Golden Valley County

North DakotaPopulation: 1,734
78
/100
Strong Buy
#14 of 1,000 counties
#1 in North Dakota (43 counties)
Analysis by RentalCalcs ResearchIndependent data + algorithm-driven scoring
Updated January 1, 2026Sources: Zillow ZHVI, Zillow ZORI, US Census ACS, Tax Foundation

Market Snapshot

$179,434
Median Home Price
22% below national median
$10,842/mo
Est. Rent
Based on regional data
6.04%
Rent-to-Price Ratio
Estimated from price data
+$0
Est. Monthly Cash Flow
With 20% down at 6.9% rate

Price History

Median Home Price

Median Rent

Historical data from Zillow ZHVI/ZORI

Score Breakdown

Overall Investment Score
78/100
78
Cash Flow(30%)
0/100

Rent data not available for cash flow calculation.

Appreciation(25%)
83/100

Based on 4.0% YoY price growth. Moderate growth (3-8%) scores highest.

Stability(25%)
50/100

Population data not available.

Affordability(20%)
98/100

Price-to-income ratio of 2.1x. Lower ratios indicate more affordable markets.

Scores are calculated using real Zillow home value and rent data, Census population data, and economic indicators. The weighted average produces the overall investment score. Markets with missing rent data use estimated values based on regional averages.

Investment Outlook

Strengths

  • +Affordable relative to local incomes

Challenges

  • -Negative leverage (cap rate 0.0% < mortgage rate 6.9%)
  • -Limited rent data (estimates used)

Economic Indicators

Population
1,734
Median Income
$84,750
vs $54,921 national est.
Unemployment Rate
—
Data pending
Price-to-Income
2.1x
Very affordable

Who this market fits

Skip if
  • −You can't tolerate negative leverage (cap rate below mortgage rate today)

Compare to Nearby Counties

CountyVerdict
CurrentGolden ValleyND
78$179,434Est. pending—Strong Buy
McLeanND
78$209,561Est. pending—Strong BuyView
FosterND
77$177,105Est. pending—Strong BuyView
HettingerND
75$121,524Est. pending—Strong BuyView
BarnesND
75$187,323Est. pending—Strong BuyView
EmmonsND
75$135,739Est. pending—Strong BuyView

The Bottom Line

Strong BuyGolden Valley is a strong buy market with excellent fundamentals for buy-and-hold investors.

Golden Valley County in North Dakota scores 78/100, ranking #14 of 1,000 US counties (top 2%). At 20% down and current rates, a median-priced rental roughly breaks even on cash flow. The deal works on appreciation or with better terms, not on month-one cash flow.

Monthly Cash Flow
+$0/mo
Cap Rate
0.0%
Cash-on-Cash
0.0%

Related markets

All counties in North Dakota →

Rent vs buy in North Dakota cities

Rent vs buy in Fargo, NDMedian $326,439 · rent $1,161/moRent vs buy in Bismarck, NDMedian $352,675 · rent $1,307/moRent vs buy in Grand Forks, NDMedian $276,329 · rent $1,151/moRent vs buy in Minot, NDMedian $272,772 · rent $1,018/moRent vs buy in West Fargo, NDMedian $326,439 · rent $1,161/moAll North Dakota citiesFull rent-vs-buy directory for the state

Ready to Analyze a Deal in Golden Valley?

Use our investment calculators to run detailed numbers on specific properties.

Single Family1-4 unit rentals, BRRRRHouse HackOwner-occupied strategyMultifamily5+ unit properties
Explore Other Markets