countyscore
60.1
County Score
Water Quality 86Income & Jobs 85.7Health 76.1

County Report Card

About McLean County, North Dakota

McLean County offers competitive livability

Earning a composite score of 60.1, McLean County beats the national median of 50.0. It provides a reliable quality of life compared to most American counties.

Consistent with state averages

McLean's score of 60.1 is roughly on par with the North Dakota state average of 61.5. It functions as a stable representative of the state's central region.

Strong income and clean resources

The county achieves an income score of 85.7, supported by a median household income of $81,847. Excellent water quality and high health scores further bolster its profile.

Investing in local education

School quality is the county's weakest metric, scoring 37.4 in this dimension. Risk and safety scores are moderate, suggesting steady but unremarkable environmental security.

The verdict: Good for established workers

McLean County is an excellent fit for mid-career professionals looking for strong wages and reasonable rent. At $768 per month, gross rent remains accessible relative to high local salaries.

Score breakdown

Tax57.7Cost61.1Safety59.3Health76.1Schools37.4Income85.7Risk56.9Water86Weather39.9
🏛57.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠61.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼85.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡59.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤76.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓37.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡56.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤39.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨63.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱46.9
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

Mercer County
North Dakota
60.6
Oliver County
North Dakota
74.1
Dunn County
North Dakota
61.5
Sheridan County
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Burleigh County
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Mountrail County
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Ward County
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Morton County
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38.5

Deep Dives

McLean County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in McLean County

via TaxByCounty

McLean rates stay below national average

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in McLean County

via CostByCounty

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in McLean County

via IncomeByCounty

McLean leads 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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in McLean County

via CrimeByCounty

McLean County Safety Matches State Average

McLean County earns a safety score of 98.5, aligning perfectly with the North Dakota state average. Its total crime rate of 940.6 per 100K is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This data reinforces the county's reputation as a safe place to live.

Consistent Performance Across the State

With a total crime rate of 940.6, McLean stays just under the state average of 976.6. The county's safety score of 98.5 matches the state benchmark, showing consistent performance across two reporting agencies. It maintains a stable position within North Dakota's safety rankings.

A Middle Ground Among Neighbors

McLean's total crime rate of 940.6 is slightly higher than McHenry's 863.7 but lower than Mountrail's 953.5. Its violent crime rate of 122.7 is nearly identical to the state average of 121.0. This makes McLean a middle-of-the-pack performer among its regional neighbors.

Low Risk of Violent Incident

Property crime accounts for 817.9 incidents per 100K, which is well below the national rate of 2,015.7. Violent crime occurs at a rate of 122.7 per 100K, mirroring the state's typical experience. These figures translate to a low probability of encountering serious crime for most residents.

Vigilance Protects McLean Residents

Keeping your property well-lit and secure is the best defense against opportunistic crime. Even with a high safety score, residents should remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to local authorities. A few small precautions can go a long way in maintaining McLean's security.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in McLean County

via HealthByCounty

McLean beats US average on longevity

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.

Adequate provider access; strong insurance coverage

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in McLean County

via SchoolsByCounty

Broad Educational Reach Across Seven Districts

McLean County supports 1,738 students through a network of 14 public schools managed by 7 different districts. The county maintains an equal balance between 7 elementary and 7 high school facilities. This distributed system ensures that students in every corner of the county have local access to education.

Focusing on Student Success and Efficiency

McLean County spends $7,923 per pupil, which is notably lower than both the state average of $9,385 and the national average of $13,000. The graduation rate of 81.7% trails the state average of 84.8%, while the composite school score of 51.2 reflects a need for continued investment. These metrics highlight a system working to maintain standards with lean resources.

Garrison and Wilton Anchor the County

Garrison 51 is the largest district, educating 388 students, followed by Wilton 1 with 278 students. These districts provide the core of the county's secondary education alongside five other smaller districts. The county does not host any charter schools, relying instead on its diverse array of seven traditional public districts.

Classic Rural Education Across 14 Campuses

The county's schools are entirely rural, with an average enrollment of 124 students per school. Bob Callies Elementary is the largest school, serving 226 students in Garrison, while several high schools offer even smaller, more intimate learning environments. This rural setting provides a traditional North Dakota school experience for all residents.

Roots Run Deep in McLean County

Families seeking a community where the school is the heart of town will find McLean County an attractive option. Homes in Garrison or Wilton offer proximity to the county's largest and most established educational programs. Evaluate the local school district's commitment to community as you plan your family's next move.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in McLean County

via RiskByCounty

McLean carries elevated but manageable risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in McLean County

via WeatherByCounty

Upper Midwest Temperature Extremes

McLean County's annual average of 41.2°F is more than 10 degrees cooler than the national median. This climate requires resilient infrastructure to handle large seasonal swings.

Right at the State Average

The county's 41.2°F average temperature perfectly mirrors the North Dakota average of 41.0°F. Precipitation is also typical for the region at 18.1 inches annually.

Typical Snowfall for the Region

The county's 43.6 inches of snow is similar to McKenzie's 42.3 inches but lower than Mountrail's 48.5 inches. This makes it a standard representative for Central North Dakota weather.

Frigid Januaries and Moderate Summers

January brings average temperatures of 10.6°F, while July heats up to 69.3°F. Residents experience about 13 days of extreme heat and a summer average of 67.0°F.

Insulate Against the Winter Chill

With winter averages of 13.8°F, proper attic insulation is a top priority for homeowners. Be ready for significant snow cleanup throughout the 43.6-inch winter season.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in McLean County

via SoilByCounty

Stable Alkaline Soils of McLean

McLean County features an alkaline soil pH of 7.12, staying close to the state average of 7.18. This measurement remains significantly higher than the national median of 6.5, influencing local nutrient availability for native plants.

Balanced Minerals and Soil Structure

The soil contains 40.8% sand, 37.6% silt, and 21.1% clay. This mixture provides a stable structure that balances drainage needs with the ability to retain essential minerals throughout the year.

Healthy Matter and Reliable Capacity

Organic matter sits at a healthy 4.09%, doubling the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity matches the state average of 0.186 in/in, ensuring reliable moisture for consistent crop development.

Natural Aeration for Healthy Roots

Although dominant drainage classes are not recorded, the 40.8% sand content ensures the ground does not become overly compacted. This natural texture facilitates healthy aeration for roots and helps manage runoff during heavy rains.

Ideal for Hardy Berries and Alfalfa

Falling within Hardiness Zone 4a, this area is well-suited for alfalfa and hardy berries. The reliable soil score of 63.7 suggests that local gardeners will find great success with established northern vegetable varieties.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in McLean County

via LawnByCounty

Managing the Mid-Range in McLean

McLean County scores a 46.9 for lawn difficulty, indicating a climate that is more demanding than the national average. Gardeners in this Hardiness Zone 4a region must balance a short growing season with the need for winter protection.

Steady Heat and Low Rain

The county sees 13 extreme heat days annually, exactly matching the state average, but struggles with a low 18.1 inches of rain. With 2,116 growing degree days, the environment supports growth only if supplemental water is provided regularly.

Consistent Silt and Clay Mix

With a pH of 7.12, the soil is nearly neutral but leans toward alkaline. The balance of 40.8% sand and 21.1% clay provides a stable structure, though adding compost can help buffer the pH and improve nutrient availability.

Overcoming Prolonged Dry Periods

McLean County spent 22 weeks in drought over the last year, necessitating a smart approach to water usage. Mulching lawn clippings back into the turf is a great way to retain soil moisture during these frequent dry stretches.

Start Early in McLean

Kentucky Bluegrass is a regional favorite that handles the 4a winters well. Be ready to seed shortly after the May 12 last frost to ensure the roots are established before the September 30 first frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is McLean County's county score?
McLean County, North Dakota has a composite county score of 60.1 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 McLean County rank among counties in North Dakota?
McLean County ranks #39 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 McLean County, North Dakota?
The median annual property tax in McLean County is $1,748, with an effective tax rate of 0.75%. This earns McLean County a tax score of 57.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in McLean County?
The median household income in McLean County, North Dakota is $81,847 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. McLean County earns an income score of 85.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is McLean County, North Dakota a good place to live?
McLean County scores 60.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #39 in North Dakota. The best way to evaluate McLean 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 McLean County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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