McHenry County
ND · Pop. 5,264 · Rural County
McHenry County, North Dakota covers 1,874 square miles with a population of 5,264 and a density of 2.8 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on hay, wheat, soybeans. A median home price of $143,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.66% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 4a with a 138-day growing season, average summer highs of 81°F and average winter lows of 5.3°F. Annual rainfall averages 17.8 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Trinity Hospitals is 30.1 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 100% of homes. On the hazard side, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.66% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $143,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 100% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- A strong agricultural economy built on hay, wheat, soybeans means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- At 2.8 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- A 138-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Annual rainfall of just 17.8 inches means irrigation and water storage are core requirements.
- The nearest hospital, Trinity Hospitals, is 30.1 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- Average winter lows of 5.3°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.
At a glance
McHenry County, ND is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 41/100
- Median home price
- $143k
- Property tax
- 0.66%
- Growing season
- 138 days (zone 4a)
- Annual rainfall
- 17.8"
- Broadband
- 100%
- Nearest hospital
- Trinity Hospitals, 30.1 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in McHenry County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in McHenry County?
- McHenry County is in USDA hardiness zone 4a with a 138-day growing season, average summer highs of 81°F, and average winter lows of 5.3°F. The established crops are hay, wheat, soybeans.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $143,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.66%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 100% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Trinity Hospitals is 30.1 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
Explore North Dakota Resources
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LandWatch
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Lands of America
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AcreTrader
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More counties in North Dakota
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The closest counties to McHenry County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
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