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Population Review

Cavalier County, North Dakota Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 31st-largest in North Dakota

The population of Cavalier County, North Dakota is 3,663 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 31st-largest county in North Dakota. The median household income is $67,064, the median home value is $122,300, and the median age is 47.1.

The population of Cavalier County has declined 10.5% since 2010 (3,986 → 3,567), a -0.79% annualized rate.

Cavalier County within North Dakota · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

3,663

Population

-0.79%

Annual growth

2

People / sq mi

$67,064

Median Income

$122,300

Median Home Value

Cavalier County covers 1,489 sq mi of land at 2.5 people per square mile.

About Cavalier County, ND

Cavalier County is a county in North Dakota with a population of 3,663. It ranks #31 among counties in North Dakota by population. The median age is 47.1, older than the national median. The population is 52.1% male and 47.9% female.

The median household income in Cavalier County is $67,064, below the US median of $74,580. 5.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $122,300, with monthly rent averaging $859. The homeownership rate of 82.8% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Cavalier County reflects 22.2% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 9.2% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 16.4 minutes each way.

Cavalier County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Cavalier County had a population of 3,986 in 2010 and 3,567 in 2024, a -10.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 3,986 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.79%.

2010 · 4K20102024

3,567

Population (2024)

3,986

Population (2010)

3,986

Peak (2010)

-0.79%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
20103,986
20113,944
20123,921
20133,854
20143,843
20153,824
20163,815
20173,787
20183,797
20193,734
20203,700
20213,677
20223,616
20233,605
20243,567

Race & Ethnicity

White92.8%
Black or African American0.0%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1.9%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

47.1

Median Age

47.9%

Female

52.1%

Male

27.3%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
6.7%
5–9
4.3%
10–14
8.8%
15–19
6.0%
20–24
4.3%
25–34
8.2%
35–44
9.0%
45–54
10.7%
55–59
8.4%
60–64
6.3%
65–74
14.7%
75–84
7.7%
85+
4.9%

Children (under 15): 19.8% · Seniors (65+): 27.3%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$67,064$-8,885 vs state
Mean household income$101,179
Per-capita income$45,550
Poverty rate5.2%-1.0% vs state
Unemployment rate0.7%
Employment-to-population59.7%

Top Industries by Employment

Agriculture
25.1%
Professional & business services
17.0%
Construction
8.1%
Public administration
7.6%
Retail trade
7.3%
Information
4.9%
Arts, entertainment & food
3.9%
Manufacturing
3.4%

The largest employment sector in Cavalier County is agriculture, accounting for 25.1% of workers.

How residents commute

0.0%

Drive alone

2.4%

Carpool

77.2%

Public transit

9.2%

Work from home

16.4 min

Avg commute

Housing

$122,300$-118,800 vs state

Median home value

$859

Median rent

82.8%

Homeownership rate

2,115

Total housing units

72.8%

Occupied

27.2%

Vacant

17.2%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

96.5%

With health insurance

91.7%

With broadband internet

16.6%

Foreign-born

6.2%

Veterans (18+)

12.6%

With a disability

95.6%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

93.1%

High School+

22.2%

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

Cavalier County, North Dakota has a population of 3,663 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 31st-largest county in North Dakota. Population density is 2 people per square mile.

The population of Cavalier County has declined 10.5% since 2010 (3,986 → 3,567), a -0.79% annualized rate.

The median household income in Cavalier County, North Dakota is $67,064, with mean (average) household income of $101,179 and per-capita income of $45,550. 5.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Cavalier County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (92.8%), Hispanic or Latino (1.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Cavalier County, North Dakota is 47.1 years. Residents are 47.9% female and 52.1% male.

The median home value in Cavalier County is $122,300 and median monthly rent is $859. 82.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 2,115 total housing units, 27.2% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Cavalier County, North Dakota is agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining, employing 25.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 0.7%.

Fargo is among the largest cities associated with Cavalier County, North Dakota, with a population of 129,064.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.