McHenry County, North Dakota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 23rd-largest in North Dakota
The population of McHenry County, North Dakota is 5,264 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 23rd-largest county in North Dakota. The median household income is $80,614, the median home value is $143,200, and the median age is 43.4.
The population of McHenry County has declined 4.9% since 2010 (5,402 → 5,135), a -0.36% annualized rate.
5,264
Population
-0.36%
Annual growth
3
People / sq mi
$80,614
Median Income
$143,200
Median Home Value
McHenry County covers 1,874 sq mi of land at 2.8 people per square mile.
About McHenry County, ND
McHenry County stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most sparsely settled of US counties, at roughly 3 people per square mile. With 5,264 residents, McHenry County is a county in North Dakota. It ranks #23 among counties in North Dakota by population.
The typical household earns $80,614 a year, near the US median of $78,538. Only 5.9% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $143,200, with typical rent around $737.
Roughly 20.9% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is widespread — 15.1% of workers stay home, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 29 minutes each way.
McHenry County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of McHenry County had a population of 5,402 in 2010 and 5,135 in 2024, a -4.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 5,981 in 2016. Average annual growth rate: -0.32%.
5,135
Population (2024)
5,402
Population (2010)
5,981
Peak (2016)
-0.32%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 5,402 |
| 2011 | 5,501 |
| 2012 | 5,798 |
| 2013 | 5,906 |
| 2014 | 5,976 |
| 2015 | 5,975 |
| 2016 | 5,981 |
| 2017 | 5,894 |
| 2018 | 5,802 |
| 2019 | 5,753 |
| 2020 | 5,316 |
| 2021 | 5,224 |
| 2022 | 5,208 |
| 2023 | 5,152 |
| 2024 | 5,135 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 95.2% |
| Black or African American | 0.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.4
Median Age
48.3%
Female
51.7%
Male
21.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.6% · Seniors (65+): 21.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $80,614+$4,665 vs state |
| Mean household income | $93,621 |
| Per-capita income | $41,087 |
| Poverty rate | 5.9%-0.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 61.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in McHenry County is agriculture, accounting for 22.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
4.8%
Carpool
72.1%
Public transit
15.1%
Work from home
28.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$143,200$-97,900 vs state
Median home value
$737
Median rent
80.3%
Homeownership rate
2,832
Total housing units
80.0%
Occupied
20.0%
Vacant
19.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.7%
With health insurance
89.2%
With broadband internet
24.8%
Foreign-born
10.7%
Veterans (18+)
12.2%
With a disability
97.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.4%
High School+
20.9%
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
McHenry County, North Dakota has a population of 5,264 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 23rd-largest county in North Dakota. Population density is 3 people per square mile.
The population of McHenry County has declined 4.9% since 2010 (5,402 → 5,135), a -0.36% annualized rate.
The median household income in McHenry County, North Dakota is $80,614, with mean (average) household income of $93,621 and per-capita income of $41,087. 5.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In McHenry County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (95.2%), Hispanic or Latino (1.5%), Black or African American (0.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in McHenry County, North Dakota is 43.4 years. Residents are 48.3% female and 51.7% male.
The median home value in McHenry County is $143,200 and median monthly rent is $737. 80.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 2,832 total housing units, 20.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in McHenry County, North Dakota is agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining, employing 22.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.0%.
Fargo is among the largest cities associated with McHenry County, North Dakota, with a population of 129,064.
McHenry County, ND Climate
McHenry County, ND has an average annual temperature of 4.6°C (40°F) and receives about 425 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
4.6°C
Avg Temp
425
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -14° / 6° | 13 mm |
| February | -10° / 14° | 11 mm |
| March | -4° / 25° | 19 mm |
| April | 5° / 41° | 40 mm |
| May | 13° / 55° | 52 mm |
| June | 18° / 64° | 74 mm |
| July | 21° / 70° | 66 mm |
| August | 20° / 68° | 50 mm |
| September | 14° / 57° | 46 mm |
| October | 7° / 44° | 29 mm |
| November | -3° / 26° | 13 mm |
| December | -11° / 12° | 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 McHenry County, ND
The most comfortable months to visit McHenry County, ND are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -20°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near McHenry County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.