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.
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
Homeownership is the standout figure in McLean County: 83.4% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. With 9,807 residents, McLean County is a county in North Dakota. It ranks #15 among counties in North Dakota by population.
Median household income is $81,847, near the US median of $78,538. Only 5.0% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. The median home value is $233,100, with typical rent around $768.
Roughly 23.9% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Around 8.8% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in McLean County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
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%.
9,845
Population (2024)
8,998
Population (2010)
9,851
Peak (2022)
0.65%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 8,998 |
| 2011 | 9,082 |
| 2012 | 9,388 |
| 2013 | 9,466 |
| 2014 | 9,553 |
| 2015 | 9,664 |
| 2016 | 9,650 |
| 2017 | 9,638 |
| 2018 | 9,510 |
| 2019 | 9,440 |
| 2020 | 9,763 |
| 2021 | 9,819 |
| 2022 | 9,851 |
| 2023 | 9,836 |
| 2024 | 9,845 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 88.8% |
| Black or African American | 0.2% |
| Asian | 0.4% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 7.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.3% |
Age & Sex
47.4
Median Age
48.4%
Female
51.6%
Male
25.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
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 rate | 5.0%-1.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 0.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 57.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
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.
McLean County, ND Climate
McLean County, ND has an average annual temperature of 4.9°C (41°F) and receives about 411 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
4.9°C
Avg Temp
411
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -13° / 9° | 11 mm |
| February | -9° / 16° | 10 mm |
| March | -3° / 27° | 17 mm |
| April | 5° / 41° | 42 mm |
| May | 12° / 54° | 52 mm |
| June | 17° / 63° | 82 mm |
| July | 20° / 68° | 63 mm |
| August | 20° / 68° | 46 mm |
| September | 14° / 57° | 44 mm |
| October | 7° / 45° | 23 mm |
| November | -2° / 28° | 10 mm |
| December | -10° / 15° | 11 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 McLean County, ND
The most comfortable months to visit McLean County, ND are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 27°C high). The coldest is January (near -18°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near McLean County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.