Bowman County, North Dakota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 35th-largest in North Dakota
The population of Bowman County, North Dakota is 2,935 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 35th-largest county in North Dakota. The median household income is $83,773, the median home value is $176,400, and the median age is 42.7.
The population of Bowman County has declined 8.1% since 2010 (3,142 → 2,886), a -0.61% annualized rate.
2,935
Population
-0.61%
Annual growth
3
People / sq mi
$83,773
Median Income
$176,400
Median Home Value
Bowman County covers 1,162 sq mi of land at 2.5 people per square mile.
About Bowman County, ND
Bowman County stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most sparsely settled of US counties, at roughly 3 people per square mile. Bowman County is a county in North Dakota with a population of 2,935. It ranks #35 among counties in North Dakota by population.
Median household income is $83,773, above the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 8.3%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $176,400, with typical rent around $869.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 27.3% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 7.6%, and the average commute runs about 18 minutes each way.
Bowman County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Bowman County had a population of 3,142 in 2010 and 2,886 in 2024, a -8.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 3,276 in 2015. Average annual growth rate: -0.59%.
2,886
Population (2024)
3,142
Population (2010)
3,276
Peak (2015)
-0.59%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 3,142 |
| 2011 | 3,142 |
| 2012 | 3,210 |
| 2013 | 3,213 |
| 2014 | 3,236 |
| 2015 | 3,276 |
| 2016 | 3,222 |
| 2017 | 3,149 |
| 2018 | 3,061 |
| 2019 | 3,036 |
| 2020 | 2,981 |
| 2021 | 2,901 |
| 2022 | 2,892 |
| 2023 | 2,870 |
| 2024 | 2,886 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.2% |
| Black or African American | 0.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.7
Median Age
49.3%
Female
50.7%
Male
23.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.3% · Seniors (65+): 23.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $83,773+$7,824 vs state |
| Mean household income | $93,676 |
| Per-capita income | $40,067 |
| Poverty rate | 8.3%+2.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 62.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Bowman County is agriculture, accounting for 26.5% of workers.
How residents commute
0.8%
Drive alone
9.5%
Carpool
70.0%
Public transit
7.6%
Work from home
17.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$176,400$-64,700 vs state
Median home value
$869
Median rent
83.0%
Homeownership rate
1,637
Total housing units
75.6%
Occupied
24.4%
Vacant
17.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.2%
With health insurance
92.3%
With broadband internet
23.1%
Foreign-born
6.8%
Veterans (18+)
10.3%
With a disability
95.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.2%
High School+
27.3%
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
Bowman County, North Dakota has a population of 2,935 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 35th-largest county in North Dakota. Population density is 3 people per square mile.
The population of Bowman County has declined 8.1% since 2010 (3,142 → 2,886), a -0.61% annualized rate.
The median household income in Bowman County, North Dakota is $83,773, with mean (average) household income of $93,676 and per-capita income of $40,067. 8.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Bowman County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.2%), Hispanic or Latino (3.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Bowman County, North Dakota is 42.7 years. Residents are 49.3% female and 50.7% male.
The median home value in Bowman County is $176,400 and median monthly rent is $869. 83.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 1,637 total housing units, 24.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Bowman County, North Dakota is agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining, employing 26.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.3%.
Fargo is among the largest cities associated with Bowman County, North Dakota, with a population of 129,064.
Bowman County, ND Climate
Bowman County, ND has an average annual temperature of 6.6°C (44°F) and receives about 392 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
6.6°C
Avg Temp
392
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -9° / 16° | 9 mm |
| February | -5° / 22° | 8 mm |
| March | 0° / 31° | 16 mm |
| April | 6° / 43° | 38 mm |
| May | 13° / 55° | 67 mm |
| June | 18° / 65° | 87 mm |
| July | 22° / 71° | 50 mm |
| August | 21° / 70° | 35 mm |
| September | 15° / 58° | 36 mm |
| October | 8° / 46° | 24 mm |
| November | -1° / 30° | 11 mm |
| December | -7° / 19° | 11 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 Bowman County, ND
The most comfortable months to visit Bowman County, ND are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -15°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Bowman County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.