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McHenry County, North Dakota — County Report Card

ND

#11 in North Dakota

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
69.3
County Score
Disaster Risk 88.3Income & Jobs 84.5Health 78.9

County Report Card

About McHenry County, North Dakota

McHenry County outperforms the national median

With a composite score of 69.3, McHenry County sits well above the national median of 50.0. This score places the county among the more desirable rural areas in the United States.

A leader in North Dakota livability

McHenry County's score of 69.3 significantly beats the North Dakota state average of 61.5. It remains one of the state's most balanced counties for overall quality of life.

High incomes and environmental security

The county excels with an income score of 84.5 and a median household income of $80,614. Its risk score of 88.3 also indicates exceptional resilience against natural disasters.

Managing water quality and infrastructure

Water quality is the primary area for improvement, with a score of 25.6 lagging behind other dimensions. Addressing these infrastructure needs could further elevate the county's total score.

The verdict: Ideal for stable families

This county suits families looking for high earning potential and low natural risk. With a low effective tax rate of 0.663%, it offers a strong financial foundation.

Score breakdown

Tax67.1Cost72.8Safety62.6Health78.9Schools70.6Income84.5Risk88.3Water25.6Weather40.8
🏛67.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠72.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼84.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡62.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤78.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓70.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡88.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧25.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤40.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨61.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱49.5
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Bottineau County
North Dakota
61.3
Pierce County
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63.9
Sheridan County
North Dakota
62.1
Rolette County
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Ward County
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Renville County
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McLean County
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Wells County
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Deep Dives

McHenry County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in McHenry County

via TaxByCounty

McHenry's tax rate beats national average

McHenry County's effective tax rate of 0.663% is less than half the national median of 1.1%, placing it in the bottom 20% of U.S. counties by tax burden. The median property tax here is just $949 annually, compared to the national median of $2,690—a difference of $1,741 per year.

Below average in North Dakota

McHenry County ranks in the lower half of North Dakota counties, with an effective rate of 0.663% versus the state average of 0.885%. Homeowners here pay $949 in median property tax, about $511 less than the statewide median of $1,460.

Cheaper than nearby counties

McHenry County's rate of 0.663% is lower than McIntosh County (1.080%) and Nelson County (0.803%), though it's slightly higher than McKenzie County (0.412%). Among the eight-county region, only McKenzie offers a substantially lower effective rate.

Your estimated annual property tax

On McHenry's median home value of $143,200, expect to pay approximately $949 per year in property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $1,021 due to escrow requirements, while those owning outright pay closer to $872.

Could your assessment be wrong?

Many North Dakota homeowners discover their property is overassessed during appeal windows. If you believe your home's valuation is inaccurate, filing a tax assessment appeal could reduce your annual bill—often with minimal paperwork and no filing fee.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in McHenry County

via CostByCounty

McHenry County beats the national affordability mark

At 11.0%, McHenry County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national threshold of 12%, meaning housing costs consume less of household income here than for the average American. With a median household income of $80,614—7% above the national median of $74,755—residents enjoy stronger income cushion for other expenses.

Among North Dakota's most affordable counties

McHenry County's 11.0% rent-to-income ratio ranks it in the affordable tier statewide, outpacing the North Dakota average of 12.8%. Renters here pay $737 per month against an 8% lower cost compared to the state median rent of $770.

McHenry stays competitive with similar counties

McHenry County's $737 median rent falls between neighboring McIntosh County at $600 and McLean County at $768, offering a middle-ground option. Its 11.0% rent-to-income ratio matches McIntosh's affordability while maintaining higher median incomes than most comparable rural counties.

Housing takes 11% of income in McHenry

Renters spend $737 monthly while homeowners pay $712, a notably balanced split reflecting the county's mixed housing market. With median household income at $80,614, both renting and buying allow substantial room in household budgets for savings and other priorities.

Consider McHenry for balanced affordability

If you're weighing North Dakota counties for relocation, McHenry County delivers above-average income levels paired with below-state-average housing costs. Compare its 11.0% rent-to-income ratio against McKenzie County's tight 15.7% to see how location choices directly impact your financial flexibility.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in McHenry County

via IncomeByCounty

McHenry outearns the nation

McHenry County's median household income of $80,614 runs 7.8% ahead of the national median of $74,755. This strong earnings position reflects the county's stable economy and workforce compared to most U.S. counties.

A top performer in North Dakota

McHenry ranks among North Dakota's higher-income counties at $80,614, surpassing the state average of $72,537 by more than $8,000. The county consistently outperforms statewide norms for household earnings.

Competitive with nearby counties

McHenry's $80,614 sits in the middle range of its regional peers—below McKenzie County's $88,289 but above McIntosh County's $64,236. It matches closely with McLean County ($81,847), indicating similar economic conditions across the region.

Rent is very affordable here

With a rent-to-income ratio of just 11.0%, McHenry households spend less than one-eighth of income on rent—well below the 30% affordability threshold. This leaves ample room in household budgets for savings and other essentials.

Build on your earnings advantage

McHenry's above-average incomes and low housing costs create an ideal window for wealth-building. Consider dedicating a portion of your savings advantage to a diversified investment portfolio or retirement account to compound your financial security over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in McHenry County

via CrimeByCounty

McHenry County Outperforms National Safety Standards

With a total crime rate of 863.7 per 100K, McHenry County is significantly safer than the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns an impressive safety score of 98.6 out of 100. This indicates a high level of security compared to most American communities.

A Leader in North Dakota Safety

McHenry County's safety score of 98.6 slightly exceeds the North Dakota state average of 98.5. Its total crime rate also sits below the state average of 976.6 per 100K. Local figures come from a single reporting agency and should be interpreted with that focused scope in mind.

Safer Than Many Regional Neighbors

McHenry County reports a lower total crime rate than nearby McLean County, which sits at 940.6 per 100K. However, its violent crime rate of 169.0 is higher than McLean's 122.7. Despite these differences, it remains a regional leader in overall low crime frequency.

Property Crime vs Violent Incidents

Property crime accounts for the majority of local offenses at 694.7 per 100K, while violent crime remains low at 169.0. Both metrics are well under national benchmarks of 2,015.7 for property and 369.8 for violent crime. Residents are statistically far more likely to face theft than physical harm.

Maintaining Peace of Mind in McHenry

Low crime rates offer peace of mind, but basic precautions like motion-sensor lighting can further deter opportunistic theft. Staying proactive helps the community maintain its high safety score. Awareness of local trends ensures McHenry remains one of the state's safest spots.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in McHenry County

via HealthByCounty

McHenry's life expectancy edges above US average

At 76.1 years, McHenry County residents live about as long as the typical American—the US average is 76.4 years. Just 14.6% report poor or fair health, a rate below the national average of 18%, suggesting residents here enjoy relatively good health outcomes.

Slightly below state average for longevity

North Dakota's average life expectancy of 77.5 years tops McHenry's 76.1 years by 1.4 years, placing the county in the middle of the state's health rankings. The county's 14.6% poor/fair health rate beats the state pattern, indicating pockets of strong wellness.

Holding steady among regional peers

McHenry's 76.1-year life expectancy sits between McLean County (76.8) and McIntosh County (76.0), placing it squarely in the middle of its regional cluster. The county's 5.5% uninsured rate is the lowest among nearby counties, giving residents better healthcare access entry points.

Strong insurance coverage, provider data limited

McHenry's 5.5% uninsured rate—well below the state average of 7.5%—means most residents have healthcare coverage. Specific provider counts are not currently available, but the strong insurance rate suggests residents can access primary and mental health care when needed.

Already insured? Verify your coverage today

With 5.5% of McHenry residents uninsured, most have protection—but it's worth double-checking your plan. Visit healthcare.gov or contact a local insurance agent to confirm your coverage meets your family's needs and explore any new options for 2024.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in McHenry County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Rural Network of Dedicated Community Schools

McHenry County operates 10 public schools across 4 distinct districts, serving a total of 924 students. The infrastructure is evenly split between five elementary schools and five high schools, creating a direct pipeline for student advancement. This rural network ensures localized education for families spread throughout the county.

High Graduation Rates and Efficient Spending

The county boasts an impressive 90.5% graduation rate, significantly outpacing both the North Dakota state average of 84.8% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. While per-pupil expenditure of $9,943 is higher than the state average, it remains well below the national median of $13,000. These investments yield a strong school score of 60.1, surpassing the state's average of 54.8.

Velva and TGU Lead the County Districts

Velva 1 is the largest district by enrollment, educating 440 students across two primary campuses. The TGU 60 district manages the most facilities with six schools serving 340 students. Currently, there are no charter schools in the county, with traditional public districts providing 100% of the educational programming.

Intimate Rural Learning Environments

Every school in the county is classified as rural, offering an average school size of just 116 students. Velva Elementary is the largest campus with 224 students, while Drake High School offers an intimate setting for its 73 students. This small-scale environment allows for personalized attention and strong teacher-student bonds.

Invest in a Community Focused on Success

Families looking for high-achieving schools in a quiet, rural setting should explore the diverse housing options near Velva and Towner. With graduation rates exceeding national averages, McHenry County offers a stable foundation for your children's future. Consider local school quality as a primary driver for your next home purchase here.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in McHenry County

via RiskByCounty

McHenry ranks well below national risk

With a composite risk score of 11.74, McHenry County sits in the Very Low category—significantly safer than the typical U.S. county. The county's overall risk profile is well below the national average, making it one of North Dakota's most resilient communities when it comes to natural disaster exposure.

McHenry is among ND's safest counties

McHenry's score of 11.74 places it well below North Dakota's state average of 22.19, ranking it among the lowest-risk counties in the state. This strong position reflects relatively modest hazard exposure across most disaster types.

Safer than neighboring counties

McHenry's risk score of 11.74 beats nearby Mountrail County (21.37) and McKenzie County (25.03), making it one of the safest areas in northwestern North Dakota. Only Nelson County (7.92) edges out McHenry in overall resilience across the region.

Wildfire poses the greatest threat

Wildfire risk reaches 87.44 in McHenry County—the county's dominant hazard concern by far. Tornado risk is much lower at 27.61, and flood and earthquake risks remain minimal, making preparedness focused on wildland fire most important.

Prioritize wildfire coverage and prep

Given McHenry's elevated wildfire exposure, ensure your homeowners policy covers wildfire damage and consider defensible space around your property. Review your coverage annually and maintain emergency supplies in case of rapid evacuation.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in McHenry County

via WeatherByCounty

Northern Latitude Weather in McHenry

McHenry County averages 40.1°F annually, placing it firmly in the cold continental climate zone. This average is nearly 15 degrees below the national median temperature.

Cooler than the North Dakota Average

The county’s 40.1°F annual temperature is nearly one degree lower than the state average of 41.0°F. Precipitation is also lower than average, with only 18.4 inches falling annually.

Drier than the Eastern Counties

McHenry is noticeably drier than Grand Forks, receiving about 4 inches less precipitation per year. It is warmer than Griggs County (39.3°F) but cooler than Logan (41.7°F).

Sharp Winters and Balanced Summers

The county experiences 43.3 inches of snow and a winter average of 11.5°F. July is warm at 68.9°F, and the area sees about 12 days of extreme heat reaching above 90°F.

Prepare for Long Winter Months

Winter readiness is paramount given the 8.2°F January average and 43.3 inches of snow. While summers have 12 heat days, the primary climate challenge for residents is the sustained winter cold.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in McHenry County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Sands of McHenry County

McHenry County features an alkaline soil profile with an average pH of 7.21, notably higher than the national median of 6.5. This slight alkalinity sits just above the North Dakota state average of 7.18.

A Sandy Foundation for Growth

The soil contains 49.3% sand, 30.6% silt, and 18.4% clay. This high sand content suggests rapid water movement and easier tilling compared to the heavier clay soils found in other parts of the state.

High Organic Matter Boosts Yields

Organic matter reaches a rich 5.36%, significantly outperforming the national average of 2.0%. While the water capacity of 0.177 in/in is slightly below the state average, the nutrient-dense soil provides a strong foundation for local crops.

Natural Aeration and Rapid Drainage

Local records do not specify a dominant drainage class, but the 49.3% sand ratio indicates naturally porous behavior. This composition helps prevent waterlogging during the spring thaw, though it may require more frequent irrigation in dry summers.

Hardy Crops for Zone 4a

Situated in Hardiness Zone 4a, McHenry County supports hearty staples like spring wheat and sunflowers. Gardeners can thrive here by choosing cold-hardy varieties that leverage the exceptionally high organic content.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in McHenry County

via LawnByCounty

McHenry County’s Moderate Lawn Challenge

With a lawn difficulty score of 49.5, McHenry County is slightly more challenging than the national median of 50.0 and below the North Dakota average of 54.0. The USDA Hardiness Zone 4a designation means homeowners must choose exceptionally hardy turf to survive the harsh winter temperatures.

Limited Rain Drives Watering Needs

The county receives just 18.4 inches of annual precipitation, which is less than half of the 40 inches many lawns require. With 12 extreme heat days and 2,052 growing degree days, lawns face intense periods of stress that require supplemental irrigation to stay green.

Sandy Soils and Alkaline pH

The soil is comprised of 49.3% sand and 18.4% clay, suggesting high drainage rates that can dry out grass roots quickly. At a pH of 7.21, the soil is slightly more alkaline than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, which may limit the availability of some essential nutrients.

Managing 15 Weeks of Drought

McHenry County experienced 15 weeks of drought over the past year, making water conservation a critical part of lawn care. While current conditions are clear of drought, practicing deep, infrequent watering will help your lawn build the resilience needed for future dry periods.

Planting for Success in McHenry

Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescue are the best choices for this 4a climate. Plan to seed after the final spring frost around May 15, or during the late summer window before the first fall frost arrives on September 25.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is McHenry County's county score?
McHenry County, North Dakota has a composite county score of 69.3 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does McHenry County rank among counties in North Dakota?
McHenry County ranks #11 among all counties in North Dakota on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in McHenry County, North Dakota?
The median annual property tax in McHenry County is $949, with an effective tax rate of 0.66%. This earns McHenry County a tax score of 67.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in McHenry County?
The median household income in McHenry County, North Dakota is $80,614 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. McHenry County earns an income score of 84.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is McHenry County, North Dakota a good place to live?
McHenry County scores 69.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #11 in North Dakota. The best way to evaluate McHenry County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare McHenry County with other counties side by side.

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.