HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
All Tax Guides
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Ransom County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Ransom County, ND. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

9 Official Sources
8 min read
Calculate Your True CostMortgage Calculator
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.8% to 1.2% of assessed value (varies by taxing districts including school, fire, and park districts)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Ransom County, North Dakota operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding source for local government services, including schools, roads, law enforcement, and county operations. Property taxes in Ransom County are assessed annually based on the property's market value as determined by the county assessor, with tax rates varying significantly depending on your location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts.

The effective property tax rate in Ransom County typically ranges from approximately 0.8% to 1.2% of assessed value, though this can vary based on your specific taxing districts, which may include school districts, park districts, fire districts, and other special assessments. Unlike some states, North Dakota does not cap property tax assessments, meaning your assessed value can increase to reflect full market value changes. Tax rates are determined annually by each taxing district based on their budget needs and the previous year's revenue requirements.

Your actual property tax bill will depend on both your property's assessed value and the combined tax rates of all applicable taxing districts in your specific location. It's important to note that most property tax credits and exemptions in North Dakota require annual application and are not automatically applied to your tax bill.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentApproximate Rate RangeDescription
County General0.15% - 0.25%County operations, roads, law enforcement
School District0.40% - 0.70%K-12 education funding
City/Township0.05% - 0.15%Municipal services (varies by jurisdiction)
Special Districts0.10% - 0.30%Fire, park, water, other special services
Total Combined0.70% - 1.40%Varies by location within county

Note: These rates are estimates for planning purposes. Actual FY 2025-2026 levy rates vary significantly by your specific location and combination of taxing districts. Contact the Ransom County Assessor's office for precise rates applicable to your property address, as rates are finalized based on each district's budget requirements and previous year revenue.

Special taxing districts within Ransom County create different tax rate combinations depending on your property location. Properties within city limits typically have different rates than rural properties, and some areas may have additional assessments for fire protection, park districts, or infrastructure improvements.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Ransom County, property taxes are due in two installments:

Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental taxes in North Dakota are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are significant changes to a property during the tax year. The most common triggers include new construction, major improvements or additions, changes in property use classification, or discovery of previously unassessed improvements by the county assessor.

When supplemental taxes are levied, they are calculated based on the increased assessed value multiplied by the applicable tax rates for all relevant taxing districts. The supplemental tax covers the period from when the change occurred through the end of the current tax year. For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in July, you would owe supplemental taxes on that added value from July through December of that tax year.

Supplemental tax bills are typically issued separately from your regular annual property tax bill and have their own due dates. Property owners receive notice of supplemental assessments and have the right to appeal the valuation through the same process as regular property tax appeals. These taxes are in addition to, not instead of, your regular annual property tax obligation.

Example Calculation

Property Value: $300,000

  • Assessed Value: $300,000 (100% of market value)
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$4,800 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $295,200
  • Tax Rate (estimated): 1.0%
  • Annual Tax: $2,952
  • Monthly Escrow: $246

Property Value: $600,000

  • Assessed Value: $600,000 (100% of market value)
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$4,800 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $595,200
  • Tax Rate (estimated): 1.0%
  • Annual Tax: $5,952
  • Monthly Escrow: $496

Property Value: $1,000,000

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000 (100% of market value)
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$4,800 (requires application)
  • Disabled Veteran Credit: -$2,400 (if applicable, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $992,800
  • Tax Rate (estimated): 1.0%
  • Annual Tax: $9,928
  • Monthly Escrow: $827

Note: All tax credits shown require annual application by February 1st. Actual tax rates vary by specific location within Ransom County. These examples use estimated average rates for illustration purposes only.

See How Taxes Affect Your Payment

Property taxes are just part of your total monthly cost. Get the full picture.

Calculate Now
Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Ransom County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, especially for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender will collect monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, typically calculated as 1/12th of your annual property tax bill plus a small cushion for potential increases.

Property taxes in Ransom County are generally due in two installments: the first installment due in April and the second installment due in October. Your mortgage servicer will pay these installments directly to the county from your escrow account. Lenders typically conduct an annual escrow analysis to ensure adequate funds are being collected, which may result in escrow payment adjustments if your property taxes increase or decrease significantly.

If you pay your mortgage off or refinance, you'll need to transition to paying property taxes directly to Ransom County. You can verify your escrow payments and ensure your lender is current on property tax payments by checking with the Ransom County Treasurer's office. Some lenders provide online access to escrow account details, showing how funds are collected and disbursed for property taxes and insurance.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Ransom County for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes are typically due in two installments: the first installment in April and the second installment in October. Contact the Ransom County Treasurer's office for exact due dates for FY 2025-2026.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: North Dakota offers several tax credits including Homestead Credit, Disabled Veteran Credit, and Senior Citizen/Disabled Person Credit. ALL credits require annual application by February 1st - they are not automatic. Contact the Ransom County Assessor's office for applications.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit is a tax credit (not an exemption) that reduces your tax bill and helps limit assessment increases on your primary residence. It requires annual application by February 1st and provides both a dollar credit and helps cap assessment growth year-over-year.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Ransom County? A: Properties are typically reassessed annually, with assessment notices mailed in spring. You have the right to appeal your assessment through the county Board of Equalization if you believe your property is overvalued.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments typically incur interest and penalty charges. Contact the Ransom County Treasurer's office for current penalty rates and payment options if you're behind on property taxes.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Many North Dakota counties offer online payment options. Check the Ransom County website or contact the Treasurer's office to confirm available online payment methods and any associated convenience fees.

Q: Why do property tax rates vary within Ransom County? A: Tax rates vary because different areas are served by different combinations of special taxing districts (school districts, fire districts, park districts, etc.). Your total rate depends on all the taxing districts that serve your specific property location.

Q: How do I find out which taxing districts apply to my property? A: Contact the Ransom County Assessor's office with your property address to determine which school district, fire district, and other special taxing districts serve your location, as this determines your total tax rate.

Verified Sources

Backed by 9 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
2025 - RANSOM - DOPP.pdftax.nd.gov
02
Tax Doc
LOCAL TAXES BY LOCATION Rates Effective January 1, 2026tax.nd.gov
03
2025 - RICHLAND - HERTSGAARD. ...tax.nd.gov
04
Tax Doc
Property Taxtax.nd.gov
05
Tax Doc
Property Tax Exemptions & Creditstax.nd.gov
06
august-2020-990-index.csvirs.gov
07
november-2020-990-index.csvirs.gov
08
SUMMARY OF KEY RECOMMENDATIONSndlegis.gov
09
County
Ransom Countynd.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

See the Full Picture of Your Home Costs

Property taxes are just one piece of homeownership. HonestCasa helps you understand your total monthly cost and explore safe ways to access your home equity.

Total Monthly Cost

Mortgage + taxes + insurance + HOA

Equity Growth

Track how your equity grows over time

Safe Equity Access

Options for projects or debt payoff

Run Your ScenarioTry Calculator

Free • No credit check • 2-minute estimate