Median Income
$2,499
97% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
48/100K
87% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.0%
85% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.6%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.2%
47% higher than US avg
How McHenry Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population58
Median Age57.2 yrs
Density232/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans40.0%
Economy
C+
Median Income$2,499
Per Capita$18,207
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty18.2%
County GDP$309M
Commute17 min
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$120,346
Housing Units45
Rent Burden27.7%
Crime
F
Violent48/100K
Property481/100K
Health
Obesity34.6%
Smoking13.7%
Depression21.2%
Heart Disease4.7%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F (5°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain21.1 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,507 ft (459 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.0%
High School+92.5%
Graduate+2.6%
School Score5.78
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 20%
Commute17 min
Broadband34.0%
Libraries1
Is McHenry a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, McHenry receives an overall livability score of 1.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. McHenry faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in McHenry is $2,499, 97% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 18.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Safety & Crime
McHenry is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 48 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 481 per 100,000, 75% below the national average.
Education
5.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
McHenry has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 21.1 inches, including 59.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
McHenry has a population of 58 with a density of 232 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 57.2 years, 47% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.6% female and 53.4% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 87.9% of residents, while 12.1% speak Spanish. 40.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 1.7% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 75.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
57.2yrs
Median Age
47% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
87.9%
12% above US avg
Spanish
12.1%
10% below US avg
The median household income in McHenry is $2,499, which is 97% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $18,207 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,103, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 18.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 173 business establishments, including 11 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $2,499 |
| 97% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $18,207 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,103 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $85,053 |
| Gini Index | 0.426 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.2% |
| 47% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 173 |
| County GDP | $309M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 11 |
| Healthcare | 15 |
| Retail | 23 |
| Manufacturing | 6 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 90.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.5% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $120,346. Fair market rent ranges from $839 for a one-bedroom to $1,000 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 45 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. 27.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $725 |
| 1 Bedroom | $839 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,387 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,678 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 45 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
In McHenry, 34.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.7% of residents, below the national average. 27.5% have high blood pressure. 13.7% are current smokers. 23.4% report binge drinking. 20.8% are physically inactive, below the national average. 21.2% report depression. 14.8% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,364. The dentist ratio is 1:845. 69.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: McHenry vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.6% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.7% |
| Heart Disease | 4.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.5% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 5.0% |
| Cancer | 6.6% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.7% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.8% |
| Depression | 21.2% |
| Mental Distress | 14.8% |
| Physical Distress | 10.6% |
| Short Sleep | 31.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 75.9% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:3,364 |
| Dentists | 1:845 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,103 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.8% |
| Dental Visits | 63.2% |
| Premature Death | 9,030/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 69.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 15 |
McHenry has a violent crime rate of 48 per 100,000 residents, 87% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 481 per 100,000, 75% below the U.S. average. Overall, McHenry receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: McHenry vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 48.1/100K |
| 87% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 481.2/100K |
| 75% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
McHenry has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (5°C). Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 61°F. The area gets 276 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 21.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 59.8 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,507 feet.
Temperature
8°F Jan (-14°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 40.4°F |
| 25% below US avg |
| January Average | 8°F (-14°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,507 ft (459 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 232/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.5764°N, 98.5910°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Foster County County |
| Nearest Airport | Devils Lake Regional (DVL) 40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
21.1"
44% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.43"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 7.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 38.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 79.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
420 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 1 fatality, 32 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2007 |
EF4 |
75 km |
1 |
| Jul 18, 2004 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 2002 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2007 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2001 |
EF3 |
16 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1987 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1971 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Aug 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Sep 6, 1958 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1958 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1957 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1952 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2018 |
EF2 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2017 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2016 |
EF2 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 2015 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CHICAGOLAKE (4,606 ac, 1994).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1994 |
CHICAGOLAKE |
4,606 |
86 km |
| 2008 |
GRADER |
1,745 |
57 km |
| 2006 |
BROWN WF |
1,430 |
50 km |
| 1985 |
CHASE LAKE |
1,215 |
91 km |
| 2018 |
EAST JIM LAKE |
1,214 |
46 km |
| 1985 |
LAKE ALICE |
1,214 |
92 km |
| 2017 |
NDAWR FY17 RX G10 11 12 D5 |
1,148 |
43 km |
| 2006 |
FULLERS LAKE 06 |
1,109 |
81 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
8°F (-14°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
40°F (5°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| October |
44°F (7°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
26°F (-4°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.6 in |
|
McHenry has a seasonal temperature swing of 62°F / from 8°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 18.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.4") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in McHenry. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$223 ($134-$356) |
| Specialist Visit |
$312 ($178-$490) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$178 ($89-$312) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,958 ($712-$4,450) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$116 ($67-$178) |
| Dental Filling |
$223 ($134-$356) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22-$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($45-$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$267 ($134-$445) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$534 ($356-$890) |
| Battery Replacement |
$178 ($89-$312) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53-$134) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($45-$125) |
| HVAC Repair |
$356 ($134-$712) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,230 ($3,560-$10,680) |
| Roof Repair |
$890 ($356-$1,780) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,010 ($4,895-$13,350) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,335 ($445-$3,115) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,350 ($4,450-$26,700) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,450 ($1,780-$8,900) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,335 ($712-$2,670) |
| Will Preparation |
$445 ($178-$890) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,225 ($890-$4,450) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27-$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$134 ($67-$223) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22-$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($45-$116) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.65 ($2.67-$4.90) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.12 ($2.23-$4.45) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.38 ($2.23-$4.90) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.01 ($2.67-$5.79) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.90 ($3.56-$6.68) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53-$1.60) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$125 ($71-$223) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$134) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($36-$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($36-$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27-$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$76 ($45-$134) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$178 ($67-$445) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,780 ($1,068-$3,115) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$116) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.12-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27-$223) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13-$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,068 ($534-$2,225) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$890 ($445-$1,780) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$356 ($178-$623) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($22-$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$890 ($356-$2,225) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,125 ($4,450-$26,700) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($45-$178) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$267 ($134-$445) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$178 ($89-$356) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $906 |
| Toddler | $828 |
| Preschool | $767 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $666 |
| Toddler | $629 |
| Preschool | $633 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About McHenry
What is the population of McHenry?
McHenry has a population of 58 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 232 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 57.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.6% female and 53.4% male.
Is McHenry expensive to live in?
McHenry is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $2,499, 97% below the national average of $75,149.
Is McHenry safe?
McHenry is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 48 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 481 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, McHenry receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in McHenry?
McHenry has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 8°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 21.1 inches, with 59.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in McHenry?
The job market in McHenry is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,103. There are 173 business establishments in the area, including 11 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 9.5% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in McHenry?
Schools in McHenry score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 5.0% of adults in McHenry hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.5% have completed high school. 2.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is McHenry?
The obesity rate in McHenry is 34.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.7% of adults are smokers. 20.8% are physically inactive. 21.2% of residents report depression. 69.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,364.
What is transportation like in McHenry?
The average commute in McHenry is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 90.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of McHenry?
The racial and ethnic makeup of McHenry is 100% White. 87.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 12.1% speak Spanish. 40.0% of the population are military veterans. 1.7% of residents have a disability. 75.9% have health insurance coverage.