Ward County
ND · Pop. 69,232 · Suburban County
Ward County is a suburban county in North Dakota, spanning 2,013 square miles with 69,232 residents at a density of 34.4 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on wheat, soybeans, canola. The median home price is $259,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.07%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 4a with a 137-day growing season, average summer highs of 78.2°F and average winter lows of 3.7°F. Annual rainfall averages 17.4 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Trinity Hospitals is 11.4 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 100% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- Broadband reaches 100% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- Trinity Hospitals, with an emergency room, is just 11.4 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A strong agricultural economy built on wheat, soybeans, canola means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- A low unemployment rate of 2.6% reflects a stable local job base.
- A low poverty rate of 7.8% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- A 137-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Annual rainfall of just 17.4 inches means irrigation and water storage are core requirements.
- Average winter lows of 3.7°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.
At a glance
Ward County, ND is a challenging place to homestead on the data.
- Homestead score
- 31/100
- Median home price
- $259k
- Property tax
- 1.07%
- Growing season
- 137 days (zone 4a)
- Annual rainfall
- 17.4"
- Broadband
- 100%
- Nearest hospital
- Trinity Hospitals, 11.4 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Ward County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Ward County?
- Ward County is in USDA hardiness zone 4a with a 137-day growing season, average summer highs of 78.2°F, and average winter lows of 3.7°F. The established crops are wheat, soybeans, canola.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $259,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.07%. 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?
- Trinity Hospitals is 11.4 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 4 hospitals in the county.
Explore North Dakota Resources
Partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
LandWatch
Browse rural land, farms, and ranches for sale across every state.
Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
Invest in farmland online — vetted properties with passive income potential.
More counties in North Dakota
All North Dakota countiesNearby counties
The closest counties to Ward 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.
Your brand here — Reach our audience of professional directory owners and boost your sales.