Morton County's composite score of 68.2 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it above average compared to U.S. counties overall. However, it is the lowest-scoring county in this profile, indicating room for improvement.
2 / 5
Below North Dakota Average
Morton scores notably below the state average of 74.8, making it one of the weaker-performing counties within North Dakota. This gap suggests the county faces more structural livability challenges than its peers.
3 / 5
Health and Tax Foundations
Morton performs most consistently in health (75.7) and tax burden (73.4), providing a reasonable foundation for residents. Median household income of $79,483 is moderate for the state.
4 / 5
Risk and Cost Vulnerabilities
The risk score of 50.4—tied to the national median—suggests Morton faces elevated economic or environmental hazards compared to stronger state counties. Cost (71.4) is below state norms, with median home values at $249,600.
5 / 5
For Resilient, Adaptable Residents
Morton County works best for residents comfortable with economic volatility and willing to build adaptability into their financial planning. It offers moderate stability and affordability, but fewer safety cushions than higher-scoring counties.
Morton County's composite score of 68.2 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it above average compared to U.S. counties overall. However, it is the lowest-scoring county in this profile, indicating room for improvement.
Below North Dakota Average
Morton scores notably below the state average of 74.8, making it one of the weaker-performing counties within North Dakota. This gap suggests the county faces more structural livability challenges than its peers.
Health and Tax Foundations
Morton performs most consistently in health (75.7) and tax burden (73.4), providing a reasonable foundation for residents. Median household income of $79,483 is moderate for the state.
Risk and Cost Vulnerabilities
The risk score of 50.4—tied to the national median—suggests Morton faces elevated economic or environmental hazards compared to stronger state counties. Cost (71.4) is below state norms, with median home values at $249,600.
For Resilient, Adaptable Residents
Morton County works best for residents comfortable with economic volatility and willing to build adaptability into their financial planning. It offers moderate stability and affordability, but fewer safety cushions than higher-scoring counties.
Score breakdown
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🏛73.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Morton County's effective rate of 1.026% is slightly below the national median of 1.1%, placing it near the 50th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $2,562 is just $128 less than the national median of $2,690.
Above average for North Dakota
Morton County's 1.026% effective rate is notably higher than North Dakota's state average of 0.885%. The median property tax of $2,562 is $1,102 above the statewide median of $1,460, reflecting the county's higher property values.
Tied for highest tax burden in region
Morton County's 1.026% rate ranks among the highest in the eight-county area, second only to McIntosh (1.080%) and nearly matching Mercer (1.071%). It's significantly higher than McKenzie (0.412%), Mountrail (0.527%), and McHenry (0.663%).
Your estimated annual property tax
On Morton's median home value of $249,600, expect approximately $2,562 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $2,677, while those owning outright pay closer to $2,372.
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.
Morton County's housing costs exceed national norms
Morton County's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio surpasses the national standard of 12%, reflecting elevated housing costs relative to household income. At $1,036 monthly rent against a median household income of $79,483, renters face affordability pressure above the national baseline.
Morton County ranks among ND's tightest markets
With a 15.6% rent-to-income ratio and median rent of $1,036—35% above the state average of $770—Morton County sits among North Dakota's costlier housing markets. The county's affordability gap reflects regional economic activity and demand concentration.
Morton competes with McKenzie and Mercer on cost
Morton County's $1,036 median rent closely mirrors Mercer County's $1,043 while remaining slightly below McKenzie's $1,153, placing it squarely in the state's high-cost cluster. All three counties run 35-50% above the rural state median.
Morton allocates 16% of income to rent
Renters pay $1,036 monthly while homeowners face a steeper $1,193 cost, the highest owner payment in this county cluster. On a $79,483 median income, the 15.6% rent-to-income ratio leaves less financial flexibility compared to lower-cost counties.
Morton offers opportunity with premium housing costs
Morton County's strong job market and economic activity come with a housing cost premium: 15.6% rent-to-income, among the state's highest. Relocators should weigh the county's employment opportunities against its above-average housing expenses compared to peers like McHenry or McIntosh.
Morton County's median household income of $79,483 runs 6.3% above the national median of $74,755. The county performs solidly compared to U.S. household earnings overall.
Upper-middle earnings for the state
Morton's $79,483 beats North Dakota's state average of $72,537 by nearly $7,000, placing the county in the upper half of statewide income rankings. Per capita income of $45,337 also exceeds state norms.
Mid-tier income among peers
Morton's $79,483 ranks in the middle of its eight neighboring counties—well below McKenzie's $88,289 but comparable to McHenry ($80,614) and Mercer ($79,405). The county shares similar economic momentum with these stable regional peers.
Housing costs strain household budgets
Morton's rent-to-income ratio of 15.6% indicates that housing is consuming a notably higher share of income than in low-cost neighboring counties. The median home value of $249,600 reflects inflation in the regional housing market.
Plan strategically amid rising costs
Morton families should establish clear financial goals as housing costs squeeze household budgets. Explore employer benefits like flexible spending accounts, boost retirement contributions, and consider refinancing opportunities to free up cash flow for wealth-building.
At 77.3 years, Morton County residents live about one year longer than the US average of 76.4 years. With 15.6% reporting poor or fair health—below the US average of 18%—the county shows solid health outcomes overall.
Matches state average on longevity metrics
Morton's 77.3-year life expectancy is slightly below North Dakota's 77.5-year state average, placing it just below the mid-state tier. The 15.6% poor/fair health rate aligns with state patterns, indicating typical North Dakota health status.
Mid-range performer among regional peers
Morton's 77.3 years ranks solidly between McLean (76.8) and Nelson (78.4), positioning it in the regional middle. The 6.7% uninsured rate is below the state average and comparable to other nearby counties.
Moderate provider access; good insurance reach
Morton provides 39 primary care and 33 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, offering adequate access to both care types. With only 6.7% uninsured—below the state average of 7.5%—most residents can afford care when they need it.
Mostly covered; find your right fit plan
Morton's 93.3% insurance coverage rate is strong, but nearly 1 in 15 residents still lack protection. Visit healthcare.gov to explore plans fitting your budget and health needs, or call a local navigator for personalized guidance.
Morton County's composite risk score of 49.59 earns a Relatively Low rating but represents the highest exposure among the counties reviewed. While still below high-risk thresholds, Morton faces notably greater multi-hazard challenges than typical U.S. counties.
Morton carries the highest state risk reviewed
At 49.59, Morton's score far exceeds North Dakota's average of 22.19—more than double—positioning it among the state's highest-risk counties. The Relatively Low rating reflects that even the state's most exposed areas remain manageable.
Riskiest county in central North Dakota
Morton's 49.59 score surpasses all nearby counties, including McLean (43.10), making it the region's most hazard-exposed location. It stands substantially above the northwestern counties of McHenry, McKenzie, and Mercer.
Tornado and flood risks are critical
Morton County's tornado risk soars to 57.35—the highest reviewed—while flood risk reaches 40.43, creating a dual threat. Wildfire risk is also elevated at 73.92, requiring comprehensive hazard awareness.
Build comprehensive disaster coverage now
Obtain separate flood insurance, ensure wind/tornado coverage is included in your homeowners policy, and verify wildfire protection. Invest in a well-stocked safe room and develop a family communication plan for rapid evacuations.