Burleigh County, North Dakota

County Distress Index: Healthy · 26.8 | 100,012 people · 23rd most distressed in North Dakota
American Default Research

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Burleigh County, ND ranks among the least distressed counties in the country at 26.8 — 2901st nationally out of 3144 counties. The primary driver is Housing Cost Burden, where housing costs consume a moderate share of household income. Within North Dakota, it ranks 23rd of 53 counties. Among its 6 neighboring counties, 5 show less distress.

The Numbers Behind the Score

The CDI measures five statistically derived factors of household financial distress, PCA-weighted. Burleigh County's primary driver is Housing Cost Burden at 64.5 — above the national median.

Housing Cost Burden Primary driver 64.5
Rent-Burdened (30%+) 60
Severely Rent-Burdened (50%+) 66
Mortgage-Burdened (30%+) 75
Homeownership Rate 64
Legal Distress 26.6
Bankruptcy Filing Rate 27
Economic Vitality 25.9
Wage-to-Rent Ratio 23
Rent-to-Income Ratio 8
Business Formation Rate 47
House Price Change (YoY) 55
Consumer Credit Distress 14.2
Debt in Collections 11
Medical Debt 33
Auto Loan Delinquency 10
Credit Card Delinquency 11
Uninsured Rate 14
Subprime Credit Population 12
Structural Poverty 9.3
Unemployment Rate 6
Poverty Rate 6
Income vs. State Median 18
Child Poverty Rate 3
Disability Rate 14
Transfer Income Dependency 6

Scores are percentile-based: 50 = national median, higher = more distressed.

Neighbors and Peers

Neighboring Counties

CountyScoreZonevs. Burleigh County
Burleigh County, ND 26.8 Healthy —
Morton County, ND 34.6 Healthy +7.9
Sheridan County, ND 25.4 Healthy -1.4
Emmons County, ND 24.7 Healthy -2.0
Kidder County, ND 21.4 Healthy -5.3
Oliver County, ND 18.0 Healthy -8.8
McLean County, ND 15.1 Healthy -11.7

Population Peers

CountyScoreZonevs. Burleigh County
Otter Tail County, MN 26.8 Healthy +0.0
Livingston County, MI 26.6 Healthy -0.2
Sheboygan County, WI 26.3 Healthy -0.5
Hunterdon County, NJ 26.3 Healthy -0.5
Columbia County, WI 27.4 Healthy +0.6

Download Data

Export all distress indicators for Burleigh County as a CSV file.

Find Help in Burleigh County

HUD-Approved Housing Counselors

Free foreclosure prevention and financial counseling near Burleigh County.

NORTH DAKOTA HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY
BISMARCK
701-328-8060 Website

See all counselors in North Dakota →

Find an Attorney

State Bar Association of North Dakota Lawyer Referral Service offers a lawyer referral service for bankruptcy, foreclosure defense, and consumer rights.

State Bar Association of North Dakota Lawyer Referral Service 701-255-1404

Free Legal Aid

Legal aid organizations serving Burleigh County residents at no cost.

Legal Services of North Dakota 1-800-634-5263

American Default Research does not endorse, rate, or rank any provider. Verify attorney credentials with your state bar.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the distress score for Burleigh County, North Dakota?

    Burleigh County has a County Distress Index score of 26.8 out of 100, placing it in the Healthy zone. It ranks 2,901st nationally out of 3,144 counties and 23rd in North Dakota out of 53 counties.

  • What drives financial distress in Burleigh County?

    The primary driver of distress in Burleigh County is Housing Cost Burden, where the county scores 64.5 out of 100. This domain is measured by indicators including Rent-Burdened (30%+), Severely Rent-Burdened (50%+), Mortgage-Burdened (30%+).

  • How does Burleigh County compare to neighboring counties?

    Burleigh County (26.8) can be compared to its 6 neighboring counties: Morton County, ND (34.6); Sheridan County, ND (25.4); Emmons County, ND (24.7).

  • How is the County Distress Index calculated?

    The County Distress Index uses PCA-weighted percentile scoring across five statistically derived factors: Consumer Credit Distress (47.5%), Housing Cost Burden (22.3%), Structural Poverty (13.6%), Economic Vitality (9.2%), and Legal Distress (7.4%). Each county's indicators are ranked against all 3,144 U.S. counties. A score of 50 means the county is at the national median; higher scores indicate greater distress.

  • How often is the CDI updated?

    Annually, aligned to Census American Community Survey and Urban Institute Debt in America release windows — the slowest-moving source inputs. Between annual refreshes, faster-cadence indicators (BLS unemployment, QCEW wages) may drive light mid-year updates if a specific component moves meaningfully. Current data compiled April 14, 2026; next full refresh early 2027.

  • What does the Healthy zone mean?

    The CDI divides counties into five zones: Healthy (below 46), Normal (46–55), Elevated (55–71), Serious (71–86), and Crisis (86 and above). Burleigh County's score of 26.8 sits in the Healthy zone (below 46).

  • What data sources power Burleigh County's CDI score?

    Burleigh County's CDI score draws on Urban Institute Debt in America (Equifax credit-bureau panel), U.S. Census Bureau (American Community Survey 5-year, Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates), Bureau of Labor Statistics (LAUS, QCEW), U.S. Courts Administrative Office (F-5A bankruptcy filings), and HUD Fair Market Rents. Every number on this page traces to one of these public sources.

  • What is the population of Burleigh County?

    Burleigh County, North Dakota has a population of approximately 100,012 (2023 Census estimate), classified as a mid county.