IncomeBy County

Golden Valley County, North Dakota

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS
-7% vs. North Dakota average
$68,021
Median Household Income
$37,649
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$68,021
-7% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$37,649
-5% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
54.9%
income as % of home value
Rank in North Dakota
#35 / 53
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How Golden Valley County Compares

Golden Valley County$68,021
North Dakota Average$73,179
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$68,021
Median Household Income
$37,649
Per Capita Income
$123,900
Median Home Value
54.9%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Golden Valley County

Income Verdict

Golden Valley County has a median household income of $76,528 and per capita income of $36,292 — a gap of $40,236, suggesting a typical mix of dual-income and single-earner households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $856/month and a median household income of $76,528, rent consumes approximately 13.4% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

A median household income of $76,528 suggests moderate-to-strong purchasing power, generally sufficient to cover essentials with room for discretionary spending in most markets. Per capita income of $36,292 is in line with national norms for individual earners.

Neighbor Context

Golden Valley County earns approximately 5.5% above the North Dakota state median household income of $72,537, positioning it favorably within the state.

Data Story

About Household Income in Golden Valley County, North Dakota

Golden Valley earns above the national average

Golden Valley County's median household income of $76,528 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $1,773. This positions the county in the upper half of U.S. counties for household earnings, a solid standing for a rural North Dakota community.

Tops the state income rankings

Golden Valley ranks first among North Dakota's 53 counties with a median household income that outpaces the state average of $72,537 by $3,991. Residents here earn significantly more than their counterparts elsewhere in the state.

Outearns similar rural counties nearby

Golden Valley's $76,528 median household income exceeds neighboring Grant County ($56,750) by nearly $20,000 and surpasses Hettinger County ($70,827) by about $5,700. The county's strong earnings reflect a more resilient local economy than surrounding agricultural communities.

Housing remains very affordable here

Golden Valley's rent-to-income ratio of 13.4% falls well below the national affordability threshold of 30%, meaning housing costs consume a modest share of household budgets. With a median home value of $119,200, homeownership is accessible to most working families in the county.

Build financial security with surplus income

Golden Valley households enjoy above-average incomes and low housing costs, creating room for savings and investments. Consider working with a local financial advisor to build an emergency fund, explore retirement accounts, and invest in long-term wealth strategies suited to rural living.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Golden Valley County, North Dakota?
The median household income in Golden Valley County, North Dakota is $68,021, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Golden Valley County?
The per capita income in Golden Valley County is $37,649, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $68,021.
How does Golden Valley County compare to the North Dakota average?
Golden Valley County's median household income of $68,021 is lower than the North Dakota state average of $73,179. The per capita income is $37,649, compared to the state average of $42,046.
What is the per capita income in Golden Valley County, North Dakota?
The per capita income in Golden Valley County, North Dakota is $37,649, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Golden Valley County a low-income area in North Dakota?
Golden Valley County's median household income of $68,021 is below the North Dakota average of $73,179. The per capita income of $37,649 is also lower than the state average of $42,046. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Golden Valley County rank for income in North Dakota?
Golden Valley County ranks #35 out of 53 counties in North Dakota by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $68,021 and per capita income of $37,649, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Golden Valley County

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Your income is above the Golden Valley County median

County median: $68,021 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-7%

vs. National Median

-9%

vs. Golden Valley County MedianAbout equal
vs. North Dakota Average▼ 7% below
vs. National Median▼ 9% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent8.9x

Your monthly income ($5,668) vs. median rent ($638/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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$67,989
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By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.

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