Mountrail County, ND
9,290 residents · 1,825 sq mi · 5.1/sq mi · 100% rural
About Mountrail County
Mountrail County is a county in the northwestern part of North Dakota, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was 9,809, and was estimated to be 9,395 in 2025. The county seat is Stanley and the largest city is New Town.
Prepper Assessment
Mountrail County offers a rural lifestyle with a population density of just 5.1 people per square mile, allowing for significant space and privacy. The climate features an annual mean temperature of 40.2°F, with summer highs reaching 81.0°F and winter lows dropping to 1.2°F. The growing season is moderate, supported by 17 inches of annual rainfall, making it suitable for various crops in USDA zone 6a. However, the dry sub-humid classification may limit water availability for extensive agricultural endeavors.
Natural hazards are a consideration in this area, with winter weather ranked as a significant threat at FEMA rank 90, followed by cold waves (79) and wildfires (79). While the violence percentile is relatively moderate at 42, indicating a safer environment, the rural nature may pose challenges in emergency response times. The median home price is $205,000, which, combined with a median household income of $81,886, suggests a stable economic environment but may still be a barrier for some newcomers.
This county may be a good fit for individuals or families seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with the ability to engage in self-sufficient living. Those who thrive here are likely to appreciate the open space and lower density. However, individuals unaccustomed to harsh winters or lacking skills in cold-weather preparedness may find the conditions challenging. A dealbreaker for many homesteaders could be the limited water resources, while the low property taxes (0.56%) may be a hidden gem for those looking to invest in land.