Benson County, North Dakota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 21st-largest in North Dakota
The population of Benson County, North Dakota is 5,861 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 21st-largest county in North Dakota. The median household income is $68,049, the median home value is $83,100, and the median age is 32.4.
The population of Benson County has declined 13.8% since 2010 (6,677 → 5,756), a -1.05% annualized rate.
5,861
Population
-1.05%
Annual growth
4
People / sq mi
$68,049
Median Income
$83,100
Median Home Value
Benson County covers 1,389 sq mi of land at 4.2 people per square mile.
About Benson County, ND
Housing cost is the defining feature of Benson County: the median home is valued at $83,100. Benson County is a county in North Dakota with a population of 5,861. It ranks #21 among counties in North Dakota by population.
Median household income is $68,049, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is among the highest of comparable US counties: 21.6%, above the national 12.4%. Real estate is inexpensive, with a typical home worth only $83,100, with typical rent around $616.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 22.1% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 4.5% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 16 minutes each way.
Benson County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Benson County had a population of 6,677 in 2010 and 5,756 in 2024, a -13.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 6,934 in 2018. Average annual growth rate: -0.99%.
5,756
Population (2024)
6,677
Population (2010)
6,934
Peak (2018)
-0.99%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 6,677 |
| 2011 | 6,688 |
| 2012 | 6,771 |
| 2013 | 6,900 |
| 2014 | 6,887 |
| 2015 | 6,822 |
| 2016 | 6,848 |
| 2017 | 6,920 |
| 2018 | 6,934 |
| 2019 | 6,837 |
| 2020 | 5,940 |
| 2021 | 5,773 |
| 2022 | 5,794 |
| 2023 | 5,778 |
| 2024 | 5,756 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 43.0% |
| Black or African American | 0.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 54.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Age & Sex
32.4
Median Age
48.4%
Female
51.6%
Male
15.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 27.9% · Seniors (65+): 15.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $68,049$-7,900 vs state |
| Mean household income | $83,060 |
| Per-capita income | $27,568 |
| Poverty rate | 21.6%+15.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 51.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Benson County is professional & business services, accounting for 28.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
6.3%
Carpool
73.0%
Public transit
4.5%
Work from home
15.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$83,100$-158,000 vs state
Median home value
$616
Median rent
74.2%
Homeownership rate
2,544
Total housing units
75.6%
Occupied
24.4%
Vacant
25.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.3%
With health insurance
87.4%
With broadband internet
12.5%
Foreign-born
8.0%
Veterans (18+)
13.5%
With a disability
91.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
88.5%
High School+
22.1%
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
Benson County, North Dakota has a population of 5,861 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 21st-largest county in North Dakota. Population density is 4 people per square mile.
The population of Benson County has declined 13.8% since 2010 (6,677 → 5,756), a -1.05% annualized rate.
The median household income in Benson County, North Dakota is $68,049, with mean (average) household income of $83,060 and per-capita income of $27,568. 21.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Benson County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are Hispanic or Latino (54.8%), White (43.0%), Black or African American (0.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Benson County, North Dakota is 32.4 years. Residents are 48.4% female and 51.6% male.
The median home value in Benson County is $83,100 and median monthly rent is $616. 74.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 2,544 total housing units, 24.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Benson County, North Dakota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 28.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.0%.
Fargo is among the largest cities associated with Benson 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.