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
What distinguishes Barnes County is density: among the most sparsely settled of US counties, around 7 people per square mile. Barnes County is a county in North Dakota with a population of 10,794. It ranks #13 among counties in North Dakota by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $70,230 — below the US median of $78,538. Only 6.7% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $168,100, with typical rent around $779.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 30.0% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Just 4.7% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 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.
Barnes County, ND Climate
Barnes County, ND has an average annual temperature of 4.8°C (41°F) and receives about 478 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
4.8°C
Avg Temp
478
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -14° / 6° | 14 mm |
| February | -10° / 13° | 10 mm |
| March | -3° / 26° | 23 mm |
| April | 6° / 42° | 43 mm |
| May | 13° / 56° | 60 mm |
| June | 18° / 65° | 84 mm |
| July | 21° / 70° | 68 mm |
| August | 20° / 68° | 63 mm |
| September | 14° / 58° | 53 mm |
| October | 7° / 45° | 32 mm |
| November | -3° / 26° | 15 mm |
| December | -11° / 12° | 13 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Barnes County, ND
The most comfortable months to visit Barnes County, ND are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 28°C high). The coldest is January (near -20°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Barnes County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.