McHenry County, ND demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,207
-1.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$80,733/yr
0.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,833
0.0% year-over-year change

McHenry County population

How many people live in McHenry County

McHenry County is home to 5,207 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.8% of McHenry County locals are male, and 48.2% are female.

Total population
5,207
-1.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.8%
2,699
Female
48.2%
2,508
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,699 51.8% -0.9%
Female 2,508 48.2% -1.3%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in McHenry County is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.5% are children under 15, then 10.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22% of the population, while another 26.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 22.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
43.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.5%
15 to 24
10.3%
25 to 44
22%
45 to 64
26.1%
Over 65
22.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,016 19.5% -1.4%
15 to 24 534 10.3% 3.9%
25 to 44 1,145 22% -2.4%
45 to 64 1,359 26.1% -2.9%
Over 65 1,153 22.1% 0.4%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In McHenry County, 98.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 94.3% of locals are Caucasian, 0.8% are African American and 0.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 3.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.6%
Non-citizens
0.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,141 98.7% -0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 31 0.6% -22.5%
Non-citizens 35 0.7% -39.7%
Racial breakdown
White
94.3%
Black or African American
0.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.8%
Asian
0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.2%
Other
0.8%
Value Percent
White 4,908 94.3%
Black or African American 40 0.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 40 0.8%
Asian 12 0.2%
Two or more races 168 3.2%
Other 39 0.8%

Households in McHenry County

A peek inside McHenry County households

McHenry County has 2,244 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 65.6% are families, while the remaining 34.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,244
-0.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
771
Family households
1,473
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 771 34.4% 0.5%
Family households 1,473 65.6% -1.7%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in McHenry County

The housing landscape of McHenry County

McHenry County's housing consists of 2,833 units, with 83% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 9.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,833
0.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,350 83%
1 unit, attached 29 1%
2 units 5 0.2%
3 or 4 units 45 1.6%
5 to 9 units 53 1.9%
10 to 19 units 60 2.1%
20 to 49 units 7 0.2%
Mobile home 279 9.8%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 5 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in McHenry County

In McHenry County, the median construction year is 1966. About 23.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 656 23.2% -7.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 180 6.4% 7.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 336 11.9% 2.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 382 13.5% -11.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 483 17% 15.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 218 7.7% -2.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 224 7.9% -2.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 122 4.3% 8.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 232 8.2% 7.4%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

McHenry County occupancy rates

Out of the 2,244 occupied housing units in McHenry County, 81.4% are owner-occupied, while 18.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 20.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,244
-0.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
418
Owner occupied
1,826
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 418 18.6% -6.3%
Owner occupied 1,826 81.4% 0.4%
Unoccupied housing units
20.8%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

McHenry County housing costs

Housing costs in McHenry County come to a median of $717 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $713.

Median housing costs per month
$717/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in McHenry County
$713/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in McHenry County

McHenry County education at a glance

About 40.8% of the population in McHenry County went to high school, while 22.2% pursued college studies. Another 13.6% earned an associate degree and 16.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 153 3.9% 8.5%
High school diploma 1,611 40.8% -0.3%
College diploma 875 22.2% -8.6%
Associate degree 538 13.6% 7.4%
Bachelor's degree 649 16.4% -1.8%
Graduate degree 121 3.1% -10.4%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in McHenry County

How much people earn in McHenry County

The average annual household income in McHenry County was $92,720 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $80,733, reflecting a +0.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in McHenry County
$92,720/year
-1.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in McHenry County
$80,733/year
0.1% year-over-year change

McHenry County income by age

In McHenry County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $97,772. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $91,250 overall. Overall, 90.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $97,772 1.1%
45 - 64 $91,250 -8.8%
Over 65 $52,917 10.1%
Above poverty level
4,574
Below poverty level
497
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,574 90.2% -1.0%
Below poverty level 497 9.8% -2.2%

Employment in McHenry County

Workforce and job types in McHenry County

The job market in McHenry County is powered by 2,482 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 75.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 24.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 25.5% run their own businesses, 46.5% are employed by private companies, and 19.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,482
-1.8% year-over-year change
White collar
1,865
Blue collar
617
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,865 75.1% -1.5%
Blue collar 617 24.9% -2.8%
Employer type
Self employees
25.5%
Private companies
46.5%
Governmental workers
19.6%
Not for profit companies
8.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 632 25.5% 6.2%
Private companies 1,155 46.5% -5.7%
Governmental workers 486 19.6% 4.3%
Not for profit companies 209 8.4% -13.6%
Unemployment rate
4.1%
-13.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in McHenry County stands at 4.1%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in McHenry County

How people get around in McHenry County

In McHenry County, the average commute time is 30 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 77.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
30 min
3.1% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,906 77.5% -3.8%
Motorcycle 4 0.2% N/A
Bicycle 1 0% 0.0%
Walk 125 5.1% 3.3%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in McHenry County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
58710 498 251 $69,792 $89,705
58712 61 30 $37,500 $112,747
58713 181 34 $85,833 $80,221
58731 271 105 $102,083 $128,202
58736 475 255 $56,103 $75,028
58741 615 296 $83,333 $92,582
58744 87 56 $80,000 $83,120
58748 138 53 $66,625 $154,785
58762 193 75 $105,208 $107,884
58384 438 226 $87,500 $98,464

Explore more communities

FAQs about McHenry County demographics 

What is the total population of McHenry County?

McHenry County has a total population of 5,207 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -1.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in McHenry County?

The gender ratio in McHenry County is as follows:
  • 51.8% males (2,699 residents)
  • 48.2% females (2,508 residents)

What is the median age in McHenry County?

The median age in McHenry County is 43.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in McHenry County?

The age distribution in McHenry County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.5% (1,016 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.3% (534 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22% (1,145 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.1% (1,359 residents)
  • Over 65: 22.1% (1,153 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of McHenry County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of McHenry County is as follows:
  • White: 94.3% (4,908 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.8% (40 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.8% (40 residents)
  • Asian: 0.2% (12 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.2% (168 residents)
  • Other: 0.8% (39 residents)

What percentage of the population in McHenry County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.7% of the population in McHenry County.

How many housing units are there in McHenry County?

There are 2,833 housing units in McHenry County, reflecting a +0.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in McHenry County and what is the average household size?

McHenry County has a total of 2,244 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in McHenry County?

McHenry County has a median household income of $80,733, representing a +0.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for McHenry County?

The employment rate is 95.9% in McHenry County, with a workforce of 2,482 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 75.1% (1,865 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 24.9% (617 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 25.5% (632 residents)
  • Private companies: 46.5% (1,155 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 19.6% (486 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.4% (209 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025