → -
Cass County
201,794 residents, 28,239 aged 65 or older (14.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 90.9 Cheaper than 39 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Fargo, ND-MN metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,186 Lower than 29 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 2 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 3.0 per 100,000 a year Lower than 88 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.25 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 55 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,460 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Fargo, West Fargo, Horace (Census, 1 July 2024).
Cass County page → -
Cavalier County
3,497 residents, 973 aged 65 or older (27.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.3 Cheaper than 64 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Dakota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,691 Lower than 20 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Cavalier County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.74 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 95 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest places: Langdon, Munich, Osnabrock (Census, 1 July 2024).
Cavalier County page → -
Dickey County
4,895 residents, 1,090 aged 65 or older (22.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.3 Cheaper than 64 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Dakota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,207 Lower than 49 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Dickey County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.92 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 84 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Oakes, Ellendale, Fullerton (Census, 1 July 2024).
Dickey County page → -
Divide County
2,110 residents, 547 aged 65 or older (25.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.3 Cheaper than 64 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Dakota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,101 Lower than 80 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Divide County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.33 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 100 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest places: Crosby, Noonan, Fortuna (Census, 1 July 2024).
Divide County page → -
Dunn County
4,058 residents, 752 aged 65 or older (18.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.3 Cheaper than 64 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Dakota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,119 Lower than 79 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Dunn County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.42 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 43 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest places: Killdeer, Halliday, Dunn Center (Census, 1 July 2024).
Dunn County page → -
Eddy County
2,329 residents, 573 aged 65 or older (24.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.3 Cheaper than 64 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Dakota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,492 Lower than 43 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Eddy County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.05 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 74 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: New Rockford, Sheyenne (Census, 1 July 2024).
Eddy County page → -
Emmons County
3,215 residents, 985 aged 65 or older (30.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.3 Cheaper than 64 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Dakota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,174 Lower than 50 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Emmons County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.38 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 46 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Linton, Strasburg, Hazelton (Census, 1 July 2024).
Emmons County page → -
Foster County
3,212 residents, 837 aged 65 or older (26.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.3 Cheaper than 64 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Dakota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,160 Lower than 29 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Foster County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.54 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 36 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Carrington, Glenfield, McHenry (Census, 1 July 2024).
Foster County page → -
Golden Valley County
1,808 residents, 509 aged 65 or older (28.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.3 Cheaper than 64 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Dakota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,119 Lower than 51 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Golden Valley County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.89 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 86 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest places: Beach, Golva, Sentinel Butte (Census, 1 July 2024).
Golden Valley County page → -
Grand Forks County
74,501 residents, 11,420 aged 65 or older (15.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 86.7 Cheaper than 70 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Grand Forks, ND-MN metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,017 Lower than 33 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Grand Forks County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.98 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 80 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,758 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Grand Forks, Larimore, Thompson (Census, 1 July 2024).
Grand Forks County page → -
Grant County
2,206 residents, 739 aged 65 or older (33.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.3 Cheaper than 64 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Dakota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,173 Lower than 50 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Grant County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.21 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 58 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Elgin, Carson, New Leipzig (Census, 1 July 2024).
Grant County page → -
Griggs County
2,239 residents, 699 aged 65 or older (31.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.3 Cheaper than 64 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Dakota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,180 Lower than 50 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Griggs County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.92 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 20 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Cooperstown, Binford, Hannaford (Census, 1 July 2024).
Griggs County page → -
Hettinger County
2,492 residents, 675 aged 65 or older (27.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.3 Cheaper than 64 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Dakota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,903 Lower than 35 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Hettinger County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.65 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 98 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest places: New England, Mott, Regent (Census, 1 July 2024).
Hettinger County page → -
Kidder County
2,393 residents, 668 aged 65 or older (27.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.3 Cheaper than 64 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Dakota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,018 Lower than 82 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Kidder County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.55 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 35 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Steele, Tappen, Dawson (Census, 1 July 2024).
Kidder County page → -
LaMoure County
4,135 residents, 1,179 aged 65 or older (28.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.3 Cheaper than 64 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Dakota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,545 Lower than 42 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- LaMoure County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.12 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 67 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: LaMoure, Edgeley, Kulm (Census, 1 July 2024).
LaMoure County page → -
Logan County
1,859 residents, 532 aged 65 or older (28.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.3 Cheaper than 64 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Dakota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,493 Lower than 43 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Logan County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.25 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 56 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Napoleon, Gackle, Fredonia (Census, 1 July 2024).
Logan County page → -
McHenry County
5,130 residents, 1,262 aged 65 or older (24.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.0 Cheaper than 66 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minot, ND metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,304 Lower than 74 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- McHenry County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.62 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 98 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,789 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Velva, Towner, Drake (Census, 1 July 2024).
McHenry County page → -
McIntosh County
2,451 residents, 842 aged 65 or older (34.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.3 Cheaper than 64 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Dakota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,795 Lower than 37 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- McIntosh County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.25 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 56 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Wishek, Ashley, Zeeland (Census, 1 July 2024).
McIntosh County page → -
McKenzie County
15,192 residents, 1,594 aged 65 or older (10.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.3 Cheaper than 64 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Dakota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,493 Lower than 93 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- McKenzie County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.89 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 86 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest places: Watford City, Alexander, Arnegard (Census, 1 July 2024).
McKenzie County page → -
McLean County
9,740 residents, 2,807 aged 65 or older (28.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.3 Cheaper than 64 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Dakota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,657 Lower than 62 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- McLean County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.87 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 87 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,460 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Garrison, Washburn, Underwood (Census, 1 July 2024).
McLean County page → -
Mercer County
8,441 residents, 2,092 aged 65 or older (24.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.3 Cheaper than 64 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Dakota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,851 Lower than 36 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Mercer County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.23 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 58 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Beulah, Hazen, Stanton (Census, 1 July 2024).
Mercer County page → -
Morton County
34,601 residents, 6,689 aged 65 or older (19.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.0 Cheaper than 39 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Bismarck, ND metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,562 Lower than 42 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Morton County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.65 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 30 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,758 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Mandan, New Salem, Hebron (Census, 1 July 2024).
Morton County page → -
Mountrail County
9,395 residents, 1,531 aged 65 or older (16.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.3 Cheaper than 64 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Dakota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,818 Lower than 87 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Mountrail County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.76 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 94 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest places: New Town, Stanley, Parshall (Census, 1 July 2024).
Mountrail County page → -
Nelson County
2,963 residents, 989 aged 65 or older (33.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.3 Cheaper than 64 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Dakota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,616 Lower than 64 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Nelson County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.28 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 53 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Lakota, McVille, Michigan City (Census, 1 July 2024).
Nelson County page → -
Oliver County
1,898 residents, 528 aged 65 or older (27.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.0 Cheaper than 39 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Bismarck, ND metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,179 Lower than 77 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Oliver County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.74 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 9 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Center (Census, 1 July 2024).
Oliver County page → -
Pembina County
6,568 residents, 1,821 aged 65 or older (27.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.3 Cheaper than 64 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Dakota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,538 Lower than 42 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Pembina County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.27 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 54 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,789 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Cavalier, Walhalla, Drayton (Census, 1 July 2024).
Pembina County page → -
Pierce County
3,838 residents, 1,032 aged 65 or older (26.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.3 Cheaper than 64 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Dakota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,811 Lower than 37 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Pierce County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.66 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 97 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest places: Rugby, Balta, Wolford (Census, 1 July 2024).
Pierce County page → -
Ramsey County
11,530 residents, 2,656 aged 65 or older (23.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.3 Cheaper than 64 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Dakota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,470 Lower than 44 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Ramsey County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.83 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 90 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,790 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Devils Lake, Edmore, Crary (Census, 1 July 2024).
Ramsey County page → -
Ransom County
5,617 residents, 1,303 aged 65 or older (23.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.3 Cheaper than 64 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Dakota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,553 Lower than 42 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Ransom County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.83 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 24 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,460 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Lisbon, Enderlin, Fort Ransom (Census, 1 July 2024).
Ransom County page → -
Renville County
2,331 residents, 551 aged 65 or older (23.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.0 Cheaper than 66 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minot, ND metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,378 Lower than 71 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Renville County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.58 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 99 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest places: Mohall, Glenburn, Sherwood (Census, 1 July 2024).
Renville County page → -
Richland County
16,731 residents, 3,715 aged 65 or older (22.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.3 Cheaper than 64 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Dakota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,938 Lower than 34 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Richland County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.95 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 82 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Wahpeton, Hankinson, Lidgerwood (Census, 1 July 2024).
Richland County page → -
Rolette County
11,688 residents, 1,784 aged 65 or older (15.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.3 Cheaper than 64 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Dakota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,294 Lower than 47 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Rolette County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.85 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 89 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest places: Rolla, Dunseith, Rolette (Census, 1 July 2024).
Rolette County page → -
Sargent County
3,711 residents, 991 aged 65 or older (26.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.3 Cheaper than 64 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Dakota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,920 Lower than 35 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Sargent County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.04 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 75 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Gwinner, Milnor, Forman (Census, 1 July 2024).
Sargent County page → -
Sheridan County
1,296 residents, 422 aged 65 or older (32.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.3 Cheaper than 64 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Dakota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,456 Lower than 69 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Sheridan County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.77 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 93 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: McClusky, Goodrich, Martin (Census, 1 July 2024).
Sheridan County page → -
Sioux County
3,667 residents, 426 aged 65 or older (11.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.3 Cheaper than 64 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Dakota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,721 Lower than 89 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Sioux County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.57 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 34 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Fort Yates, Selfridge, Solen (Census, 1 July 2024).
Sioux County page → -
Slope County
628 residents, 231 aged 65 or older (36.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.3 Cheaper than 64 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Dakota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $797 Lower than 100 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Slope County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.55 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 35 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest places: Marmarth, Amidon (Census, 1 July 2024).
Slope County page → -
Stark County
34,013 residents, 5,329 aged 65 or older (15.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.3 Cheaper than 64 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Dakota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,106 Lower than 51 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Stark County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.81 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 91 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest places: Dickinson, Belfield, Richardton (Census, 1 July 2024).
Stark County page → -
Steele County
1,797 residents, 500 aged 65 or older (27.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.3 Cheaper than 64 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Dakota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,540 Lower than 42 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Steele County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.20 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 59 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Finley, Hope, Sharon (Census, 1 July 2024).
Steele County page → -
Stutsman County
21,414 residents, 4,804 aged 65 or older (22.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.3 Cheaper than 64 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Dakota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,844 Lower than 36 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Stutsman County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.08 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 71 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,789 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Jamestown, Medina, Streeter (Census, 1 July 2024).
Stutsman County page → -
Towner County
2,040 residents, 553 aged 65 or older (27.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.3 Cheaper than 64 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Dakota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,069 Lower than 52 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Towner County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.98 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 80 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest places: Cando, Bisbee, Rocklake (Census, 1 July 2024).
Towner County page → -
Traill County
7,920 residents, 1,751 aged 65 or older (22.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.3 Cheaper than 64 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Dakota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,619 Lower than 40 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Traill County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.99 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 79 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,460 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Mayville, Hillsboro, Hatton (Census, 1 July 2024).
Traill County page → -
Walsh County
10,179 residents, 2,431 aged 65 or older (23.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.3 Cheaper than 64 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Dakota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,748 Lower than 38 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Walsh County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.01 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 78 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,460 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Grafton, Park River, Minto (Census, 1 July 2024).
Walsh County page → -
Ward County
68,233 residents, 10,669 aged 65 or older (15.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.0 Cheaper than 66 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minot, ND metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,746 Lower than 38 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Ward County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.68 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 97 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest places: Minot, Surrey, Burlington (Census, 1 July 2024).
Ward County page → -
Wells County
3,729 residents, 1,119 aged 65 or older (30.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.3 Cheaper than 64 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Dakota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,421 Lower than 45 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Wells County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.97 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 81 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Harvey, Fessenden, Bowdon (Census, 1 July 2024).
Wells County page → -
Williams County
41,767 residents, 4,634 aged 65 or older (11.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.3 Cheaper than 64 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. North Dakota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,383 Lower than 71 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Williams County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.61 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 98 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest places: Williston, Tioga, Ray (Census, 1 July 2024).
Williams County page →
Sources: US Census Bureau, county population estimates by age, 1 July 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024, all items, of each county's metropolitan area or its state's nonmetropolitan portion; The state's published 2025 income-tax rules, the county's own local income tax where one is levied, and the county's Census ACS property-tax ratio, applied to the example household; CMS, Hospital General Information (Care Compare), hospital overall star rating, release of 13 Aug 2026; CHELSA V2.1 monthly maximum temperature, 1981-2010 (~1 km), averaged over the county, Karger et al.; FEMA, National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), county expected annual loss to buildings (EAL_VALB); CMS, Medicare Advantage and Part D Landscape, plan year 2027; CMS, 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles (fact sheet, 14 Nov 2025); CDC WONDER, Underlying Cause of Death 2018-2024 (Single Race, final), by county of residence.
Where North Dakota stands, on the six criteria
North Dakota's six figures are the ones that set its place on the state ranking, where it sits in Tier 1 of 16. Each is measured for the whole of North Dakota, not for any single place within it.
| Criterion | North Dakota |
|---|---|
| Cost of living BEA price level, all items (US = 100); lower is better |
89.0 Cheaper than 86% of the other 50 · housing 71.4 · goods 95.7 · utilities 73.7 · other services 91.2
BEA Regional Price Parities by state, 2024 (SARPP, line codes 1-5) · figure for 2024 · checked 2026-08-28
|
| Taxes on a retired couple state and local tax on the example retired couple, USD a year; lower is better |
USD $3,457 (90% margin USD $3,390–$3,524) Lower than 46% of the other 50
Each state's published 2025 income-tax rules and the Census ACS property-tax ratio, applied to the example household · figure for 2025
|
| Healthcare access share of residents 65+ living in a county with a 4- or 5-star CMS hospital; higher is better |
39 % of residents 65+ Higher than 16% of the other 50
CMS, Hospital General Information (Care Compare), hospital overall star rating, release of 13 Aug 2026, weighted by each county's population 65+ (US Census Bureau, 1 July 2025) · figure for 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
|
| Safety homicides per 100,000 a year, 2020–2024, by state of residence; lower is better |
3.2 per 100,000 a year (95% interval 2.7–3.8) Lower than 82% of the other 50
CDC WONDER, Underlying Cause of Death 2018-2024 (Single Race, final), by state of residence · figure for 2024 · checked 2026-10-27
|
| Climate months a year whose mean daily high is 18–29 °C (64–84 °F), 1981–2010; more is better |
5.0 months a year More than 70% of the other 50
CHELSA V2.1 monthly maximum temperature, 1981-2010 (~1 km), averaged over the county, Karger et al., weighted by each county's population 65+ (US Census Bureau, 1 July 2025) · figure for 2010 · checked 2026-10-27
|
| Natural-hazard risk expected yearly loss to buildings from natural hazards, per USD $1,000 of buildings; lower is better |
USD $1.08 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 74% of the other 50
FEMA, National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), state expected annual loss to buildings (EAL_VALB) · figure for 2025 · checked 2026-10-27
|
Medicare in North Dakota
For the published example couple, both 67 and married: what Medicare premiums cost a year for two in North Dakota, and the most a bad year can cost. What care itself costs depends on a person's health, so it is not estimated here.
Medicare Advantage, with drug coverage
USD $5,460 a year for two in premiums (from USD $4,870)
At most USD $19,760 in a bad year (from USD $16,670), with each person's in-network out-of-pocket maximum
The middle of the 7 plans offered here; "from" is the lowest premium among them.
Original Medicare, with a drug plan
USD $5,669 a year for two in premiums (from USD $4,997)
Medigap: no federal price list — not in this total.
No yearly maximum on Original Medicare alone.
Part B for two, plus the middle of the 9 standalone drug plans offered in the state.
The middle of North Dakota's 53 counties, weighted by residents 65 or older (US Census Bureau, 1 July 2025); 21 have no Advantage plan and are left out of that column.
The 2027 Part B premium is not yet published (CMS usually publishes it in November); 2026's is used.
Source: CMS, Medicare Advantage and Part D Landscape, plan year 2027; CMS, 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles (fact sheet, 14 Nov 2025).
North Dakota adds no Medigap enrollment right beyond the federal six-month open enrollment period, which starts the month you are 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. North Dakota's rule
Free, official Medicare counseling in North Dakota: State Health Insurance Counseling Program (SHIC), 1-888-575-6611 (the State Health Insurance Assistance Program).
Retiring to North Dakota: pros and cons, by the figures
Retiring to North Dakota, judged on the six figures above: a pro is a figure in the top fifth of the states, a con one in the bottom fifth. Figures in between get no verdict.
Pros
- Cost of living: cheaper than 86% of the other 50 (89.0). BEA Regional Price Parities by state, 2024 (SARPP, line codes 1-5)
- Safety: lower than 82% of the other 50 (3.2 per 100,000 a year). CDC WONDER, Underlying Cause of Death 2018-2024 (Single Race, final), by state of residence
Cons
- Healthcare access: lower than 84% of the other 50 (39 % of residents 65+). CMS, Hospital General Information (Care Compare), hospital overall star rating, release of 13 Aug 2026, weighted by each county's population 65+ (US Census Bureau, 1 July 2025)
Also shown, not scored
North Dakota's other state-wide figures: shown for context, not part of its tier. Measured for the whole of North Dakota — not for any single place within it.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
|
Population
Total resident population, US Census Bureau estimate for 1 July 2025.
How this is measuredTotal resident population, Census Bureau estimate as of 1 July 2025, as reported in SSA's Table 1. Bigger is not better — this axis exists for context, never for ranking. |
799,358 people |
|
Population 65 plus
Residents aged 65 or older, US Census Bureau estimate for 1 July 2025.
How this is measuredResident population aged 65 or older, Census Bureau estimate as of 1 July 2025, as reported in SSA's Table 1. |
143,139 people |
|
Social security beneficiary share
Everyone receiving Social Security — retired, disabled, survivors and dependants — as a share of the population, 2025.
How this is measuredAll OASDI beneficiaries — retired workers, disabled workers, survivors and dependants — as a percentage of the total resident population. SSA Table 1 (2025), population as of 1 July 2025. Not the same measure as the county-level retired-worker share. |
19.2 percent |
Source for every figure: SSA Table 1 (2025) · Census population as of 1 July 2025 · figure for 2025 · checked 2026-08-28 Official source
Taxes on a retired couple in North Dakota
We apply North Dakota's published rules for tax year 2025 to one example household and show the sum, line by line. These are rules already in force for 2025, not a projection.
The example household
| Filing status | married filing jointly, both aged 67 |
|---|---|
| Social Security | USD $45,000 a year, combined |
| Private pension | USD $25,000 a year |
| IRA or 401(k) withdrawal | USD $20,000 a year |
| Home, for property tax | USD $350,000 |
An illustrative household, the same for every state so states can be compared. Each spouse holds half of each income. Your own figures will differ.
North Dakota's rules applied
Federal income tax is left out: it is the same in every state, so it cannot separate them. Sales tax is left out too: it depends on what a household buys, and no state publishes an average of its local rates. The rate is listed below.
The rules behind the sum
- Top income-tax rate: 2.5 % North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner, 2025 Individual Income Tax Booklet · checked Oct 26, 2026
- Social Security benefit exclusion (ND-1 line 15): 100 % of it North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner, 2025 Individual Income Tax Booklet · checked Oct 26, 2026
- State sales tax 5 %, plus city and county rates: 5 % North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner, 2025 Individual Income Tax Booklet · checked Oct 26, 2026
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