North Dakota · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Walsh County, ND

The median household in Walsh County, ND earns $71,944 a year ($5,995/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $873/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $34,920 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 11% below the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$71,944$5,995 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$873HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)89.0-11% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate14.1¢per kWh · EIA Residential ND
Census Population10,396Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Walsh County, ND

Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$873Monthly market rent
Share of gross income14.6%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$34,920To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,799At 30% of $71,944
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Walsh County, ND

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Walsh County, ND. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent Schedule for Walsh County, ND
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$676$8,112$27,04011.3%
1-Bedroom Apartment$680$8,160$27,20011.3%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$873$10,476$34,92014.6%
3-Bedroom Home$1,140$13,680$45,60019%
4-Bedroom Home$1,464$17,568$58,56024.4%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Walsh County, ND →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Walsh County, ND

Based on the local median household income of $71,944/year ($5,995/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$2,998/moRent ($873 2-BR), utilities (~$127/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$1,799/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 89.0 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$1,199/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

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.

$71,944
$25,000$145,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$71,944
Net 82%
Fed 10%
ND 0%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$59,299After all taxes
Monthly deposit$4,942Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$2,281Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate17.6%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$6,998 / yr
North Dakota state income tax$144 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$5,504 / yr

Compare earnings and living costs across North Dakota with official federal datasets:

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Walsh County, ND

What is the median household income in Walsh County, ND?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Walsh County, ND is $71,944 per year (approximately $5,995 per month).

What is the average rent in Walsh County, ND?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Walsh County, ND are $676 for a studio, $680 for 1 bedroom, $873 for 2 bedrooms, $1,140 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,464 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Walsh County, ND compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Walsh 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 Walsh County, ND?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($873/month) in Walsh County, ND requires a minimum gross household income of $34,920 per year ($2,910 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Walsh County, ND?

For a typical household earning the median income of $71,944/year ($5,995/month) in Walsh County, ND, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $2,998/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,799/month to discretionary spending, and $1,199/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Walsh 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.