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
Benson County is a county in North Dakota with a population of 5,861. It ranks #21 among counties in North Dakota by population. The median age is 32.4, younger than the national median. The population is 51.6% male and 48.4% female.
The median household income in Benson County is $68,049, below the US median of $74,580. 21.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $83,100, with monthly rent averaging $616. The homeownership rate of 74.2% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Benson County reflects 22.1% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 4.5% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 15.8 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.