Barnes County, North Dakota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 13th-largest in North Dakota
The population of Barnes County, North Dakota is 10,794 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 13th-largest county in North Dakota. The median household income is $70,230, the median home value is $168,100, and the median age is 42.9.
The population of Barnes County has declined 2.4% since 2010 (11,065 → 10,798), a -0.17% annualized rate.
10,794
Population
-0.17%
Annual growth
7
People / sq mi
$70,230
Median Income
$168,100
Median Home Value
Barnes County covers 1,492 sq mi of land at 7.2 people per square mile.
About Barnes County, ND
Barnes County is a county in North Dakota with a population of 10,794. It ranks #13 among counties in North Dakota by population. The median age is 42.9, older than the national median. The population is 50.5% male and 49.5% female.
The median household income in Barnes County is $70,230, below the US median of $74,580. 6.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $168,100, with monthly rent averaging $779. The homeownership rate of 73.4% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Barnes County reflects 30.0% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 4.7% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 18.8 minutes each way.
Barnes County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Barnes County had a population of 11,065 in 2010 and 10,798 in 2024, a -2.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 11,116 in 2013. Average annual growth rate: -0.16%.
10,798
Population (2024)
11,065
Population (2010)
11,116
Peak (2013)
-0.16%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 11,065 |
| 2011 | 11,115 |
| 2012 | 11,009 |
| 2013 | 11,116 |
| 2014 | 11,068 |
| 2015 | 11,017 |
| 2016 | 10,910 |
| 2017 | 10,694 |
| 2018 | 10,540 |
| 2019 | 10,414 |
| 2020 | 10,842 |
| 2021 | 10,714 |
| 2022 | 10,743 |
| 2023 | 10,767 |
| 2024 | 10,798 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 91.0% |
| Black or African American | 1.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.9
Median Age
49.5%
Female
50.5%
Male
22.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.1% · Seniors (65+): 22.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $70,230$-5,719 vs state |
| Mean household income | $92,909 |
| Per-capita income | $41,622 |
| Poverty rate | 6.7%+0.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 60.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Barnes County is professional & business services, accounting for 26.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
5.2%
Carpool
80.9%
Public transit
4.7%
Work from home
18.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$168,100$-73,000 vs state
Median home value
$779
Median rent
73.4%
Homeownership rate
5,706
Total housing units
85.0%
Occupied
15.0%
Vacant
26.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.2%
With health insurance
92.5%
With broadband internet
21.7%
Foreign-born
9.6%
Veterans (18+)
13.3%
With a disability
97.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
95.3%
High School+
30.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in North Dakota
Other counties in North Dakota
Part of North Dakota
Metro areas in North Dakota
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Barnes County, North Dakota has a population of 10,794 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 13th-largest county in North Dakota. Population density is 7 people per square mile.
The population of Barnes County has declined 2.4% since 2010 (11,065 → 10,798), a -0.17% annualized rate.
The median household income in Barnes County, North Dakota is $70,230, with mean (average) household income of $92,909 and per-capita income of $41,622. 6.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Barnes County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (91.0%), Hispanic or Latino (3.0%), Black or African American (1.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Barnes County, North Dakota is 42.9 years. Residents are 49.5% female and 50.5% male.
The median home value in Barnes County is $168,100 and median monthly rent is $779. 73.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 5,706 total housing units, 15.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Barnes County, North Dakota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.9%.
Fargo is among the largest cities associated with Barnes County, North Dakota, with a population of 129,064.
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Full rankings of North Dakota counties
Statewide data for North Dakota
Population, race, income, age, and trends across North Dakota
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.