Mckenzie County, North Dakota Property Taxes

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Property Taxes in Mckenzie County, North Dakota

Median McKenzie County effective property tax rate: 0.81%, significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%.
Median McKenzie County home value: $187,840
Median annual McKenzie County tax bill: $1,253, lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in McKenzie County calculated?

Property taxes in McKenzie County are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which is often lower than the actual market value due to property tax exemptions such as the homestead or senior exemption.

Understanding your county's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Whether you live in McKenzie County or another part of McKenzie County, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.

Last Updated April 13, 2026

Mckenzie County, North Dakota Property Tax Bill Calculator

Property Assessed Value

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

0.81%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$1,522

$1,412

How Does the McKenzie County Property Tax Calculator Work?

Use this McKenzie County property tax calculator to estimate your annual property tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies McKenzie County's median effective tax rate of 0.81% to generate your estimate.

Enter your property's estimated assessed value — the figure the appraisal district assigns for tax purposes, which is typically lower than market value after applicable exemptions. Our calculator uses the median effective rate for a more accurate estimate than the statutory millage rate alone.

Your actual bill may vary based on your specific exemptions, local school district levies, and any special assessment districts that apply to your property. McKenzie County's median tax rate is lower than North Dakota's 1.20% state median tax rate, and the county's median tax bill of $1,253 is $1,147 lower than the state median tax bill.

For a more precise estimate, scroll down to explore city and ZIP code-level tax rate trends across McKenzie County.

Property Tax Rates Across Mckenzie County, North Dakota

What Are Effective Property Tax Rates Across McKenzie County?

Local government entities set tax rates, which vary widely across McKenzie County. Each year, the county estimates its budget for public services and divides that total by the assessed value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction.

Below, compare McKenzie County's effective property tax rate to other counties in North Dakota or the U.S. median of 1.02%.

McKenzie County's median effective rate stands at 0.81%, which is lower than the national median of 1.02%. Within McKenzie County, the highest rate is found in Watford City at 0.85%, while Cartwright has the lowest at 0.48%.

These variations reflect differences in local school district levies, special assessment districts assessments, and special district bonds — which compound the base county rate.

Property Tax Rates Across Mckenzie County, North Dakota

Source: Ownwell

0.48%

0.66%

0.85%

Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.

Median Effective Mckenzie County Tax Rate

0.81%

Median Effective North Dakota Tax Rate

1.20%

Median Effective United States Tax Rate

1.02%

Property Tax Rates Across Mckenzie County, North Dakota

City	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Rate	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Alexander	0.53%	0.59%	0.81%	0.81%	0.99%
Arnegard	0.48%	0.50%	0.58%	0.81%	0.81%
Cartwright	0.25%	0.48%	0.48%	0.50%	0.56%
Grassy Butte	0.28%	0.44%	0.50%	0.50%	0.50%
Watford City	0.50%	0.50%	0.85%	0.85%	0.85%
Keene	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
New Town	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Mckenzie County, North Dakota

When examining property taxes in McKenzie County, understanding the distinction between market value and assessed value is crucial.

The market value is what a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open and competitive market, often influenced by location, property condition, and economic market trends. The McKenzie County assessor estimates the market value for tax purposes.

The assessed value is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits determined by local laws and offerings. The tax assessed value is the figure used to calculate your property taxes or the amount multiplied by your tax rate to get your tax bill.

Assessment notices:

In McKenzie County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They'll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of March.

Each property owner receives an assessment notice that contains both the market value and assessed value, along with an estimate of your property tax bill. By providing insights into how assessed and market values are determined, this section helps property owners navigate their tax responsibilities and understand the valuation processes affecting their property taxes in McKenzie County.

For example, the median tax bill in McKenzie County is $1,253, compared with the national median property tax bill of $2,400. Tax bills range significantly across the county, with Watford City at the highest median tax bill of $1,527 and Grassy Butte at the lowest median tax bill of $729. Arnegard has the highest median home price at $249,390.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Mckenzie County, North Dakota

Source: Ownwell

$173,170

$211,280

$249,390

Median Mckenzie County Market Value

$187,840

Median North Dakota Market Value

$244,000

Median United States Market Value

$235,294

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Mckenzie County, North Dakota

City	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Home Price	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Alexander	$79,538	$114,120	$201,150	$247,900	$342,850
Arnegard	$95,876	$155,820	$249,390	$268,035	$328,042
Cartwright	$48,720	$94,430	$173,170	$277,440	$310,170
Grassy Butte	$88,625	$132,050	$201,905	$255,840	$300,535
Watford City	$75,732	$140,330	$195,480	$270,080	$379,388
Keene	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
New Town	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Mckenzie County, North Dakota

Property tax bills in McKenzie County are based on the assessed value of a home and the local tax rate set by taxing authorities. A property’s market value is reviewed, then the taxable amount is calculated and multiplied by the applicable rate to determine the bill. Factors such as home value, local levies, and any exemptions can all affect the final amount homeowners owe.

For many homeowners, this means the tax bill can vary widely even among similar properties. In McKenzie County, the median home price is $187,840, while the median property tax bill is $1,527 in Watford City and $729 in Grassy Butte. Across the county, tax bills range from $763 at the 25th percentile to $1,860 at the 75th percentile, with the 90th percentile reaching $2,263. Compared with the national median property tax rate of 1.02% and the national median property tax bill of $2,400, many homeowners in the county pay less than the national norm.

Property Tax Bills Across Mckenzie County, North Dakota

Source: Ownwell

$729

$1,128

$1,527

Median Mckenzie County Tax Bill

$1,253

Median North Dakota Tax Bill

$2,769

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across Mckenzie County, North Dakota

City	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Bill	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Alexander	$690	$866	$1,333	$1,927	$2,096
Arnegard	$359	$767	$1,362	$2,022	$2,193
Cartwright	$116	$278	$780	$1,253	$1,515
Grassy Butte	$368	$588	$729	$1,270	$1,486
Watford City	$397	$799	$1,527	$1,930	$2,997
Keene	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
New Town	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell

Don't miss the deadline to appeal!

Dates
Appeal Deadline	April 15

Links
McKenzie Tax Assessor
Website	mckenzie.northdakotaassessors.com

Frequently Asked Property Tax Questions in Mckenzie County, North Dakota

How are property taxes calculated in Mckenzie County, North Dakota?

Property taxes in Mckenzie County, North Dakota are calculated by multiplying your property's assessed value by the applicable tax rate set by local taxing authorities. The assessed value is determined by the county assessor and may differ from your property's market value depending on local assessment ratios and exemptions.

How do I appeal my property taxes in Mckenzie County, North Dakota?

To appeal your property taxes in Mckenzie County, North Dakota, you typically need to file a formal protest or appeal with your local appraisal district or assessor's office by the stated deadline. You'll need evidence such as comparable sales, a recent independent appraisal, or documentation of property condition issues. Ownwell can handle this entire process for you.

What property tax exemptions are available in Mckenzie County, North Dakota?

Common property tax exemptions in Mckenzie County, North Dakota include homestead exemptions for primary residences, senior citizen exemptions, veteran exemptions, and disability exemptions. Exemption amounts and eligibility requirements vary by county. Contact your local appraisal district or check Ownwell for details specific to your property.

When are property taxes due in Mckenzie County, North Dakota?

Property tax deadlines in Mckenzie County, North Dakota vary by county but typically include an assessment notice period in spring or early summer, followed by an appeal deadline, and a tax payment due date in the fall or winter. Check with your county assessor's office for specific dates in your area.

How can Ownwell help reduce my property taxes in Mckenzie County, North Dakota?

Ownwell provides professional property tax appeal services in Mckenzie County, North Dakota. Our team analyzes your assessment, gathers evidence, files all paperwork, and represents you at hearings — all with no upfront cost. You only pay a percentage of your savings if we successfully lower your tax bill.