Nelson County, North Dakota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 34th-largest in North Dakota
The population of Nelson County, North Dakota is 3,015 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 34th-largest county in North Dakota. The median household income is $68,051, the median home value is $114,500, and the median age is 50.4.
The population of Nelson County has declined 3.7% since 2010 (3,121 → 3,007), a -0.27% annualized rate.
3,015
Population
-0.27%
Annual growth
3
People / sq mi
$68,051
Median Income
$114,500
Median Home Value
Nelson County covers 982 sq mi of land at 3.1 people per square mile.
About Nelson County, ND
Nelson County is a county in North Dakota with a population of 3,015. It ranks #34 among counties in North Dakota by population. The median age is 50.4, older than the national median. The population is 50.0% male and 50.0% female.
The median household income in Nelson County is $68,051, below the US median of $74,580. 5.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $114,500, with monthly rent averaging $593. The homeownership rate of 76.9% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Nelson County reflects 28.2% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 8.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 19.7 minutes each way.
Nelson County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Nelson County had a population of 3,121 in 2010 and 3,007 in 2024, a -3.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 3,121 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.25%.
3,007
Population (2024)
3,121
Population (2010)
3,121
Peak (2010)
-0.25%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 3,121 |
| 2011 | 3,059 |
| 2012 | 3,055 |
| 2013 | 3,054 |
| 2014 | 3,017 |
| 2015 | 2,916 |
| 2016 | 2,887 |
| 2017 | 2,905 |
| 2018 | 2,881 |
| 2019 | 2,856 |
| 2020 | 2,999 |
| 2021 | 3,055 |
| 2022 | 3,011 |
| 2023 | 3,010 |
| 2024 | 3,007 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.3% |
| Black or African American | 0.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
50.4
Median Age
50.0%
Female
50.0%
Male
27.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.3% · Seniors (65+): 27.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $68,051$-7,898 vs state |
| Mean household income | $87,612 |
| Per-capita income | $38,484 |
| Poverty rate | 5.6%-0.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 0.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 55.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Nelson County is professional & business services, accounting for 27.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
10.6%
Carpool
67.0%
Public transit
8.4%
Work from home
19.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$114,500$-126,600 vs state
Median home value
$593
Median rent
76.9%
Homeownership rate
1,798
Total housing units
72.0%
Occupied
28.0%
Vacant
23.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.3%
With health insurance
93.1%
With broadband internet
20.4%
Foreign-born
9.0%
Veterans (18+)
18.6%
With a disability
94.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.3%
High School+
28.2%
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
Nelson County, North Dakota has a population of 3,015 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 34th-largest county in North Dakota. Population density is 3 people per square mile.
The population of Nelson County has declined 3.7% since 2010 (3,121 → 3,007), a -0.27% annualized rate.
The median household income in Nelson County, North Dakota is $68,051, with mean (average) household income of $87,612 and per-capita income of $38,484. 5.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Nelson County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.3%), Hispanic or Latino (2.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Nelson County, North Dakota is 50.4 years. Residents are 50.0% female and 50.0% male.
The median home value in Nelson County is $114,500 and median monthly rent is $593. 76.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 1,798 total housing units, 28.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Nelson County, North Dakota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 27.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 0.6%.
Fargo is among the largest cities associated with Nelson 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.