Cost of Living in Morton County, North Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Morton County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Morton County ranks #2,656 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 16%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Morton County, North Dakota
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Morton County
Affordability Verdict
Morton County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,036/month — about 15.6% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Morton County is $1,036/month, while owner costs run $1,193/month. Renting saves approximately $157/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $41,440/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $51,129/year. With a median household income of $79,483, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Morton County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within North Dakota, Morton County is more affordable than Grand Forks County by roughly 7% ($1,036/mo vs $971/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Morton County
Rent Burden
15.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,855
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.0%
of gross income
The median home in Morton County may be a stretch
Median home value is $249,600. Estimated monthly cost: $1,993 vs. your max of $1,855.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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