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 skews on age — the median resident is 50.4, older than the national median. 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 typical household here earns about $68,051, below the US median of $78,538. Only 5.6% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $114,500, with typical rent around $593.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 28.2% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. About 8.4% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 20 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Nelson County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
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.
Nelson County, ND Climate
Nelson County, ND has an average annual temperature of 3.6°C (38°F) and receives about 467 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
3.6°C
Avg Temp
467
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -16° / 4° | 15 mm |
| February | -12° / 11° | 10 mm |
| March | -5° / 23° | 23 mm |
| April | 4° / 40° | 35 mm |
| May | 12° / 54° | 55 mm |
| June | 17° / 63° | 83 mm |
| July | 20° / 68° | 75 mm |
| August | 19° / 66° | 60 mm |
| September | 13° / 56° | 51 mm |
| October | 6° / 43° | 31 mm |
| November | -4° / 24° | 16 mm |
| December | -12° / 10° | 13 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 Nelson County, ND
The most comfortable months to visit Nelson County, ND are typically July, August 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 -21°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Nelson County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.