Mountrail County's composite score of 74.6 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it squarely in the better half of U.S. counties. The score reflects particularly strong tax efficiency and cost control.
2 / 5
Matches North Dakota Average
Mountrail aligns almost exactly with the state average of 74.8, making it a representative example of livability across North Dakota. This positioning places it firmly in the competitive middle tier.
3 / 5
Exceptional Tax and Cost Performance
Mountrail leads with a tax score of 87.4 (effective rate 0.527%) and cost score of 83.3, reflecting a median home value of $222,200 and rent at $864/month. Risk management (78.7) further supports financial stability.
4 / 5
Health Score Notably Weak
Mountrail's health score of 61.5 is the county's clear weak point, suggesting potential gaps in healthcare access or public health outcomes. This stands in sharp contrast to its strong tax and cost fundamentals.
5 / 5
For Tax-Savvy, Self-Reliant Families
Mountrail County appeals to financially-conscious families and entrepreneurs valuing low taxes and affordable housing who can supplement local health services through alternatives. It's less ideal for those with significant healthcare needs.
Mountrail County's composite score of 74.6 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it squarely in the better half of U.S. counties. The score reflects particularly strong tax efficiency and cost control.
Matches North Dakota Average
Mountrail aligns almost exactly with the state average of 74.8, making it a representative example of livability across North Dakota. This positioning places it firmly in the competitive middle tier.
Exceptional Tax and Cost Performance
Mountrail leads with a tax score of 87.4 (effective rate 0.527%) and cost score of 83.3, reflecting a median home value of $222,200 and rent at $864/month. Risk management (78.7) further supports financial stability.
Health Score Notably Weak
Mountrail's health score of 61.5 is the county's clear weak point, suggesting potential gaps in healthcare access or public health outcomes. This stands in sharp contrast to its strong tax and cost fundamentals.
For Tax-Savvy, Self-Reliant Families
Mountrail County appeals to financially-conscious families and entrepreneurs valuing low taxes and affordable housing who can supplement local health services through alternatives. It's less ideal for those with significant healthcare needs.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛87.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Mountrail County's effective rate of 0.527% is well below the national median of 1.1%, placing it in the bottom 10% of U.S. counties by tax burden. The median property tax of $1,172 is less than half the national median of $2,690.
Second-lowest rate in North Dakota
Mountrail County's 0.527% effective rate is substantially lower than North Dakota's state average of 0.885%. The median property tax of $1,172 is $288 below the statewide median of $1,460, making Mountrail one of the most affordable counties in the state.
Second-lowest rate in the region
Mountrail County's 0.527% rate is lower than McHenry (0.663%), Nelson (0.803%), and McLean (0.750%), trailing only McKenzie (0.412%). It substantially beats McIntosh (1.080%), Mercer (1.071%), and Morton (1.026%).
Your estimated annual property tax
On Mountrail's median home value of $222,200, expect approximately $1,172 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $1,551, while those owning outright pay closer to $914.
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.
Mountrail County matches national affordability standards
Mountrail County's 12.8% rent-to-income ratio equals the national benchmark, offering solid affordability for renters and homeowners alike. With a median household income of $81,292—9% above the national median—residents enjoy stable housing costs relative to earning power.
Mountrail tracks the state affordability average
At 12.8% rent-to-income, Mountrail County precisely matches the North Dakota state average, while its $864 median rent sits 12% above the state norm. The county delivers middle-of-the-road affordability by regional standards.
Mountrail sits between affordable and tight markets
Mountrail County's $864 median rent and 12.8% rent-to-income ratio place it solidly between affordable counties like McIntosh at $600 and high-cost clusters like McKenzie at $1,153. Its position reflects a transitional affordability zone within the state.
Mountrail balances rental and ownership costs
Renters pay $864 monthly while homeowners pay just $627, the lowest owner cost in this comparison group despite higher rental rates. With median household income at $81,292, the 12.8% rent-to-income ratio preserves substantial purchasing power.
Mountrail offers accessible homeownership
Considering Mountrail County? Its combination of 12.8% rent-to-income affordability and exceptionally low homeowner costs at $627 monthly makes it attractive for buyers. Compared to pricier counties like McKenzie and Morton, Mountrail delivers better ownership economics for relocating families.
Mountrail County's median household income of $81,292 runs 8.7% above the national median of $74,755. The county ranks among stronger-earning regions across the United States.
Strong performer in North Dakota
Mountrail's $81,292 beats the state average of $72,537 by more than $8,700, securing the county a spot among North Dakota's top earners. The county consistently outpaces statewide income benchmarks.
Near the top of the region
Mountrail's $81,292 ranks second or third among its neighboring counties, just below McLean County's $81,847 and McKenzie County's $88,289. The county matches closely with McHenry County at $80,614, indicating similar regional prosperity.
Moderate housing burden
Mountrail households spend 12.8% of income on rent, remaining well below the 30% affordability threshold. The median home value of $222,200 is reasonable for the region, allowing families to balance homeownership with other financial goals.
Use stability to build wealth
Mountrail's solid incomes and manageable housing costs create an ideal environment for wealth accumulation. Consider automating savings contributions, diversifying investments, and exploring tax-advantaged accounts to maximize your financial growth over time.
At 68.7 years, Mountrail County's life expectancy is nearly 8 years below the US average of 76.4 years—a staggering gap indicating major population health emergencies. Nearly 1 in 5 residents (18.1%) report poor or fair health, matching the US average but reflecting deeper underlying crises.
Critical: worst life expectancy in state by far
Mountrail's 68.7 years is nearly 9 years below North Dakota's 77.5-year average—the lowest in the state by a wide margin. The county's 18.1% poor/fair health rate ranks among the state's highest, demanding urgent intervention.
Severe health gap widens vs. all regional peers
Mountrail's 68.7-year life expectancy lags McKenzie (74.3) by 5.6 years and Mercer (79.3) by over 10 years—the steepest regional gap. At 11.8% uninsured, the county also has the highest lack-of-coverage rate among neighbors.
Uninsured rate highest in state; opioid crisis evident
Mountrail's 11.8% uninsured rate—far above the state average of 7.5%—leaves 1 in 8 residents without healthcare protection. Though the county offers 52 primary care and 64 mental health providers per 100,000, substance use and despair are driving premature mortality.
Emergency enrollment needed; crisis support available
Mountrail residents must prioritize health coverage: 11.8% uninsured is unsustainable and dangerous. Call healthcare.gov at 1-800-318-2596 or visit a local health center to enroll immediately, and ask about mental health and addiction services in your area.
Mountrail County's composite score of 21.37 places it in the Very Low category, indicating substantially lower disaster exposure than the typical U.S. county. The county benefits from distributed, moderate-level hazards without concentrated severe risks.
Mountrail ranks slightly below state average
At 21.37, Mountrail's score sits just below North Dakota's average of 22.19, placing it in the safer half of state counties. This near-average positioning reflects balanced, manageable hazard exposure.
Comparable to McKenzie; safer than McLean
Mountrail's 21.37 closely mirrors McKenzie County (25.03) and significantly beats McLean (43.10) and Morton (49.59) in the region. It ranks among northwestern North Dakota's more resilient counties.
Wildfire dominates; tornadoes secondary
Wildfire risk reaches 78.75 in Mountrail—the county's most significant hazard—while tornado risk is moderate at 32.54. Flood and earthquake risks are minimal by comparison.
Prioritize wildfire preparedness planning
Verify wildfire coverage in your homeowners policy and create a defensible space of at least 30 feet around structures. Maintain an evacuation kit and stay alert to seasonal fire weather conditions through local alerts.