Bolthole Index

Golden Valley County, North Dakota

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Golden Valley County, North Dakota

45Index Score / 100
#37 of 53 in North Dakota

Golden Valley County, North Dakota requires a building permit before constructing or moving a nonagricultural building or changing its outside dimensions.1 The county also has zoning, and its zoning-certificate process covers new construction, moved structures, exterior alterations, changes of use and land subdivision.2 Septic work requires local health approval before installation begins.34

At a glance

Building permit
Required for nonagricultural construction, moved buildings and exterior dimensional changes1
Zoning
County zoning districts and an official zoning map apply5
Septic
Local public-health permit and county or health-district approval required34
RV living
Private-land residential or long-term occupancy not confirmed; ask Planning & Zoning6
Tiny homes
No tiny-home-specific occupancy rule confirmed; district and permit review still matter25
Agricultural buildings
Generally exempt from county zoning rules except road setbacks and floodplain regulations7
Owner-builder exemption
Not confirmed in county materials8
Private wells
State appropriation permit applies above the annual withdrawal threshold9

Who to call

Zoning

Golden Valley County Planning & Zoning

Zoning certificates, building permits, land-use changes and subdivisions

(701) 872-4673

150 1st Ave SE, Beach, North Dakota 58621

Septic permits

Southwestern District Health Unit

Local public-health permits for onsite wastewater systems

(701)483-0171

528 21st Street West, Dickinson, ND 58601

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 27, 2026.

Do you need a building permit in Golden Valley County, North Dakota?

Yes. Golden Valley County requires a building permit before construction or moving in of any nonagricultural building or structure and whenever an existing nonagricultural building's outside dimensions change.1 The application must describe the building's function, size, materials and cost and include the legal description, plat, position, yard dimensions, zoning-district compliance and proposed use.1 The permit remains valid for one year and may be extended for good cause.1

Agricultural land and buildings are generally outside the county zoning regulations, but road setbacks and floodplain regulations still apply.7 North Dakota's separate building-code exemption covers agricultural buildings unless they are places of human habitation or used by the public.10 A house on a farm therefore should not be treated as an exempt agricultural building.10

Who issues building permits in Golden Valley County?

Golden Valley County Planning & Zoning is the first stop for a county zoning certificate or building-permit application; the office is at the courthouse in Beach and can be reached at the phone number listed above.11 The county says applications are reviewed and approved by the Planning & Zoning Director, Planning & Zoning Board and Board of County Commissioners before new construction, moving a building, changing exterior dimensions, changing property use or subdividing land.11

The county's published fees include $75 for a single-family residential zoning certificate, $50 for a singlewide mobile home, $75 for a doublewide mobile home and $250 for a road-approach permit.12 The county has authority to inspect land or structures for zoning compliance, but that provision does not establish a full schedule of construction-stage inspections.13 Ask Planning & Zoning whether a particular project also needs trade inspections or a certificate of occupancy, because a general occupancy requirement could not be confirmed.

Does Golden Valley County have zoning?

Yes. Golden Valley County divides land into Agricultural, Recreational, Residential, Mobile Home, Commercial, Industrial, Planned Unit Development and Floodplain Overlay districts, with the official map filed with the County Auditor.5 District standards matter before choosing a house site, moving in a manufactured home or changing a parcel's use.2

The county ordinance treats a manufactured or mobile home used as a year-round dwelling as having at least 720 square feet; that threshold is not a general minimum size for every kind of dwelling.14 Accessory buildings are limited to 35 feet in height and must be smaller than the principal building, although other district standards may also apply.15 For land outside municipalities and their extraterritorial jurisdictions, subdivision review follows Sketch Plan, Preliminary Plat and Final Plat steps, with separate guidelines possible for qualifying minor subdivisions.16 Ask Planning & Zoning for the parcel's mapped district and current setbacks before designing the site.11

How do septic permits work in Golden Valley County?

Golden Valley County sanitary systems must be reviewed and approved by the county sanitarian or health district, and Southwestern District Health Unit is the named district authority.3 North Dakota requires a local public-health permit before onsite wastewater work begins, while the state licenses installers.174 The health unit's main Dickinson office and telephone are listed above.18

County materials address private septic approval on lots of at least one acre, while the application form states a 40,000-square-foot minimum for an onsite sewer system and additional state health approval thresholds.19 Only 25.9% of mapped county soils lack severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so a site evaluation should come before a house layout or land purchase.20 In unincorporated subdivisions, sanitary sewers generally must serve each lot, although onsite sewage may be allowed after individual review.21 Privies, outhouses and cesspools are prohibited in subdivision developments.22

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Golden Valley County?

Golden Valley County's rules for residential or long-term RV occupancy on private land could not be confirmed, so do not treat the absence of an RV-specific answer as permission. The county ordinance addresses RV parks and temporary uses, but the state-park camping limit does not answer what is allowed on private property.23 Planning & Zoning should confirm the parcel's district, whether the proposed stay is a permitted use and whether a temporary-use process applies.2

A tiny-home-specific occupancy rule also could not be confirmed. Any tiny home that is new construction, moved onto a parcel or changes the property's use enters the county zoning-certificate process.2 A manufactured home used as a year-round dwelling has a county definition tied to at least 720 square feet, while a new manufactured home installed for residential use must use a state-licensed installer and receive inspection by a state-licensed inspector.1424

Building a home in Golden Valley County: what are the steps?

  1. Call Golden Valley County Planning & Zoning, identify the parcel and confirm its zoning district, permitted use, setbacks and whether additional review is needed.511
  2. Prepare the zoning-certificate and building-permit material, including the building description, dimensions, materials, cost, legal description, plat, placement and yard dimensions.1
  3. Submit the application before construction, moving a building, altering exterior dimensions or changing use, and allow for review by the county bodies named in the process.2
  4. Secure the local public-health septic permit before onsite wastewater work begins and use a state-licensed installer.4
  5. Confirm access; the county's published road-approach permit fee is $250.12
  6. Keep the building permit current because it is valid for one year unless extended for good cause.1
  7. Ask Planning & Zoning what compliance inspections and final sign-offs apply to the specific project, because the county provision confirms zoning-inspection authority but not a complete construction inspection schedule.13

What should you check before buying land in Golden Valley County?

Start with the zoning map and permitted use, then confirm setbacks, legal access and whether a split or subdivision triggers county review.516 Order septic feasibility early: only 25.9% of mapped soils avoid severe limitations for a conventional drain field.20 The county receives about 16 inches of annual precipitation, and severe drought has occurred in 15.5% of measured years, making a dependable water plan especially important.2526

For a private well, North Dakota requires a water-appropriation permit when annual withdrawal exceeds 12.5 acre-feet; qualifying domestic and similar uses below that threshold still require reporting of the constructed works' location and capacity.9 Check the floodplain overlay before siting improvements because agricultural uses remain subject to floodplain regulations.7 Finally, budget beyond the purchase price: the median property-tax bill is $1,109 per year and the effective property-tax rate is 0.9%.2728

Watch-outs

  • A county permit is required for nonagricultural construction even though agricultural land and buildings receive a limited zoning exemption.17
  • Residential or long-term RV occupancy and tiny-home-specific occupancy remain unconfirmed; ask Golden Valley County Planning & Zoning about the parcel and proposed use before buying.11
  • Most mapped soils have severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field because only 25.9% are rated without severe limitations.20
  • The onsite-sewer materials use both one acre and 40,000 square feet, so confirm the applicable minimum with the health authority for the parcel.19

Sources

  1. Golden Valley County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  2. Planning & Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  3. Golden Valley County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  4. On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  5. Golden Valley County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  6. Golden Valley County Zoning Ordinance (2026 county census)
  7. Golden Valley County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  8. (2026 county census)
  9. Water Appropriation Permits (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. North Dakota Century Code Chapter 54-21.3, State Building Code (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Golden Valley County Planning & Zoning (goldenvalleycounty.org)
  12. Planning & Zoning Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  13. Golden Valley County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  14. Golden Valley County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  15. Golden Valley County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  16. Golden Valley County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  17. On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Southwestern District Health Unit (swdhu.net)
  19. Golden Valley County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  20. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  21. Golden Valley County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  22. Golden Valley County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  23. Parks and Recreation FAQ (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. Manufactured Home Installation Program (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  25. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data
  27. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  28. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data

Written September 27, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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County locator

Golden Valley County in North Dakota

45
County map
Golden Valley County highlighted among the North Dakota counties · colored by Index score

How Golden Valley County scores

Seclusion91100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1898% ev.
Admin Boringness4590% ev.
Durability38100% ev.
Property Autonomy73100% ev.
Carry Cost7996% ev.

Evidence strength: 98%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$194kTypical home
0.9%Property tax
$1,242Land / acre
16"Annual rain
15.5% of yrsSevere drought
8.1 / yr (+6.7)Mid-century 100°F days
21.3 daysMid-century dry spell
1.12" (+8%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.32×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,944Home insurance / yr
2% / yrInsurance growth
0.94%Nonrenewal rate
single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis
46People within 30 min
46,438People within 2 hr
525Radius comparison (15 mi)
1.7People / sq mi
15.4%Federal land
70.1%Land at 15% slope or less
25.9%Septic soil without severe limits
129,713 acWorkable land screen
4%Wooded land
10.5 tonsBiomass / forest ac
43°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Golden Valley County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Golden Valley County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction, moving, or dimensional alteration of nonagricultural buildings or structures.

    • A permit is required before construction or moving in of a nonagricultural building or structure and when outside dimensions are altered.
    • The application must describe function, size, materials, cost, legal description, plat, position, yard dimensions, district compliance, and permitted use.
    • The permit is valid for one year from issuance and may be extended for good cause.
    • The County Commission determines the fee schedule.

    permit validity: 1 year (May be extended for good cause shown.)

    “A building permit is required prior to the construction or moving in of any nonagricultural building or structure and whenever the outside dimensions of an existing nonagricultural building are altered.”
  • InspectionsLimited

    County zoning-compliance inspections of land and structures.

    • The cited provision establishes inspection authority for determining compliance; it does not establish a complete construction-stage inspection schedule.
    “Make inspection of land and/or structures to determine compliance with the provisions of this ordinance.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    County zoning districts and official county zoning map.

    • The ordinance lists Agricultural, Recreational, Residential, Mobile Home, Commercial, Industrial, Planned Unit Development, and Floodplain Overlay districts.
    • The official county zoning map is filed with the County Auditor.
    “Golden Valley County is hereby divided into zoning districts for purposes of controlling the use of lands and structures as authorized by Section 11-33-02 of the NDCC.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Manufactured/mobile homes treated as year-round dwelling units.

    • The 720-square-foot threshold appears in the mobile-home definition and is not a general minimum size for every dwelling type.

    minimum floor area for mobile-home definition: >= 720 square feet (Recreational travel trailers are excluded from the definition.)

    “Mobile Home (now manufactured home): A factory built structure, transportable in one or more sections and has at least seven hundred twenty (720) or more square feet and is designed as a year-round dwelling unit”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Accessory buildings and other structures governed by the county zoning ordinance.

    • The cited 35-foot limit applies to accessory buildings; the ordinance may contain additional district-specific standards.

    accessory-building maximum height: <= 35 feet

    “Accessory buildings shall be smaller than the principal building and shall be limited to thirty-five (35) feet in height”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    On-site sewage systems in county subdivisions.

    • Private septic systems may be approved by the county sanitarian or Southwest Health District.
    • All sanitary systems must be reviewed and approved by the county sanitarian or Health District.
    “All sanitary systems shall be reviewed and approved by county sanitarian or Health District.”
  • Septic permitLimited

    Private septic systems in county subdivisions.

    • Approval is by the county sanitarian or Southwest Health District.
    • Private septic systems are addressed on lots of at least one acre.
    • The application form states a 40,000-square-foot minimum lot size for an onsite sewer system and additional ND Department of Health approval thresholds.

    minimum lot size for private septic approval: >= 1 acre · minimum lot size on application form: 40000 square feet

    “APPLICATION FOR SEWAGE & WATER FACILITIES”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Privies, outhouses, and cesspools in county subdivision developments.

    • The prohibition is limited to subdivision developments; the source does not establish a countywide ban on every off-grid sanitation technology.
    “The construction and use of privies, outhouses, and cesspools in subdivision developments in the county is prohibited.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Subdivision utility service in unincorporated county areas.

    • All subdivisions must provide sanitary sewers to each lot, but an on-site sewage system may be allowed on individual case review.
    • Sanitary sewer must extend to the subdivision boundary unless the Planning and Zoning Commission finds that impractical.
    • Watermains must extend to the subdivision boundary unless deemed impractical.
    “All subdivisions shall be provided with sanitary sewers to each lot. On an individual case review, an on-site sewage system may be allowed.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Land and buildings used for agricultural uses under the county zoning ordinance.

    • Agricultural uses remain subject to road setbacks and floodplain regulations.
    • The ordinance separately requires permits for nonagricultural uses in agricultural districts.
    “These regulations shall not apply to the land and buildings of agricultural uses, as herein defined, except for setbacks from roads and floodplain regulations.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivisions outside municipalities and their extraterritorial jurisdictions.

    • The county process has three steps: Sketch Plan, Preliminary Plat, and Final Plat.
    • Minor subdivisions may follow separate guidelines when they do not require specified street, utility-easement, grading, or re-contouring work.
    “All subdivisions made within the County and not located in any municipality or its extra-territorial jurisdiction shall be subject to and shall conform to the three-step requirements: Sketch Plan, Preliminary Plat and Final Plat of this chapter.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Zoning-certificate and related county permit fees listed in the county FAQ.

    • The FAQ is a 2021 planning-and-zoning document; the ordinance states that building-permit fees are determined by the County Commission.
    • The listed road-approach fee is $250.

    single-family residential zoning certificate: 75 USD · multi-family residential zoning certificate: 100 USD · singlewide mobile-home zoning certificate: 50 USD · doublewide mobile-home zoning certificate: 75 USD · commercial building zoning certificate: 100 USD · industrial building zoning certificate: 150 USD · road approach permit: 250 USD

    “Single-Family Residential ...................... $75.00”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County zoning certificates, building permits, conditional-use permits, and temporary-use permits.

    • Zoning certificates are required before new construction, moving a structure, altering outside dimensions, changing use, or subdividing.
    • Building-permit applications go to the Zoning Director and must include building description, size, materials, cost, legal description, plat, yard dimensions, and district compliance.
    • Conditional-use permits require Planning and Zoning Commission review and a public hearing with at least two weeks' newspaper notice.
    • Temporary-use permits require a Planning and Zoning Commission ruling and public hearing.
    “Applications for Zoning Certificates are required, reviewed, and approved by the Planning & Zoning Director, Planning & Zoning Board, and the Board of County Commissioners before:”
  • County-wide zoningPresent

    Golden Valley County adopted a countywide Zoning Ordinance (adopted March 6, 2012) administered by its Planning & Zoning Department and Commission.

    Golden Valley County Zoning Ordinance ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

North Dakota rules that apply here

  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    The North Dakota State Building Code, consisting of the IBC, IRC, IMC, and IFGC, with the 2024 updates and stated amendments effective statewide as the state code framework.

    • Community Services updates and amends the state code but does not enforce it.
    • The 2024 updates to the IBC, IRC, IMC, and IFGC, plus the 2024 IECC and IEBC versions and proposed amendments, were adopted on September 11, 2025.
    • The new North Dakota State Building Code went into effect January 1, 2026.
    • Appendix chapters are not part of the state building code unless specifically adopted.

    code versions adopted: 2024 IBC, IRC, IMC, IFGC, IECC, and IEBC with proposed amendments · effective date: 2026-01-01

    “adopted the 2024 updates to the IBC, IRC, IMC, and IFGC and the proposed amendments.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    New manufactured homes installed in North Dakota for residential purposes.

    • Installation must be performed by an installer licensed by the Division of Community Services.
    • The home must be inspected by an inspector licensed by the Division of Community Services.
    • The installer must first apply for and receive authorization to install the home from a licensed inspector.
    • A minimum of two inspections are required on a double-wide home and one inspection on a single-wide home.
    • After installation meets the installation requirements, an insignia is attached to show the home passes inspections.

    minimum inspections for double-wide manufactured home: >= 2 inspections · minimum inspections for single-wide manufactured home: 1 inspection

    “All new manufactured homes installed in North Dakota for residential purposes must be installed by an installer licensed by the Division of Community Services and inspected by an inspector licensed by the Division of Community Services.”
  • Well permitLimited

    Private water-supply wells statewide in North Dakota.

    • A water appropriation permit from the North Dakota Department of Water Resources is required when annual withdrawal exceeds 12.5 acre-feet.
    • A permit is not needed for wells drawing less than 12.5 acre-feet per year, according to the official private-well guide.
    • For domestic, livestock, fish and wildlife, and recreational uses below 12.5 acre-feet per year, the location and capacity of constructed works must be reported to the Department of Water Resources.
    • Anyone hired to construct, install, or repair a well, pump, or pitless unit must be licensed; individuals may install or repair wells on their own property without a license.

    annual water withdrawal threshold: > 12.5 acre-feet per year (Domestic, livestock, fish and wildlife, and recreational uses below this threshold do not require a water appropriation permit but must be reported.) · annual water withdrawal threshold: > 4073137 gallons per year (Equivalent threshold stated by the Department of Water Resources.)

    “Domestic, municipal, public, livestock, fish and wildlife, and recreational water use exceeding 12.5 acre-feet (4,073,137 gallons or 96,979 barrels) per year.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Construction or modification of North Dakota water-control structures regulated by the Department of Water Resources.

    • A DWR construction permit is required when a water-control structure is capable of retaining, diverting, or obstructing more than 50 acre-feet for dikes, other devices, and low-hazard dams.
    • The threshold is more than 25 acre-feet for medium-hazard and high-hazard dams.
    • This claim does not establish the separate local floodplain-development-permit requirements administered by local floodplain administrators.

    retention/diversion/obstruction threshold for dikes, other devices, and low-hazard dams: > 50 acre-feet · retention/diversion/obstruction threshold for medium- and high-hazard dams: > 25 acre-feet

    “A construction permit is required from the DWR if a water control structure is constructed or modified”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Transient lodging rentals held out to the public for a charge in North Dakota.

    • A lodging license applies to buildings or structures held out to the public where sleeping accommodations are furnished to transient guests for a charge.
    • The lodging license does not apply to a single structure with five or fewer guest rooms and ten or fewer total occupants.
    • The lodging license also does not apply to a series or group of buildings or structures containing five or fewer guest rooms and ten or fewer total occupants.
    • License applications must be submitted at least 30 days before beginning construction or acquiring new ownership; new construction, renovation, or remodeling also requires the Section 3 Plan Review Checklist; after payment, review may take up to 30 calendar days.

    guest-room exemption threshold: <= 5 guest rooms or fewer (Only when total occupants are ten or fewer.) · occupant exemption threshold: <= 10 occupants or fewer (Only when the structure has five or fewer guest rooms.)

    “The lodging license does not apply to: Single structures with five or fewer guest rooms and ten or fewer total occupants.”
  • Campground & park staysLimited

    Camping at North Dakota state-park campsites and cabins administered by the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department.

    • Campsite and cabin occupancy is limited to no more than 14 nights in any 30-day period.
    • All vehicles entering a state park must have a valid daily or annual vehicle entrance permit, including overnight stays and day visits.
    • The cited rule concerns state-park facilities and does not determine camping on private land or land governed by local ordinances.

    maximum campsite or cabin occupancy: <= 14 nights in any 30-day period

    “Campsite and cabin occupancy is limited to no more than 14 nights in any 30-day period.”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    North Dakota counties adopting zoning regulations for land and buildings within the county, including unincorporated areas.

    • The authority is exercised by the board of county commissioners.
    • Regulation is subject to North Dakota Century Code chapter 54-21.3.
    • The authority covers the location and use of buildings and structures and the use, condition of use, or occupancy of lands for residence, recreation, and other purposes.
    • County zoning regulations must be made in accordance with a comprehensive plan.
    • A county may divide all or any parts of the county into districts, and regulations must be uniform within each district but may differ between districts.
    • County zoning regulations must account for the statutory limitations governing farming, ranching, and animal feeding operations in section 11-33-02.1.
    • The board must state the grounds for approving or disapproving zoning amendments or variances, and written findings must be included in the records.
    • The board must establish zoning requirements for solid waste disposal and incineration facilities before July 1, 1994.
    • The board may impose tipping or other fees on solid waste management and incineration facilities, but may not impose a fee under this section on an energy conversion facility or coal mining operation that disposes of its waste onsite.
    • The board may establish institutional controls addressing environmental concerns with the department of environmental quality under section 23.1-10-16.
    “For the purpose of promoting health, safety, morals, public convenience, general prosperity, and public welfare, the board of county commissioners of any county may regulate and restrict within the county, subject to chapter 54-21.3, the location and the use of buildings and structures and the use, condition of use, or occupancy of lands for residence, recreation, and other purposes.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder exemptions from building permits or building-code requirements.
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificate-of-occupancy requirements.
  • Lot coverage — Lot-coverage limits by zoning district.
  • Living in an RV — Residential or long-term RV occupancy on private land.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land.
2 more unanswered
  • Tiny homes
  • Accessory dwellings

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Golden Valley County, North Dakota

Is Golden Valley County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Golden Valley County scores 45/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 46 people within a 30-minute drive and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (16″/yr rainfall) and elevated current hazard exposure.

Do you need a building permit in Golden Valley County, North Dakota?

Golden Valley County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Southwestern District Health Unit. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Golden Valley County, North Dakota?

Land in Golden Valley County runs about $1,242 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Golden Valley County?

Golden Valley County gets about 16" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 15.5% of years.

How remote is Golden Valley County?

A representative private-land location has about 46 people within a 30-minute drive and 46,438 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Golden Valley County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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How Golden Valley compares in North Dakota

Compare side-by-side →See all 53 North Dakota counties ranked →