Wells County
ND · Pop. 3,942 · Rural County
Wells County, North Dakota covers 1,271 square miles with a population of 3,942 and a density of 3.1 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on wheat, soybeans, corn. The median home price is $106,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.04%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 4a with a 139-day growing season, average summer highs of 79.8°F and average winter lows of 4.4°F. Annual rainfall averages 16.9 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. St Aloisius Medical Center is 17.3 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 99.9% of homes. On the hazard side, wildfire risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A median home price of $106,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 99.9% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- A strong agricultural economy built on wheat, soybeans, corn means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- At 3.1 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low unemployment rate of 2.6% reflects a stable local job base.
Cons
- A 139-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Annual rainfall of just 16.9 inches means irrigation and water storage are core requirements.
- Average winter lows of 4.4°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.
At a glance
Wells County, ND is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 55/100
- Median home price
- $106k
- Property tax
- 1.04%
- Growing season
- 139 days (zone 4a)
- Annual rainfall
- 16.9"
- Broadband
- 99.9%
- Nearest hospital
- St Aloisius Medical Center, 17.3 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Wells County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Wells County?
- Wells County is in USDA hardiness zone 4a with a 139-day growing season, average summer highs of 79.8°F, and average winter lows of 4.4°F. The established crops are wheat, soybeans, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $106,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.04%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 99.9% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- St Aloisius Medical Center is 17.3 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital 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 Wells 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.