Special Interest
Housing in Barnes County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Barnes County averages $779/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the North Dakota median of $954 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 28% of household income on rent, below the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Barnes County FMR Area are $755 for a studio, $760 for 1‑bedroom, $997 for 2‑bedroom, $1,195 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,673 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $218 increase for a 2-bedroom in Barnes County shows a 28% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Barnes County was 3.0% in 2024, compared to North Dakota at 2.4% and the national rate of 4.0%.
