Grand Forks County, North Dakota

Income Data

-6% vs. North Dakota average
$68,450
Median Household Income
$39,597
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$68,450
-6% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$39,597
+0% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
28.0%
income as % of home value
Rank in North Dakota
#31 / 53
by median household income

How Grand Forks County Compares

Grand Forks County$68,450
North Dakota Average$72,537
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$68,450
Median Household Income
$39,597
Per Capita Income
$244,200
Median Home Value
28.0%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Grand Forks County, North Dakota

Grand Forks slightly lags national income

Grand Forks County's median household income of $68,450 falls $6,305 short of the national median of $74,755. The county ranks in the middle tier of U.S. counties, reflecting a moderate earning profile for a region anchored by a university and military presence.

Mid-range earnings within North Dakota

Grand Forks County ranks 25th among North Dakota's 53 counties, earning $3,913 below the state average of $72,537. Despite being home to the University of North Dakota and Grand Forks Air Force Base, household incomes here trail the state median.

Mixed results against neighboring counties

Grand Forks County's $68,450 income edges out Griggs County ($64,737) but trails nearby Walsh County and Nelson County across the Minnesota border. The presence of institutional employers helps sustain incomes, though agricultural volatility affects surrounding communities.

Rent consumes a notable share of income

Grand Forks County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.0% remains below the danger zone of 30%, though higher than many rural counties. With a median home value of $244,200—the highest among these eight counties—homeownership requires careful financial planning but rental housing remains accessible.

Strategic planning can strengthen financial position

Grand Forks households earning $68,450 can still build wealth through disciplined budgeting and investment. Explore employer retirement benefits, especially through the university or military, and consider consulting financial advisors about diversifying beyond housing into stocks, bonds, and education savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Grand Forks County, North Dakota?
The median household income in Grand Forks County, North Dakota is $68,450, 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 Grand Forks County?
The per capita income in Grand Forks County is $39,597, 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 $68,450.
How does Grand Forks County compare to the North Dakota average?
Grand Forks County's median household income of $68,450 is lower than the North Dakota state average of $72,537. The per capita income is $39,597, compared to the state average of $40,644.
What is the per capita income in Grand Forks County, North Dakota?
The per capita income in Grand Forks County, North Dakota is $39,597, 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 Grand Forks County a low-income area in North Dakota?
Grand Forks County's median household income of $68,450 is below the North Dakota average of $72,537. The per capita income of $39,597 is also lower than the state average of $40,644. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Grand Forks County rank for income in North Dakota?
Grand Forks County ranks #31 out of 53 counties in North Dakota by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $68,450 and per capita income of $39,597, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Grand Forks County

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Your income is above the Grand Forks County median

County median: $68,450 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

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vs. National Median

-8%

vs. Grand Forks County MedianAbout equal
vs. North Dakota Average6% below
vs. National Median8% below

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($5,704) vs. median rent ($971/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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