Morton Public RecordsNorth Dakota

As of the 2020 Census, Morton County, ND, had a population of 33,291. The median age was 39.6 years. About 50.4% were male and 49.6% female. Racially, the population was 89.6% White, 5.0% Native American, 0.4% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 4.5% identifying as Hispanic or Latino of any race. The county's residents are predominantly non-Hispanic White, with steady growth and a moderate age distribution.

Morton County, ND, had 21,053 registered voters as of 2022. Voters can participate in federal, state, and local elections, including primaries, generals, and special issues; for instance, the 2020 general election saw a 70.1% turnout. Polling locations include Mandan, Glen Ullin, and Flasher. The county is administered by the Morton County Auditor’s office. Results often favor the Republican Party, which received 71% of the presidential vote in 2020. Issues such as rural infrastructure and property taxes are frequently on ballots. Democrats and Libertarians also contest, but with limited success.

Morton County, ND, has a homeownership rate of around 74% with median home values near $270,000 in 2023, reflecting steady growth. Rental units comprise about 26% of housing, with median rents close to $900/month. Housing stock includes single-family homes, apartments, and newer developments, mainly in Mandan—the county’s largest city. Popular neighborhoods feature suburban layouts and proximity to schools. Property taxes average 1.16% of assessed home value, slightly above the state average. The local market remains stable, with moderate appreciation and a mix of established and expanding residential areas.

As of 2022, Morton County, ND, had an employment rate of approximately 68%, with a labor force of about 17,500. Leading industries include health care & social assistance (13.7%), retail trade (12.6%), construction (11.2%), and education (10.1%). Most workers (62%) are employed in management, business, science, and arts occupations. Around 82% of residents commute by car, with a mean travel time of 19 minutes; the majority work in Mandan or Bismarck. Only about 3.4% of workers work from home.

Morton County, ND, hosts around 15 public schools, including Mandan High School, serving over 4,000 K-12 students. The high school graduation rate exceeds 90%, while about 22% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety measures, such as resource officers and security protocols, are implemented countywide. Average standardized test scores align with North Dakota’s state averages. The county offers adult education and career training programs through the Bismarck State College satellite. Educational programs include STEM, arts, and vocational tracks, supporting diverse student needs and lifelong learning opportunities.

Morton County, ND, has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. In 2023, the property crime rate was approximately 800 incidents per 100,000 residents, while the violent crime rate was 130 per 100,000—both below U.S. averages. The Morton County Sheriff’s Office and Mandan Police Department work collaboratively, with an annual clearance rate of 42% for reported crimes. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities through the county’s tip line and online portal, which contributed to a 7% decrease in overall crime from 2022 to 2023.