Think North Dakota Is Poor? This New Ranking Might Surprise You

If you've spent much time in North Dakota, you know people here aren't the type to boast about what they have.

Instead, they get up before sunrise, put in an honest day's work, and take pride in a job well done. Whether it's on the farm, in the oil patch, at a small business, in a classroom, or behind the wheel of a truck, North Dakotans have built a reputation for working hard and doing things the right way.

That work ethic continues to pay off.

According to a new report from HomeSnacks, North Dakota ranks as the 32nd richest state in America. While the Peace Garden State didn't crack the top 10 or claim the No. 1 spot, it also stayed well clear of the bottom of the list. Massachusetts earned the top ranking, while West Virginia finished last.

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ND Wealthy

ND Wealthy

The Numbers Behind the Ranking

HomeSnacks based its rankings on several economic factors that help paint a picture of each state's financial health.

For North Dakota, the numbers look like this:

• Median household income: $76,657
• Population: 784,841
• Median home value: $284,076
• Poverty rate: 10.8%
• Unemployment rate: 2.8%

Those figures suggest North Dakota continues to offer a stable economy for many residents. A low unemployment rate means jobs remain available in many industries, while the state's median household income reflects the value of its workforce.

Home values have certainly increased over the past several years, but compared to many parts of the country, North Dakota remains a place where homeownership is still within reach for many families.

Read More: How Affordable Is It To Buy A Home In North Dakota Right Now

More Than Just a Dollar Figure

Of course, wealth isn't always measured by the size of a paycheck.

Around North Dakota, being rich can also mean knowing your neighbors, raising a family in a safe community, and having the chance to enjoy the outdoors after a long day at work. It's the peace and quiet of a small town, Friday night football games, county fairs, and lending a helping hand when someone needs it.

Those are things you can't put a price tag on.

Still, it's encouraging to see North Dakota earning a respectable spot in a national ranking. While 32nd may not sound flashy, it reflects a state that continues to provide opportunity through hard work and determination.

No ranking tells the whole story, but HomeSnacks' latest report serves as another reminder that North Dakota continues to hold its own. The people who call this state home have never expected success to come easy. They simply roll up their sleeves, get to work, and keep moving forward.

In the end, that's a kind of wealth that doesn't always show up in the statistics, but it may be North Dakota's greatest asset.