McHenry County's composite score of 78.6 sits firmly above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top half of U.S. counties. This score reflects a county where affordability, tax burden, and risk management all perform stronger than the typical American county.
2 / 5
Above Average Within North Dakota
McHenry ranks above the North Dakota state average composite score of 74.8, making it one of the stronger-performing counties in the state. This positions it competitively among its peers in the region.
3 / 5
Tax Benefits and Affordable Housing Lead
McHenry excels in cost of living and tax burden, with a cost score of 84.4 and tax score of 83.6—meaning residents enjoy an effective tax rate of just 0.663% and median home values around $143,200. The county also scores high on risk management (88.3) and health (76.8), suggesting a stable, well-managed community.
4 / 5
Income Growth Lags Behind Livability
The income score of 36.0 is the county's weakest dimension, with a median household income of $80,614 trailing what stronger-income counties achieve. This income-livability gap suggests residents benefit from affordability but may face limited high-wage job opportunities.
5 / 5
Ideal for Budget-Conscious Families
McHenry County suits families and retirees prioritizing low taxes, affordable housing, and stable community management over maximum earning potential. The strong tax and cost scores make it especially attractive to those seeking to stretch limited incomes or reduce their tax burden.
McHenry County's composite score of 78.6 sits firmly above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top half of U.S. counties. This score reflects a county where affordability, tax burden, and risk management all perform stronger than the typical American county.
Above Average Within North Dakota
McHenry ranks above the North Dakota state average composite score of 74.8, making it one of the stronger-performing counties in the state. This positions it competitively among its peers in the region.
Tax Benefits and Affordable Housing Lead
McHenry excels in cost of living and tax burden, with a cost score of 84.4 and tax score of 83.6—meaning residents enjoy an effective tax rate of just 0.663% and median home values around $143,200. The county also scores high on risk management (88.3) and health (76.8), suggesting a stable, well-managed community.
Income Growth Lags Behind Livability
The income score of 36.0 is the county's weakest dimension, with a median household income of $80,614 trailing what stronger-income counties achieve. This income-livability gap suggests residents benefit from affordability but may face limited high-wage job opportunities.
Ideal for Budget-Conscious Families
McHenry County suits families and retirees prioritizing low taxes, affordable housing, and stable community management over maximum earning potential. The strong tax and cost scores make it especially attractive to those seeking to stretch limited incomes or reduce their tax burden.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛83.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.