RentData

Average Rent in Williams County, ND Rents rising 1.6% YoY🔺 3rd priciest in ND

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 39,368

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

Market Overview

Williams County, ND has rental prices ranging from $1,003/month to $1,938/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,026/month — 27% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $90,224/year, spending $1,026/month on a 1-bedroom represents 14% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Williams County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,154/month, Williams County ranks #3 most expensive of the 51 cities tracked in North Dakota — pricier than 79% of all US cities in our data.

The Williams County Rental Market

The Williams County, ND area has a population of about 39,368 and 43% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs above the US average of ~34%, pointing to a competitive rental market where vacancies clear quickly and rents are less negotiable.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Williams County, ND have risen by $18/month (1.6%) over the past year, from $1,136 to $1,154. Rents have remained relatively stable year over year, indicating a balanced rental market in the area.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Williams County, ND without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $41,040. The local median household income of $90,224 exceeds that threshold by $49,184, making Williams County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Williams County, ND has an unemployment rate of 2.3%, 1.6 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
$1,003
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$1,026
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,154
1.6% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,617
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,938
Affordable
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Is Williams 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
$46,160/year
Local median income: $90,224
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,154/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
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 Williams County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Williams County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,154/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $1,154/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Williams 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 Williams County

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💵Rent Affordability in Williams County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in ND

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⚖️Compare Williams County

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📋ND Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections