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Pembina County

ND · Pop. 6,787 · Rural County

60/100Homestead Score

Pembina County, North Dakota covers 1,119 square miles with a population of 6,787 and a density of 6.1 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on wheat, soybeans, beans. The median home price is $117,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 4a with a 132-day growing season, average summer highs of 76.6°F and average winter lows of -1.2°F. Annual rainfall averages 19.2 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Pembina County Memorial Hospital is 3.8 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 100% of homes. On the hazard side, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.

Property Tax: 1%
Growing Season: 132 days
Broadband: 100%
Density: 6.1/sq mi

Pros

  • A median home price of $117,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
  • Broadband reaches 100% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
  • Pembina County Memorial Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 3.8 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
  • A strong agricultural economy built on wheat, soybeans, beans means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
  • At 6.1 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.

Cons

  • Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
  • A 132-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
  • Annual rainfall of just 19.2 inches means irrigation and water storage are core requirements.
  • Average winter lows of -1.2°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.

At a glance

Pembina County, ND is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.

Homestead score
60/100
Median home price
$117k
Property tax
1%
Growing season
132 days (zone 4a)
Annual rainfall
19.2"
Broadband
100%
Nearest hospital
Pembina County Memorial Hospital, 3.8 mi

Taxes & Cost of Living

Property Tax Rate1%
Median Household Income$66,884
Poverty Rate8.7%

Land & Building

Median Home Price$117K

Climate & Growing

USDA Zone4a
Growing Season132 days
Annual Rainfall19.2 inches
Avg Summer High76.6°F
Avg Winter Low-1.2°F
Top CropsWheat, Soybeans, Beans

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought4/10
Wildfire7/10
Tornado3/10
Flood3/10

Healthcare

Nearest HospitalPembina County Memorial Hospital (3.8 mi)
Emergency RoomYes
Healthcare Facilities1

Infrastructure & Community

Broadband Coverage100%

Business & Employment

Unemployment Rate3.5%
Ag EconomyStrong

Homesteading in Pembina County: FAQ

What is the growing season like in Pembina County?
Pembina County is in USDA hardiness zone 4a with a 132-day growing season, average summer highs of 76.6°F, and average winter lows of -1.2°F. The established crops are wheat, soybeans, beans.
How affordable is land and property here?
The median home price is $117,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
Is broadband internet available?
Broadband reaches 100% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
How close is healthcare?
Pembina County Memorial Hospital is 3.8 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.

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Nearby counties

The closest counties to Pembina County by distance, including across state lines.

Data sources

Verified

Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.