Grand Forks County, North Dakota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 3rd-largest in North Dakota
The population of Grand Forks County, North Dakota is 72,764 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 3rd-largest county in North Dakota. The median household income is $68,450, the median home value is $244,200, and the median age is 30.6.
The population of Grand Forks County has grown 10.1% since 2010 (66,994 → 73,771), a +0.69% annualized rate.
72,764
Population
+0.69%
Annual growth
51
People / sq mi
$68,450
Median Income
$244,200
Median Home Value
Grand Forks County covers 1,436 sq mi of land at 50.7 people per square mile.
About Grand Forks County, ND
Age is the most distinctive thing about Grand Forks County: a median age of 30.6, younger than the national median. Grand Forks County is a county in North Dakota with a population of 72,764. It is the #3-largest of all counties in North Dakota nationally.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $68,450 — below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 7.3%, below the national 12.4%. The median home value is $244,200, with typical rent around $971.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 37.2% of adults hold a four-year degree, above the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 5.5%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 16 minutes each way.
Grand Forks County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Grand Forks County had a population of 66,994 in 2010 and 73,771 in 2024, a 10.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 73,771 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.70%.
73,771
Population (2024)
66,994
Population (2010)
73,771
Peak (2024)
0.70%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 66,994 |
| 2011 | 66,651 |
| 2012 | 67,651 |
| 2013 | 69,198 |
| 2014 | 69,865 |
| 2015 | 70,448 |
| 2016 | 70,666 |
| 2017 | 70,722 |
| 2018 | 70,675 |
| 2019 | 69,670 |
| 2020 | 73,132 |
| 2021 | 72,409 |
| 2022 | 72,103 |
| 2023 | 73,198 |
| 2024 | 73,771 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 83.9% |
| Black or African American | 3.6% |
| Asian | 0.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 4.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.5% |
Age & Sex
30.6
Median Age
48.5%
Female
51.5%
Male
14.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.2% · Seniors (65+): 14.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $68,450$-7,499 vs state |
| Mean household income | $91,810 |
| Per-capita income | $39,597 |
| Poverty rate | 7.3%+1.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 66.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Grand Forks County is professional & business services, accounting for 33.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.9%
Drive alone
3.4%
Carpool
80.2%
Public transit
5.5%
Work from home
15.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$244,200+$3,100 vs state
Median home value
$971
Median rent
52.1%
Homeownership rate
33,736
Total housing units
92.0%
Occupied
8.0%
Vacant
47.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.1%
With health insurance
95.5%
With broadband internet
39.2%
Foreign-born
7.8%
Veterans (18+)
9.5%
With a disability
92.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
95.7%
High School+
37.2%
Bachelor's+
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Part of North Dakota
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Grand Forks County, North Dakota has a population of 72,764 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 3rd-largest county in North Dakota. Population density is 51 people per square mile.
The population of Grand Forks County has grown 10.1% since 2010 (66,994 → 73,771), a +0.69% annualized rate.
The median household income in Grand Forks County, North Dakota is $68,450, with mean (average) household income of $91,810 and per-capita income of $39,597. 7.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Grand Forks County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (83.9%), Hispanic or Latino (4.3%), Black or African American (3.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Grand Forks County, North Dakota is 30.6 years. Residents are 48.5% female and 51.5% male.
The median home value in Grand Forks County is $244,200 and median monthly rent is $971. 52.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 33,736 total housing units, 8.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Grand Forks County, North Dakota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 33.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.9%.
Fargo is among the largest cities associated with Grand Forks County, North Dakota, with a population of 129,064.
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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.