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.
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 stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most sparsely settled of US counties, at roughly 2 people per square mile. Cavalier County is a county in North Dakota with a population of 3,663. It ranks #31 among counties in North Dakota by population.
Median household income is $67,064, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 5.2%, is on the lower side for US counties and below the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $122,300, with typical rent around $859.
22.2% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. About 9.2% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 16 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%.
3,567
Population (2024)
3,986
Population (2010)
3,986
Peak (2010)
-0.79%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 3,986 |
| 2011 | 3,944 |
| 2012 | 3,921 |
| 2013 | 3,854 |
| 2014 | 3,843 |
| 2015 | 3,824 |
| 2016 | 3,815 |
| 2017 | 3,787 |
| 2018 | 3,797 |
| 2019 | 3,734 |
| 2020 | 3,700 |
| 2021 | 3,677 |
| 2022 | 3,616 |
| 2023 | 3,605 |
| 2024 | 3,567 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.8% |
| Black or African American | 0.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
47.1
Median Age
47.9%
Female
52.1%
Male
27.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
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 rate | 5.2%-1.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 0.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 59.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
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.
Cavalier County, ND Climate
Cavalier County, ND has an average annual temperature of 2.7°C (37°F) and receives about 474 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
2.7°C
Avg Temp
474
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -17° / 2° | 14 mm |
| February | -13° / 8° | 11 mm |
| March | -6° / 21° | 18 mm |
| April | 3° / 38° | 27 mm |
| May | 12° / 53° | 62 mm |
| June | 17° / 63° | 86 mm |
| July | 19° / 66° | 79 mm |
| August | 19° / 65° | 68 mm |
| September | 13° / 55° | 45 mm |
| October | 5° / 42° | 33 mm |
| November | -5° / 23° | 18 mm |
| December | -14° / 7° | 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 Cavalier County, ND
The most comfortable months to visit Cavalier County, ND are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 25°C high). The coldest is January (near -22°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Cavalier County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.