McLean County's composite score of 74.5 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, reflecting balanced strengths across affordability, health, and tax dimensions. This score places the county in the better half of American counties.
2 / 5
Aligned With North Dakota Standards
McLean sits just below the state average of 74.8, marking it as a representative example of livability across North Dakota. The county maintains consistent performance without dramatic peaks or valleys.
3 / 5
Tax and Cost Efficiency Dominate
McLean scores strongly on affordability (cost score 82.0) with a median home value of $233,100 and rent at $768/month, plus a solid tax score of 81.2. Health (76.1) and income (36.8) also contribute to a rounded profile.
4 / 5
Risk Management Lags Behind
The risk score of 56.9 is McLean's weakest dimension, suggesting potential economic volatility or hazard exposure compared to other state counties. This area warrants attention for long-term planning.
5 / 5
Balanced Choice for Stability Seekers
McLean County appeals to families and professionals seeking a balanced mix of affordability, reasonable incomes, and low taxes without premium housing costs. It's ideal for those prioritizing steady stability over growth or exceptional bargains.
McLean County's composite score of 74.5 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, reflecting balanced strengths across affordability, health, and tax dimensions. This score places the county in the better half of American counties.
Aligned With North Dakota Standards
McLean sits just below the state average of 74.8, marking it as a representative example of livability across North Dakota. The county maintains consistent performance without dramatic peaks or valleys.
Tax and Cost Efficiency Dominate
McLean scores strongly on affordability (cost score 82.0) with a median home value of $233,100 and rent at $768/month, plus a solid tax score of 81.2. Health (76.1) and income (36.8) also contribute to a rounded profile.
Risk Management Lags Behind
The risk score of 56.9 is McLean's weakest dimension, suggesting potential economic volatility or hazard exposure compared to other state counties. This area warrants attention for long-term planning.
Balanced Choice for Stability Seekers
McLean County appeals to families and professionals seeking a balanced mix of affordability, reasonable incomes, and low taxes without premium housing costs. It's ideal for those prioritizing steady stability over growth or exceptional bargains.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛81.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
McLean County's effective rate of 0.750% remains well below the national median of 1.1%, positioning it in the bottom quarter of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $1,748 is still $942 less than the national median of $2,690.
Slightly below state average
McLean County's 0.750% effective rate is lower than North Dakota's state average of 0.885%. The median property tax of $1,748 is $288 higher than the statewide median of $1,460, reflecting higher property values in the county.
Mid-range among neighboring counties
McLean County's 0.750% rate falls between McHenry (0.663%) and Nelson (0.803%), but below McIntosh (1.080%) and Mercer (1.071%). It's notably higher than McKenzie (0.412%) and Mountrail (0.527%).
Your estimated annual property tax
On McLean's median home value of $233,100, you'll pay approximately $1,748 annually in property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages should budget $1,833, while those owning outright pay closer to $1,671.
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.
McLean County maintains solid national affordability
McLean County's 11.3% rent-to-income ratio sits just below the national standard of 12%, providing reliable affordability for both renters and homeowners. With median household income at $81,847—9% above the national median—residents maintain strong financial capacity for housing and other expenses.
McLean County ranks favorably within North Dakota
At 11.3% rent-to-income, McLean County beats the state average of 12.8%, while its median rent of $768 nearly matches the state norm at $770. The county delivers consistent, state-competitive affordability for renting households.
McLean sits in the middle of the affordability band
McLean County's $768 median rent falls just above McHenry's $737 while remaining significantly lower than McKenzie's $1,153, positioning it as a mid-range option. Its 11.3% rent-to-income ratio groups it with McHenry and McIntosh as among the state's most affordable counties.
Housing costs balanced between rent and ownership
Renters pay $768 monthly while homeowners pay $831, with median home values at $233,100 reflecting moderate appreciation and stable demand. On a $81,847 median income, just 11.3% goes to rent, preserving substantial household purchasing power.
McLean offers accessible ownership pathways
For relocators seeking homeownership, McLean County combines moderate home values at $233,100 with above-average incomes and 11.3% rent-to-income affordability. The county's balanced rental and ownership markets make it a solid choice for families weighing their housing options in rural North Dakota.
McLean County's median household income of $81,847 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $7,092, or 9.5%. This positions the county well above most American households in earning capacity.
Second-highest in the state
McLean ranks among North Dakota's top earners at $81,847, beating the state average of $72,537 by more than $9,300. Only McKenzie County outpaces McLean's income performance statewide.
Near the top of the region
McLean's $81,847 ranks second among its eight neighboring counties, just $6,442 below McKenzie County's exceptional $88,289 and $1,233 above McHenry County. The county shares similar prosperity with Mountrail County at $81,292.
Solid affordability with growing costs
McLean households spend 11.3% of income on rent, well below the 30% affordability ceiling and leaving healthy budget flexibility. The median home value of $233,100 is moderate for the region, suggesting balanced housing markets.
Strong income, stronger future
McLean's above-average earnings and affordable housing create excellent conditions for wealth accumulation. Direct your income advantage toward long-term investments, education savings for children, or business ventures to compound your financial advantage.
At 76.8 years, McLean County residents live longer than the US average of 76.4 years, adding roughly four months of lifespan. Only 14.1% report poor or fair health, beating the US average of 18% and indicating strong population wellness.
Slightly above state average for life expectancy
McLean's 76.8-year life expectancy edges ahead of North Dakota's 77.5-year state average by 0.7 years, placing it in the upper-middle tier statewide. The county's 14.1% poor/fair health rate ranks among the state's best.
Second-best life expectancy in regional group
McLean's 76.8 years ranks second only to Mercer County (79.3) and ahead of McHenry (76.1) and McKenzie (74.3). The 7.3% uninsured rate is the second-lowest among nearby counties, suggesting strong healthcare access.
McLean has 31 primary care and 41 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, offering reasonable access to both types of care. With just 7.3% uninsured—below the state average of 7.5%—most residents can navigate the healthcare system affordably.
Already well-covered; confirm your plan details
McLean's 92.7% insurance coverage rate is excellent, but it's still worth reviewing your current plan online or by phone. Check healthcare.gov or contact your employer's HR to ensure your coverage includes your preferred providers and meets your health needs.
McLean County's composite score of 43.10 earns a Relatively Low rating—higher than most U.S. counties but still below the high-risk threshold. The county's exposure reflects meaningful hazard presence without reaching severe levels.
McLean ranks among higher-risk ND counties
At 43.10, McLean's score nearly doubles North Dakota's state average of 22.19, placing it in the upper half of state counties by risk. Still, the Relatively Low rating indicates the county remains well-managed and resilient.
Riskiest county in the immediate region
McLean's score of 43.10 exceeds all nearby counties including McHenry (11.74), McKenzie (25.03), and Mercer (13.87), making it the area's highest-risk location. Only Morton County (49.59) registers higher composite risk in the broader vicinity.
Tornado and flood risks dominate
Tornado risk reaches 45.55 in McLean—well above state typical exposure—and flood risk climbs to 33.11, creating dual concerns. Wildfire risk is also substantial at 76.97, while earthquake risk remains low.
Strengthen home against storms and floods
Confirm your policy covers both tornado/wind damage and flood risk; standard homeowners insurance excludes floods, so a separate policy may be needed. Reinforce your safe room, maintain gutters and drainage, and sign up for emergency alerts.