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Population Review

McLean County, North Dakota Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 15th-largest in North Dakota

The population of McLean County, North Dakota is 9,807 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 15th-largest county in North Dakota. The median household income is $81,847, the median home value is $233,100, and the median age is 47.4.

The population of McLean County has grown 9.4% since 2010 (8,998 → 9,845), a +0.64% annualized rate.

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

9,807

Population

+0.64%

Annual growth

5

People / sq mi

$81,847

Median Income

$233,100

Median Home Value

McLean County covers 2,110 sq mi of land at 4.6 people per square mile.

About McLean County, ND

McLean County is a county in North Dakota with a population of 9,807. It ranks #15 among counties in North Dakota by population. The median age is 47.4, older than the national median. The population is 51.6% male and 48.4% female.

The median household income in McLean County is $81,847, above the US median of $74,580. 5.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $233,100, with monthly rent averaging $768. The homeownership rate of 83.4% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in McLean County reflects 23.9% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 8.8% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 22.9 minutes each way.

McLean County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of McLean County had a population of 8,998 in 2010 and 9,845 in 2024, a 9.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 9,851 in 2022. Average annual growth rate: 0.65%.

2022 · 10K20102024

9,845

Population (2024)

8,998

Population (2010)

9,851

Peak (2022)

0.65%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
20108,998
20119,082
20129,388
20139,466
20149,553
20159,664
20169,650
20179,638
20189,510
20199,440
20209,763
20219,819
20229,851
20239,836
20249,845

Race & Ethnicity

White88.8%
Black or African American0.2%
Asian0.4%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)7.9%
Two or More Races0.3%

Age & Sex

47.4

Median Age

48.4%

Female

51.6%

Male

25.7%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
5.0%
5–9
7.8%
10–14
4.8%
15–19
5.9%
20–24
3.6%
25–34
10.0%
35–44
10.8%
45–54
10.9%
55–59
6.6%
60–64
9.0%
65–74
15.2%
75–84
7.7%
85+
2.8%

Children (under 15): 17.6% · Seniors (65+): 25.7%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$81,847+$5,898 vs state
Mean household income$97,533
Per-capita income$42,526
Poverty rate5.0%-1.2% vs state
Unemployment rate0.9%
Employment-to-population57.9%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
21.9%
Agriculture
18.4%
Retail trade
9.9%
Construction
7.4%
Public administration
7.2%
Education & health care
6.5%
Manufacturing
4.9%
Arts, entertainment & food
4.9%

The largest employment sector in McLean County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.9% of workers.

How residents commute

0.1%

Drive alone

4.6%

Carpool

74.1%

Public transit

8.8%

Work from home

22.9 min

Avg commute

Housing

$233,100$-8,000 vs state

Median home value

$768

Median rent

83.4%

Homeownership rate

5,794

Total housing units

73.5%

Occupied

26.5%

Vacant

16.6%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

94.4%

With health insurance

94.2%

With broadband internet

22.6%

Foreign-born

9.3%

Veterans (18+)

11.5%

With a disability

97.3%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

93.6%

High School+

23.9%

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

McLean County, North Dakota has a population of 9,807 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 15th-largest county in North Dakota. Population density is 5 people per square mile.

The population of McLean County has grown 9.4% since 2010 (8,998 → 9,845), a +0.64% annualized rate.

The median household income in McLean County, North Dakota is $81,847, with mean (average) household income of $97,533 and per-capita income of $42,526. 5.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In McLean County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (88.8%), Hispanic or Latino (7.9%), Asian (0.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in McLean County, North Dakota is 47.4 years. Residents are 48.4% female and 51.6% male.

The median home value in McLean County is $233,100 and median monthly rent is $768. 83.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 5,794 total housing units, 26.5% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in McLean County, North Dakota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 0.9%.

Fargo is among the largest cities associated with McLean 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.