RentData

Average Rent in Barnes County, ND↑ Rents rising 2.5% YoY🔻 3rd cheapest in ND

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 10,794

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Barnes County, ND has rental prices ranging from $703/month to $1,558/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $707/month — 49% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $70,230/year, spending $707/month on a 1-bedroom represents 12% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Barnes County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $928/month, Barnes County ranks #49 most expensive of the 51 cities tracked in North Dakota — more affordable than 64% of all US cities in our data.

The Barnes County Rental Market

The Barnes County, ND area has a population of about 10,794 and 27% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Barnes County, ND have risen by $23/month (2.5%) over the past year, from $905 to $928. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Barnes County, ND without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $28,280. The local median household income of $70,230 exceeds that threshold by $41,950, making Barnes County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Barnes County, ND has an unemployment rate of 3.3%, 0.6 percentage points below the national average of 3.9%. Strong employment conditions typically sustain rental demand, as workers relocate to the area and local residents maintain stable housing.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$703
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$707
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$928
↑2.5% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,118
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,558
Affordable
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Is Barnes County, ND Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$37,120/year
Local median income: $70,230
To buy a median home
—/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $928/month and 20% down on a — home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in NDlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Bismarck$828$917$1,023$1,433—
Ward County$721$808$1,040$1,457—
Williams County$1,003$1,026$1,154$1,617—
Stark County$850$855$1,020$1,429—
Stutsman County$708$713$928$1,300—
Richland County$703$707$928$1,300—

Rent or Buy in Barnes County?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Barnes County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$928/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏢 Rent

Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $928/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Barnes County

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Barnes County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Barnes County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in ND

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⚖️Compare Barnes County

Side-by-side rent & cost of living with any city

📋ND Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections