Key Economic Benchmarks
Median Household Income
$78,238$6,520 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-YearFair market rent & 30% rule in Ward County, ND
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Ward County, ND
Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Ward County, ND HUD Metro FMR Area. 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 | $806 | $9,672 | $32,240 | 12.4% |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $960 | $11,520 | $38,400 | 14.7% |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark | $1,165 | $13,980 | $46,600 | 17.9% |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,620 | $19,440 | $64,800 | 24.8% |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $1,954 | $23,448 | $78,160 | 30% |
50/30/20 Living Budget in Ward County, ND
Based on the local median household income of $78,238/year ($6,520/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 Ward County, ND
What is the median household income in Ward County, ND?
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Ward County, ND is $78,238 per year (approximately $6,520 per month).
What is the average rent in Ward County, ND?
According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Ward County, ND are $806 for a studio, $960 for 1 bedroom, $1,165 for 2 bedrooms, $1,620 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,954 for 4 bedrooms.
How does the cost of living in Ward County, ND compare to the national average?
Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Ward County, ND is 87.0 (13% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).
How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Ward County, ND?
Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,165/month) in Ward County, ND requires a minimum gross household income of $46,600 per year ($3,883 per month).
What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Ward County, ND?
For a typical household earning the median income of $78,238/year ($6,520/month) in Ward County, ND, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $3,260/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,956/month to discretionary spending, and $1,304/month to savings and debt repayment.
What are typical electricity and utility costs in Ward 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.