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Mountrail County, North Dakota — County Report Card

ND

#33 in North Dakota

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
60.7
County Score
Water Quality 86Income & Jobs 85.1Property Tax 83.2

County Report Card

About Mountrail County, North Dakota

Mountrail County beats the national median

Mountrail County's composite score of 60.7 is comfortably higher than the national median of 50.0. It offers a quality of life that stands out nationally.

Parity with the North Dakota average

The score of 60.7 matches the North Dakota average of 61.5 almost perfectly. It provides the standard quality of life that North Dakotans expect.

Excellent finances and water quality

The county features an income score of 85.1 and a tax score of 83.2. Residents benefit from a low 0.527% effective tax rate and clean water (86.0).

Improving health care access

Health is the weakest dimension with a score of 30.8. While schools are average at 52.5, improving health services could significantly raise the overall profile.

The verdict: A taxpayer's paradise

This county is ideal for people who want to keep more of their $81,292 median income. Low taxes and moderate housing costs make it a financially sound choice.

Score breakdown

Tax83.2Cost64Safety58.6Health30.8Schools52.5Income85.1Risk78.7Water86Weather41.5
🏛83.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠64
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼85.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡58.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤30.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓52.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡78.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤41.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨64.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱46
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

Ward County
North Dakota
48.2
Burke County
North Dakota
72.5
Dunn County
North Dakota
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Williams County
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Renville County
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McKenzie County
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McLean County
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Mercer County
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Deep Dives

Mountrail County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Mountrail County

via TaxByCounty

Mountrail taxes among nation's lowest

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Mountrail County

via CostByCounty

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Mountrail County

via IncomeByCounty

Mountrail exceeds national norms

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Mountrail County

via CrimeByCounty

Mountrail County Matches State Standards

Mountrail County maintains a safety score of 98.5, which is exactly the North Dakota average. Its total crime rate of 953.5 per 100K is far below the national average of 2,385.5. These statistics indicate a stable and secure environment relative to the rest of the country.

Consistent Performance in North Dakota

The county's total crime rate of 953.5 is nearly identical to the North Dakota state average of 976.6. Its safety score of 98.5 aligns with the state benchmark, supported by data from three reporting agencies. Mountrail provides a typical, safe North Dakota experience.

Safely Positioned Among Peers

Mountrail is significantly safer than McKenzie County, which reports a higher crime rate of 1811.0. However, it sees slightly more crime than neighboring McLean County at 940.6. These numbers show Mountrail sits in the middle of its regional peers for safety.

Understanding Local Crime Types

Property crime in Mountrail sits at 818.8 per 100K, while violent crime is 134.7. While the violent crime rate is slightly above the state average of 121.0, it remains well below the national rate of 369.8. Most local law enforcement activity involves property-related matters.

Smart Security for Mountrail Homes

Even in a safe county like Mountrail, home security remains an important consideration. Simple steps like installing outdoor lighting and locking all windows can prevent many common property crimes. Residents benefit from being proactive and keeping an eye out for their neighbors.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Mountrail County

via HealthByCounty

Mountrail faces severe longevity crisis

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Mountrail County

via SchoolsByCounty

Comprehensive Education in Mountrail County

Mountrail County serves 2,241 students through a network of 9 public schools across 3 districts. The county features 4 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 4 high schools to support a growing population. This infrastructure provides a solid backbone for the county's diverse communities.

Strong Scores and Robust Per-Pupil Spending

Mountrail County's school score of 56.5 exceeds the state average of 54.8, reflecting a high quality of instruction. The county invests $10,066 per pupil, which is well above the North Dakota average of $9,385. While the 83.1% graduation rate is slightly below the state average, the academic focus remains strong.

New Town and Stanley Lead the County

New Town 1 is the largest district, serving 994 students across three schools, followed by Stanley 2 with 755 students. Parshall 3 also serves a significant portion of the county with 286 students. Traditional public schools remain the sole providers of education here, as no charter schools are currently active.

Active Rural Schools with Room to Grow

The county's schools are entirely rural but maintain a healthy average enrollment of 249 students. Edwin Loe Elementary in New Town is the largest facility with 558 students, while Stanley Elementary also serves over 400. These schools are large enough to offer diverse programs while maintaining their rural community identity.

Establish Your Family in a Growing Region

Mountrail County offers a blend of strong academic scores and well-funded districts, making it an excellent choice for families. Look for homes in New Town or Stanley to be near the county's primary educational centers. Prioritize school investment and campus size as you evaluate properties in this thriving area.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Mountrail County

via RiskByCounty

Mountrail sits safely below national risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Mountrail County

via WeatherByCounty

Among the Nation's Coldest Counties

Mountrail County's 38.7°F average annual temperature is among the lowest in the continental U.S. This sub-40-degree average creates a truly northern climate profile.

Significantly Colder than State Average

The county is much colder than the 41.0°F North Dakota average. It also experiences 48.5 inches of snow, which is higher than many other parts of the state.

A Regional Snow Leader

Mountrail's 48.5 inches of snow far exceeds Mercer's 33.4 inches. It also sees only 10 extreme heat days, making it much cooler than neighboring McKenzie.

Brutal Winters and Mild Summers

Winters are long and cold, with a January average of just 8.4°F. Summers remain pleasant and mild, with a July average of 66.8°F and very few days over 90°F.

Invest in Heavy Winter Gear

A high-powered snow blower is essential for the nearly 50 inches of annual snow. High-performance home heating is a must to combat the 11.4°F winter average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Mountrail County

via SoilByCounty

Typical Northern Plains pH Levels

Mountrail County shows a pH of 7.10, which is slightly more alkaline than the national 6.5 median. This level is typical for the region and sits just under the North Dakota state average of 7.18.

Superior Structural Strength

The ground is composed of 38.7% sand, 38.9% silt, and 22.4% clay. With the highest clay percentage in this group, the soil offers superior structural strength and mineral storage capacity.

Excellent Moisture Reserves

Organic matter is solid at 3.95%, well above the national 2.0% standard. The available water capacity of 0.189 in/in exceeds the state average, providing excellent moisture reserves for the long growing season.

Moisture Retention During Dry Spells

Although specific hydrologic groups are not listed, the 22.4% clay content suggests higher water retention. This can be a significant advantage during the windy, dry periods common to the North Dakota plains.

Success with Canola and Wheat

The Zone 4a climate supports robust crops of canola and spring wheat. Homeowners can take advantage of the high water capacity to maintain lush, productive gardens through the summer heat.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Mountrail County

via LawnByCounty

Cooler Climates in Mountrail

Mountrail County has a lawn difficulty score of 46.0, indicating a tougher-than-average environment for turf. The Hardiness Zone 4a classification reflects the cold northern climate that limits the variety of grasses that can survive.

Short Growing Seasons and Low Heat

With only 10 extreme heat days and 1,768 growing degree days, grass grows slower here than in southern North Dakota. Annual precipitation of 18.0 inches means you will still need to water regularly despite the cooler average temperatures.

Alkaline Soil with High Clay

The soil pH of 7.10 is slightly alkaline, and the 22.4% clay content is among the highest in the region. This higher clay percentage helps retain moisture but can lead to compaction, so regular aeration is recommended.

Battling Extensive Drought Periods

Mountrail County experienced 22 weeks of drought over the past year. Because clay soils can bake hard during these periods, using a soaking hose can be more effective than a traditional sprinkler for getting water to the roots.

Maximize the Growing Window

Select the most cold-tolerant Fine Fescues to handle the short season. Your target dates for planting are after the May 17 last frost, with a goal to be well-rooted before the first frost on September 23.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mountrail County's county score?
Mountrail County, North Dakota has a composite county score of 60.7 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 Mountrail County rank among counties in North Dakota?
Mountrail County ranks #33 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 Mountrail County, North Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Mountrail County is $1,172, with an effective tax rate of 0.53%. This earns Mountrail County a tax score of 83.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Mountrail County?
The median household income in Mountrail County, North Dakota is $81,292 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Mountrail County earns an income score of 85.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Mountrail County, North Dakota a good place to live?
Mountrail County scores 60.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #33 in North Dakota. The best way to evaluate Mountrail 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 Mountrail County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.