RentData

Average Rent in Nelson County, ND↑ Rents rising 8.0% YoY🔻 3rd cheapest in ND

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 3,015

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

Market Overview

Nelson County, ND has rental prices ranging from $807/month to $1,558/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $827/month — 41% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $68,051/year, spending $827/month on a 1-bedroom represents 15% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Nelson County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $928/month, Nelson 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 Nelson County Rental Market

The Nelson County, ND area has a population of about 3,015 and 23% 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 Nelson County, ND have risen by $69/month (8.0%) over the past year, from $859 to $928. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Nelson County, ND without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $33,080. The local median household income of $68,051 exceeds that threshold by $34,971, making Nelson County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Nelson County, ND has an unemployment rate of 1.7%, 2.2 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
$807
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$827
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$928
↑8.0% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,300
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,558
Affordable
🔔
Get Rent Alerts
Be notified when rents change in Nelson County
▼

Is Nelson 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: $68,051
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 Nelson County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Nelson 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 Nelson County

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

Moving Cost Estimator

Estimate your moving costs based on FMCSA public mover data

Select your origin state to see the estimate

Estimates based on FMCSA average mover rates. Get at least 3 binding quotes from licensed movers. Protect your move →

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore More

🏘️Neighborhoods in Nelson County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Nelson County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in ND

See how Nelson County ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Nelson County

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

📋ND Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections