Cost of Living in McKenzie County, North Dakota

$1,153/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$357,300

Median Home Value

50% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$1,153/mo

50% above state average

Median Home Value

$357,300

27% above national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

19.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How McKenzie County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

McKenzie County$1,153/mo

North Dakota Average$770/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$1,153/mo

Median Gross Rent

$357,300

Median Home Value

$1,151/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

19.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in McKenzie County, North Dakota

McKenzie County faces tight housing affordability

McKenzie County's 15.7% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds the national standard of 12%, signaling housing cost pressure despite the county's strong median income of $88,289. At $1,153 monthly rent—50% above the national norm—McKenzie's tight affordability reflects the cost premium of regional demand and energy sector activity.

McKenzie County's housing costs lead the state

With a 15.7% rent-to-income ratio and median rent of $1,153, McKenzie County far outpaces the North Dakota state average of 12.8% rent-to-income and $770 median rent. The county's housing pressures remain the most acute in this statewide cluster, despite above-average incomes.

McKenzie runs 50% higher than neighboring counties

McKenzie County's $1,153 monthly rent dwarfs McIntosh County at $600 and McHenry County at $737, reflecting distinct regional economic forces. Even against Mercer County at $1,043 and Morton County at $1,036, McKenzie's costs remain notably elevated.

McKenzie dedicates 16% of income to housing

Renters pay $1,153 monthly while homeowners face $1,151, nearly identical costs reflecting hot demand for both rental and owned housing. With median home values at $357,300—the highest across all comparison counties—McKenzie residents invest heavily in their housing decisions.

McKenzie offers opportunity with affordability trade-offs

McKenzie County's high incomes and economic opportunities come with a cost: housing consumes 15.7% of household income, the tightest ratio in this cluster. If you're relocating for work in energy or agriculture, compare McKenzie's costs against neighboring options like Mercer or Morton County before deciding.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in McKenzie County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

15.7%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$2,060

per month

Owner Cost Burden

15.6%

of gross income

The median home in McKenzie County may be a stretch

Median home value is $357,300. Estimated monthly cost: $2,852 vs. your max of $2,060.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio15.7%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in McKenzie County, North Dakota?

McKenzie County, North Dakota has a median monthly rent of $1,153/mo and a median home value of $357,300. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 19.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in McKenzie County?

The median gross rent in McKenzie County is $1,153/mo. This is 50% above state average for North Dakota.

Is McKenzie County affordable?

McKenzie County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 19.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does McKenzie County's rent compare to the state average?

McKenzie County's median rent of $1,153/mo is 50% above state average of $770/mo for North Dakota.

What is the median home value in McKenzie County?

The median home value in McKenzie County, North Dakota is $357,300. This is 27% above the national median home value of $281,900.