Key Economic Benchmarks
Median Household Income
$68,038$5,670 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-YearFair market rent & 30% rule in Barnes County, ND
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Barnes County, ND
Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Barnes County, ND. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.
| Unit Size | Monthly Rent | Annual Rent | 30% Rule Min. Income | % of Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Efficiency | $718 | $8,616 | $28,720 | 12.7% |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $722 | $8,664 | $28,880 | 12.7% |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark | $948 | $11,376 | $37,920 | 16.7% |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,137 | $13,644 | $45,480 | 20.1% |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $1,590 | $19,080 | $63,600 | 28% |
50/30/20 Living Budget in Barnes County, ND
Based on the local median household income of $68,038/year ($5,670/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:
Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in North Dakota
Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and North Dakota state income tax based on the local median baseline.
Related Regional & Financial Profiles
Compare earnings and living costs across North Dakota with official federal datasets:
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Barnes County, ND
What is the median household income in Barnes County, ND?
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Barnes County, ND is $68,038 per year (approximately $5,670 per month).
What is the average rent in Barnes County, ND?
According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Barnes County, ND are $718 for a studio, $722 for 1 bedroom, $948 for 2 bedrooms, $1,137 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,590 for 4 bedrooms.
How does the cost of living in Barnes County, ND compare to the national average?
Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Barnes County, ND is 89.0 (11% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).
How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Barnes County, ND?
Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($948/month) in Barnes County, ND requires a minimum gross household income of $37,920 per year ($3,160 per month).
What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Barnes County, ND?
For a typical household earning the median income of $68,038/year ($5,670/month) in Barnes County, ND, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $2,835/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,701/month to discretionary spending, and $1,134/month to savings and debt repayment.
What are typical electricity and utility costs in Barnes County, ND?
Residential electricity rates in North Dakota average 14.1¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $127 per month.