RentData

Average Rent in Ward County, ND Rents rising 6.3% YoY🔺 5th priciest in ND

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 69,232

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

Market Overview

Ward County, ND has rental prices ranging from $721/month to $1,746/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $808/month — 42% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $79,273/year, spending $808/month on a 1-bedroom represents 12% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Ward County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,040/month, Ward County ranks #5 most expensive of the 51 cities tracked in North Dakota — pricier than 69% of all US cities in our data.

The Ward County Rental Market

The Ward County, ND area has a population of about 69,232 and 38% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Ward County, ND have risen by $62/month (6.3%) over the past year, from $978 to $1,040. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Ward County, ND without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $32,320. The local median household income of $79,273 exceeds that threshold by $46,953, making Ward County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Ward County, ND has an unemployment rate of 1.9%, 2.0 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
$721
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$808
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,040
6.3% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,457
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,746
Affordable
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Is Ward 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
$41,600/year
Local median income: $79,273
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,040/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
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
McKenzie County$1,090$1,096$1,351$1,628

Rent or Buy in Ward County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Ward County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,040/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 3 years — worth it if you stay 3+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $1,040/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Ward 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 Ward County

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💵Rent Affordability in Ward County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in ND

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⚖️Compare Ward County

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

📋ND Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections