Foster County, North Dakota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 32nd-largest in North Dakota
The population of Foster County, North Dakota is 3,372 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 32nd-largest county in North Dakota. The median household income is $83,412, the median home value is $162,800, and the median age is 43.3.
The population of Foster County has declined 0.6% since 2010 (3,343 → 3,323), a -0.04% annualized rate.
3,372
Population
-0.04%
Annual growth
5
People / sq mi
$83,412
Median Income
$162,800
Median Home Value
Foster County covers 634 sq mi of land at 5.3 people per square mile.
About Foster County, ND
Foster County stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most sparsely settled of US counties, at roughly 5 people per square mile. Foster County is a county in North Dakota with a population of 3,372. It ranks #32 among counties in North Dakota by population.
The typical household earns $83,412 a year, above the US median of $78,538. Only 5.4% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $162,800, with typical rent around $756.
College attainment is above the local norm at 27.2%, below the national 35.0%. Around 7.3% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 14 minutes each way.
Foster County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Foster County had a population of 3,343 in 2010 and 3,323 in 2024, a -0.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 3,388 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: -0.03%.
3,323
Population (2024)
3,343
Population (2010)
3,388
Peak (2020)
-0.03%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 3,343 |
| 2011 | 3,343 |
| 2012 | 3,380 |
| 2013 | 3,355 |
| 2014 | 3,337 |
| 2015 | 3,325 |
| 2016 | 3,308 |
| 2017 | 3,251 |
| 2018 | 3,212 |
| 2019 | 3,217 |
| 2020 | 3,388 |
| 2021 | 3,366 |
| 2022 | 3,377 |
| 2023 | 3,334 |
| 2024 | 3,323 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.2% |
| Black or African American | 0.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.2% |
Age & Sex
43.3
Median Age
48.8%
Female
51.2%
Male
23.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.6% · Seniors (65+): 23.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $83,412+$7,463 vs state |
| Mean household income | $94,603 |
| Per-capita income | $43,724 |
| Poverty rate | 5.4%-0.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 0.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 67.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Foster County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
1.9%
Carpool
79.1%
Public transit
7.3%
Work from home
13.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$162,800$-78,300 vs state
Median home value
$756
Median rent
77.4%
Homeownership rate
1,782
Total housing units
85.0%
Occupied
15.0%
Vacant
22.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.3%
With health insurance
90.9%
With broadband internet
22.8%
Foreign-born
4.5%
Veterans (18+)
12.4%
With a disability
97.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.2%
High School+
27.2%
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
Foster County, North Dakota has a population of 3,372 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 32nd-largest county in North Dakota. Population density is 5 people per square mile.
The population of Foster County has declined 0.6% since 2010 (3,343 → 3,323), a -0.04% annualized rate.
The median household income in Foster County, North Dakota is $83,412, with mean (average) household income of $94,603 and per-capita income of $43,724. 5.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Foster County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.2%), Hispanic or Latino (0.8%), Black or African American (0.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Foster County, North Dakota is 43.3 years. Residents are 48.8% female and 51.2% male.
The median home value in Foster County is $162,800 and median monthly rent is $756. 77.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 1,782 total housing units, 15.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Foster County, North Dakota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 0.1%.
Fargo is among the largest cities associated with Foster County, North Dakota, with a population of 129,064.
Foster County, ND Climate
Foster County, ND has an average annual temperature of 4.5°C (40°F) and receives about 455 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
4.5°C
Avg Temp
455
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -15° / 6° | 14 mm |
| February | -11° / 13° | 11 mm |
| March | -4° / 25° | 21 mm |
| April | 5° / 41° | 38 mm |
| May | 13° / 55° | 55 mm |
| June | 18° / 64° | 87 mm |
| July | 21° / 69° | 69 mm |
| August | 20° / 67° | 58 mm |
| September | 14° / 57° | 48 mm |
| October | 7° / 45° | 27 mm |
| November | -3° / 27° | 15 mm |
| December | -11° / 13° | 12 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 Foster County, ND
The most comfortable months to visit Foster County, ND are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 28°C high). The coldest is January (near -20°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Foster County
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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.