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North Dakota

Cost of living in Steele County, ND

Estimated monthly cost
$2,697/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 1,731 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $758 28%
Federal tax $502 19%
Healthcare $480 18%
Groceries $322 12%
Transport $320 12%
Energy $199 7%
State tax $66 2%
Water $50 2%

Rent in Steele County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$753
per month
1 bedroom
$758
per month
2 bedroom
$928
per month
3 bedroom
$1,300
per month
4 bedroom
$1,558
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Steele County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$80,313
per year
Individual earnings
$40,774
per year
Per capita
$41,390
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Steele County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$120,400
Annual property tax
$1,146

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Steele County

Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.

Electricity
$139
per month · 12.6¢/kWh
Natural gas
$60
per month
Annual total
$2,388
per year

Source: EIA

Healthcare in Steele County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
3.9%

Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.

Taxes in Steele County

State and local tax rates for North Dakota.

State income tax
1.9%
Flat rate
State sales tax
5.0%
Combined sales tax
7.0%
incl. average local

Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.

Transportation in Steele County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
16.5 min
Drive alone
71.6%
Public transit
0.0%
Work from home
11.1%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Steele County

What it costs to live in Steele County each month.

Single person
$2,697
per month
  • Rent $758
  • Energy $199
  • Water $50
  • Groceries $322
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $502
  • State tax $66
Couple
$4,160
per month
  • Rent $928
  • Energy $239
  • Water $60
  • Groceries $534
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $984
  • State tax $131
Family
$6,663
per month
  • Rent $1,300
  • Energy $298
  • Water $70
  • Groceries $810
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $984
  • State tax $131

Frequently asked questions about Steele County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Steele County?

In Steele County, ND, a one-bedroom apartment averages $758 per month, a two-bedroom averages $928 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,300 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Steele County?

In Steele County, ND, the average household income is $80,313 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $40,774 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Steele County?

The estimated cost of living in Steele County, ND is approximately $2,697 per month for a single person, $4,160 for a couple, $6,663 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Steele County?

The combined sales tax rate in Steele County, ND is 6.97%, which includes the North Dakota state rate of 5.00% plus an average local rate of 1.97%.

Is Steele County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Steele County, ND would need approximately $2,697 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $80,313 per year ($6,693 per month). Steele County is relatively affordable compared to the national average.

How much does healthcare cost in Steele County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Steele County, ND is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 3.9% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Steele County?

The average home value in Steele County, ND is $120,400, with average annual property taxes of $1,146, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Steele County compare to other areas?

You can compare Steele County, ND with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Steele County is in North Dakota.

Other counties in North Dakota

Browse the full list of counties in North Dakota, ranked by cost of living.

See all counties in North Dakota

Compare Steele County with another area

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.

  • HUD FMR FY2025
  • ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
  • EIA
  • ACS + national avg
  • ACS
  • USDA + BEA RPP
Methodology All data sources