countyscore
38.5
County Score
Water Quality 86Income & Jobs 83.2Health 76.3

County Report Card

About Morton County, North Dakota

Morton County faces national headwinds

The composite score of 38.5 falls below the national median of 50.0. While some economic metrics are strong, others drag down the total ranking.

Lower ranking within the state

Morton County's 38.5 score is significantly lower than the North Dakota state average of 61.5. This discrepancy is driven primarily by safety and housing cost scores.

High earnings and great water

The county boasts an income score of 83.2 and a water quality score of 86.0. Median household income is a healthy $79,483, keeping the economy active.

Addressing safety and affordability

A very low safety score of 7.1 is the county's biggest challenge. High median home values of $249,600 also contribute to a low cost score of 22.0.

The verdict: High-income urban dwellers

Morton County suits high-earning individuals who prioritize infrastructure and utilities over safety. It serves as a regional hub for those who want proximity to services.

Score breakdown

Tax36.3Cost22Safety7.1Health76.3Schools39.4Income83.2Risk50.4Water86Weather36.7
🏛36.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠22
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼83.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡7.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤76.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓39.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡50.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤36.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨67.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱51.9
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

Grant County
North Dakota
66.7
Oliver County
North Dakota
74.1
Burleigh County
North Dakota
45.4
Sioux County
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Emmons County
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Mercer County
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Corson County
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Hettinger County
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Deep Dives

Morton County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Morton County

via TaxByCounty

Morton taxes nearly match national average

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Morton County

via CostByCounty

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Morton County

via IncomeByCounty

Morton surpasses national average

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Morton County

via CrimeByCounty

Higher Crime Rates in Morton County

Morton County faces higher crime levels, with a total rate of 3097.2 per 100K that exceeds the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 95.1, which is lower than the typical national score. The county experiences more frequent incidents than most of its peers.

Morton County Below State Average

The county's safety score of 95.1 falls below the state average of 98.5. Its total crime rate of 3097.2 is more than triple the North Dakota average of 976.6. Data from two reporting agencies highlights a more active law enforcement environment than in surrounding counties.

Regional Comparison Shows High Activity

Morton's crime rate of 3097.2 is substantially higher than neighboring Mercer's 597.7. However, its violent crime rate of 201.9 is still lower than McKenzie County's 312.5. This suggests that while property crime is high, violent crime remains more controlled.

Property Crime Drives Higher Rates

Property crime is the dominant issue here, reaching a rate of 2895.3 per 100K, which is higher than the national average. Conversely, the violent crime rate of 201.9 is much lower than the national average of 369.8. Residents should be most concerned with securing their property and vehicles.

Essential Security for Morton Residents

With higher property crime rates, investing in a robust home security system is highly recommended. Motion-activated cameras and alarm systems provide essential protection for Morton County residents. Community awareness and reporting are key to lowering these local rates.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Morton County

via HealthByCounty

Morton slightly outpaces US life expectancy

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Morton County

via SchoolsByCounty

Dynamic Education in Mandan and Beyond

Morton County supports a large student population of 5,373 across 22 public schools and 8 districts. The system includes 13 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 8 high schools, making it one of the most robust in the region. This diversity of schools provides families with numerous options for their children's education.

Scaling Success for a Large Student Body

With a graduation rate of 82.0%, Morton County remains competitive within the state despite its larger student population. The county spends $8,040 per pupil, which is lower than the state average of $9,385 but supports a wide range of programs. The composite school score of 51.6 reflects the challenges and opportunities of a larger, diverse district.

Mandan 1 Anchors the Region

Mandan 1 is the county's largest district by far, managing 11 schools and 4,336 students. Other districts like New Salem-Almont 49 and Flasher 39 provide important rural alternatives with 365 and 271 students respectively. No charter schools currently operate in the county, leaving Mandan 1 as the primary educational provider.

Suburban Reach Meets Rural Traditions

Morton County offers a unique mix of 11 suburban and 11 rural schools, reflecting its varied landscape. Mandan High School is the largest campus with 1,138 students, offering a large-scale experience, while rural schools offer much smaller settings. This mix allows families to choose the learning environment that best fits their child's needs.

Find Your Fit in a Diverse School System

Whether you prefer a suburban neighborhood or a rural homestead, Morton County has school options to match. Homes near Mandan offer access to large-scale resources and diverse extracurriculars, while outlying towns provide a quieter pace. Consider school locale and size as you search for your perfect home in this versatile county.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Morton County

via RiskByCounty

Morton County faces elevated disaster exposure

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Morton County

via WeatherByCounty

Strong Continental Seasonality

Morton County has an average annual temperature of 42.4°F, which is quite chilly compared to the national average. This reflects its location in the heart of the northern plains.

Warmer than the State Norm

The county's average temperature of 42.4°F is nearly 1.5 degrees warmer than the 41.0°F state average. It also sees slightly less precipitation than the state average of 19.5 inches.

Drier than Southern Neighbors

Morton receives 18.4 inches of precipitation, making it drier than McIntosh's 20.7 inches. However, its 19 extreme heat days make it hotter than many eastern peers.

Hot July and Cold January

Summer averages 67.6°F, including a July average of 70.2°F with 19 extreme heat days. Winters are difficult, with 42.5 inches of snow and a 16.0°F average.

Weatherproofing for High Extremes

Plan for high heating costs when January averages hit 13.0°F. Ensure that HVAC systems are serviced before the 19 days of 90°F summer heat arrive.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Morton County

via SoilByCounty

Morton's Balanced Chemical Profile

Morton County soil averages a pH of 6.96, providing a more neutral growing environment than the typical North Dakota field. This balance is closer to the national 6.5 median than the state's 7.18 average.

The Classic Loamy Compromise

The soil makeup is 41.1% sand, 37.9% silt, and 21.0% clay. This classic loamy mix offers an ideal compromise between rapid drainage and the retention of essential plant nutrients.

High Organic Matter and Capacity

High organic matter of 4.57% nearly matches the state average and dwarfs the national 2.0% benchmark. A water capacity of 0.188 in/in beats the state average, giving plants a better chance during dry periods.

Breathable Soils for Large Farms

Regional data does not name a dominant drainage class, but the 41.1% sand ratio ensures the soil stays breathable. These physical properties make the land versatile for both large-scale farming and residential gardening.

A Top Choice for Vegetables

Zone 4a temperatures favor hardy grains and root vegetables like carrots and beets. The county's high soil score of 67.8 makes it one of the more productive regions for aspiring local growers.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Morton County

via LawnByCounty

Balanced Lawn Care in Morton

Morton County’s lawn difficulty score of 51.9 is close to the national average of 50.0. In Hardiness Zone 4a, homeowners find a relatively standard North Dakota experience that is slightly easier than the state average.

Moderate Growth Potential

The county receives 18.4 inches of rain and records 19 extreme heat days, creating a demand for consistent irrigation. With 2,211 growing degree days, there is ample warmth for grass to grow quickly during the peak of summer.

Healthy Soil for Grass Roots

A soil pH of 6.96 falls perfectly within the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for lawns. The mixture of 41.1% sand and 21.0% clay provides a balanced texture that supports healthy root systems and efficient nutrient absorption.

Resilient During Dry Spells

With 12 weeks of drought in the past year, Morton County is more resilient than its western neighbors. While no areas are currently in drought, aerating your soil can help improve water infiltration before the next dry cycle begins.

Timing Your Morton Lawn

Hardy cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass are ideal for this 4a zone. Seed your lawn between the last frost on May 17 and the first fall frost on September 24 for the most successful establishment.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Morton County's county score?
Morton County, North Dakota has a composite county score of 38.5 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 Morton County rank among counties in North Dakota?
Morton County ranks #53 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 Morton County, North Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Morton County is $2,562, with an effective tax rate of 1.03%. This earns Morton County a tax score of 36.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Morton County?
The median household income in Morton County, North Dakota is $79,483 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Morton County earns an income score of 83.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Morton County, North Dakota a good place to live?
Morton County scores 38.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #53 in North Dakota. The best way to evaluate Morton 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 Morton 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.