McIntosh County's composite score of 73.6 significantly outperforms the national median of 50.0, reflecting solid livability across multiple dimensions. The county demonstrates that smaller, rural North Dakota communities can still deliver above-average quality of life.
2 / 5
Slightly Below State Average
McIntosh scores just under the North Dakota average of 74.8, placing it in the middle tier of state counties. This positioning indicates a stable, mainstream livability profile without standout strengths or major vulnerabilities.
3 / 5
Extreme Affordability Leads the Way
McIntosh's cost score of 90.4 is among the highest dimensions, backed by a median home value of just $80,300 and rent at $600/month—making it one of North Dakota's most affordable counties. Health (72.0) and tax burden (71.9) also provide solid support for residents managing tight household budgets.
4 / 5
Income and Risk Drag Performance Down
The income score of 25.3 is notably low, with median household income of $64,236 well below state and county averages. Risk management (64.8) also underperforms relative to McIntosh's other dimensions, suggesting some economic or hazard vulnerabilities.
5 / 5
Best for Cost-of-Living Seekers
McIntosh County is purpose-built for those with modest incomes who prioritize ultra-low housing costs and a tight-knit rural community. Retirees on fixed incomes and young families watching expenses will find exceptional value here.
McIntosh County's composite score of 73.6 significantly outperforms the national median of 50.0, reflecting solid livability across multiple dimensions. The county demonstrates that smaller, rural North Dakota communities can still deliver above-average quality of life.
Slightly Below State Average
McIntosh scores just under the North Dakota average of 74.8, placing it in the middle tier of state counties. This positioning indicates a stable, mainstream livability profile without standout strengths or major vulnerabilities.
Extreme Affordability Leads the Way
McIntosh's cost score of 90.4 is among the highest dimensions, backed by a median home value of just $80,300 and rent at $600/month—making it one of North Dakota's most affordable counties. Health (72.0) and tax burden (71.9) also provide solid support for residents managing tight household budgets.
Income and Risk Drag Performance Down
The income score of 25.3 is notably low, with median household income of $64,236 well below state and county averages. Risk management (64.8) also underperforms relative to McIntosh's other dimensions, suggesting some economic or hazard vulnerabilities.
Best for Cost-of-Living Seekers
McIntosh County is purpose-built for those with modest incomes who prioritize ultra-low housing costs and a tight-knit rural community. Retirees on fixed incomes and young families watching expenses will find exceptional value here.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛71.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
McIntosh County's effective rate of 1.080% is still below the national median of 1.1%, placing it near the middle-to-lower tier nationally. The median property tax is $867 annually, less than a third of the national median of $2,690.
McIntosh ranks above state average
At 1.080%, McIntosh County's effective rate exceeds North Dakota's state average of 0.885%, putting it in the higher half of the state's counties. The median property tax of $867 is still below the statewide median of $1,460.
Higher rate than most neighbors
McIntosh County's 1.080% effective rate is notably higher than McKenzie County (0.412%), Mountrail County (0.527%), and McHenry County (0.663%). Only Mercer County (1.071%) matches McIntosh's tax burden in the eight-county region.
Your estimated annual property tax
On McIntosh's median home value of $80,300, you'll pay approximately $867 annually in property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages should budget $1,207, while outright owners pay closer to $707.
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.
McIntosh County offers exceptional rental affordability
McIntosh County's 11.2% rent-to-income ratio beats both the national standard and the North Dakota state average of 12.8%, delivering measurably cheaper housing relative to income. At $600 monthly rent against the national median household income of $74,755, renters here enjoy the lowest cost base among comparison counties.
McIntosh ranks among ND's most affordable options
With an 11.2% rent-to-income ratio and a median rent of just $600—a full 22% below the state average of $770—McIntosh County stands out as a affordability leader. The county consistently undercuts state-level housing costs while maintaining solid household income of $64,236.
McIntosh wins on cost among rural peers
McIntosh County's $600 median rent is the lowest among all comparison counties, 19% cheaper than McHenry County's $737 and 48% below McKenzie County's $1,153. Its 11.2% rent-to-income ratio ties McHenry for the best affordability in this cluster.
Most income remains after housing in McIntosh
Renters pay $600 monthly while homeowners pay just $489, the lowest owner cost across all comparison counties, freeing up substantial household resources. On a median income of $64,236, just 11.2% goes to rent, leaving nearly 89% available for other expenses.
McIntosh delivers the lowest housing costs
Relocating to North Dakota? McIntosh County offers the most aggressive housing cost advantage in this county group, with rents and owner costs significantly below peers. Its combination of low housing expenses and 11.2% rent-to-income ratio makes it ideal for budget-conscious movers.
McIntosh County's median household income of $64,236 lags the national median of $74,755 by $10,519, or about 14%. The county faces income headwinds compared to the typical American household.
Below-average earnings for North Dakota
McIntosh ranks among North Dakota's lower-income counties at $64,236, falling $8,301 short of the state average of $72,537. This positions the county in the lower third of statewide earnings.
Struggling among regional peers
McIntosh's $64,236 is the lowest income among its neighboring counties—nearly $24,000 behind McKenzie County's $88,289 and $16,000 below McLean County's $81,847. Only Nelson County approaches similar income levels in the region.
Housing costs remain manageable
McIntosh households spend 11.2% of their income on rent, staying comfortably below the 30% affordability guideline. The low median home value of $80,300 further signals that housing is one of the county's affordable advantages.
Maximize modest earnings strategically
With below-average household income, every dollar counts for McIntosh families. Prioritize building an emergency fund first, then explore low-cost investment options like employer retirement plans or automatic savings programs to grow wealth over time.
At 76.0 years, McIntosh County falls short of the US average of 76.4 years by less than half a year. However, 17.0% reporting poor or fair health exceeds the national average of 18%, signaling modest health concerns across the population.
Below state average on multiple health metrics
McIntosh's 76.0-year life expectancy lags North Dakota's 77.5-year average, ranking the county in the lower half statewide. The 17.0% poor/fair health rate also exceeds the state pattern, suggesting residents face more health challenges than typical North Dakota peers.
Lower life expectancy than surrounding counties
McIntosh's 76.0 years falls below McHenry (76.1) and McLean (76.8), placing it among the lower-performing neighbors. Its 8.2% uninsured rate is higher than McHenry's 5.5% but close to the state average of 7.5%.
Provider access available; uninsured rate rising
McIntosh has 80 primary care providers and 40 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, offering solid access to care. Yet 8.2% remain uninsured, slightly above the state average, leaving roughly 1 in 12 residents without coverage protections.
One in twelve McIntosh residents lacks coverage
With 8.2% uninsured, McIntosh has room to improve coverage rates—and healthcare.gov makes enrollment simple. Reach out to the county health department or a local navigator to explore plans; coverage can start as soon as next month.
McIntosh County's composite risk score of 35.21 puts it in the Very Low category, indicating substantially safer conditions than the typical U.S. county. While higher than its northwestern neighbors, McIntosh remains well-protected from severe multi-hazard exposure.
McIntosh ranks mid-tier for North Dakota
With a score of 35.21 versus North Dakota's state average of 22.19, McIntosh carries above-average risk for the state but still earns a Very Low rating. It ranks in the middle band of North Dakota counties when sorted by composite risk.
Higher risk than nearby McHenry County
McIntosh's score of 35.21 exceeds McHenry County (11.74) and Mercer County (13.87), but falls below McLean County (43.10) in the region. This positions McIntosh as moderately exposed compared to its immediate neighbors.
Wildfire dominates; tornadoes secondary
Wildfire risk reaches 70.77 in McIntosh, representing the county's most significant hazard by a wide margin. Tornado risk is substantially lower at 25.57, while flood and earthquake threats remain minimal.
Focus on wildfire and emergency plans
Ensure your homeowners insurance includes wildfire coverage and create a family evacuation plan given the county's high fire exposure. Keep emergency supplies accessible and stay informed through local emergency alerts during fire season.