Golden Valley County, North Dakota

County Distress Index: Healthy · 26.7 | 1,743 people · 24th most distressed in North Dakota
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Golden Valley County, ND ranks among the least distressed counties in the country at 26.7 — 2905th nationally out of 3144 counties. The primary driver is Economic Vitality, where employment and wage conditions show moderate stress. Within North Dakota, it ranks 24th of 53 counties. Among its 5 neighboring counties, 3 show more distress.

The Numbers Behind the Score

The CDI measures five statistically derived factors of household financial distress, PCA-weighted. Golden Valley County's primary driver is Economic Vitality at 55.8 — above the national median.

Economic Vitality Primary driver 55.8
Wage-to-Rent Ratio 53
Rent-to-Income Ratio 47
Business Formation Rate 95
House Price Change (YoY) 19
Structural Poverty 50.9
Unemployment Rate 5
Poverty Rate 35
Income vs. State Median 88
Child Poverty Rate 38
Disability Rate 83
Transfer Income Dependency 38
Consumer Credit Distress 23.3
Debt in Collections 23
Medical Debt 42
Auto Loan Delinquency 24
Credit Card Delinquency 17
Uninsured Rate 5
Subprime Credit Population 23
Legal Distress 13.4
Bankruptcy Filing Rate 13
Housing Cost Burden 11.5
Rent-Burdened (30%+) 5
Severely Rent-Burdened (50%+) 5
Mortgage-Burdened (30%+) 5
Homeownership Rate 46

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

Neighbors and Peers

Neighboring Counties

CountyScoreZonevs. Golden Valley County
Golden Valley County, ND 26.7 Healthy —
McKenzie County, ND 43.5 Normal +16.8
Wibaux County, MT 33.1 Healthy +6.4
Fallon County, MT 27.4 Healthy +0.7
Slope County, ND 22.1 Healthy -4.7
Billings County, ND 14.6 Healthy -12.1

Population Peers

CountyScoreZonevs. Golden Valley County
Republic County, KS 26.7 Healthy 0.0
McCone County, MT 26.7 Healthy -0.0
Meagher County, MT 26.7 Healthy +0.0
Custer County, CO 26.7 Healthy -0.0
Butler County, NE 26.8 Healthy +0.1

Download Data

Export all distress indicators for Golden Valley County as a CSV file.

Find Help in Golden Valley County

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 Golden Valley County residents at no cost.

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

    Golden Valley County has a County Distress Index score of 26.7 out of 100, placing it in the Healthy zone. It ranks 2,905th nationally out of 3,144 counties and 24th in North Dakota out of 53 counties.

  • What drives financial distress in Golden Valley County?

    The primary driver of distress in Golden Valley County is Economic Vitality, where the county scores 55.8 out of 100. This domain is measured by indicators including Wage-to-Rent Ratio, Rent-to-Income Ratio, Business Formation Rate.

  • How does Golden Valley County compare to neighboring counties?

    Golden Valley County (26.7) can be compared to its 5 neighboring counties: McKenzie County, ND (43.5); Wibaux County, MT (33.1); Fallon County, MT (27.4).

  • 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). Golden Valley County's score of 26.7 sits in the Healthy zone (below 46).

  • What data sources power Golden Valley County's CDI score?

    Golden Valley 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 Golden Valley County?

    Golden Valley County, North Dakota has a population of approximately 1,743 (2023 Census estimate), classified as a tiny county.