Pierce County, North Dakota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 27th-largest in North Dakota
The population of Pierce County, North Dakota is 3,961 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 27th-largest county in North Dakota. The median household income is $63,214, the median home value is $143,400, and the median age is 44.3.
The population of Pierce County has declined 11.6% since 2010 (4,360 → 3,853), a -0.88% annualized rate.
3,961
Population
-0.88%
Annual growth
4
People / sq mi
$63,214
Median Income
$143,400
Median Home Value
Pierce County covers 1,018 sq mi of land at 3.9 people per square mile.
About Pierce County, ND
Pierce County stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most sparsely settled of US counties, at roughly 4 people per square mile. Pierce County is a county in North Dakota with a population of 3,961. It ranks #27 among counties in North Dakota by population.
The typical household here earns about $63,214, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 4.8%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $143,400, with typical rent around $807.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 27.9% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. About 8.8% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 11 minutes each way.
Pierce County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Pierce County had a population of 4,360 in 2010 and 3,853 in 2024, a -11.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 4,444 in 2012. Average annual growth rate: -0.87%.
3,853
Population (2024)
4,360
Population (2010)
4,444
Peak (2012)
-0.87%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 4,360 |
| 2011 | 4,368 |
| 2012 | 4,444 |
| 2013 | 4,415 |
| 2014 | 4,360 |
| 2015 | 4,269 |
| 2016 | 4,209 |
| 2017 | 4,098 |
| 2018 | 4,072 |
| 2019 | 3,997 |
| 2020 | 3,975 |
| 2021 | 3,951 |
| 2022 | 3,944 |
| 2023 | 3,910 |
| 2024 | 3,853 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.3% |
| Black or African American | 0.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 4.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
44.3
Median Age
50.4%
Female
49.6%
Male
24.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.3% · Seniors (65+): 24.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $63,214$-12,735 vs state |
| Mean household income | $84,732 |
| Per-capita income | $40,194 |
| Poverty rate | 4.8%-1.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 0.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 59.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Pierce County is professional & business services, accounting for 32.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
3.1%
Carpool
84.6%
Public transit
8.8%
Work from home
11.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$143,400$-97,700 vs state
Median home value
$807
Median rent
78.9%
Homeownership rate
2,077
Total housing units
88.6%
Occupied
11.4%
Vacant
21.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.3%
With health insurance
92.4%
With broadband internet
20.0%
Foreign-born
8.2%
Veterans (18+)
8.8%
With a disability
97.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.9%
High School+
27.9%
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
Pierce County, North Dakota has a population of 3,961 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 27th-largest county in North Dakota. Population density is 4 people per square mile.
The population of Pierce County has declined 11.6% since 2010 (4,360 → 3,853), a -0.88% annualized rate.
The median household income in Pierce County, North Dakota is $63,214, with mean (average) household income of $84,732 and per-capita income of $40,194. 4.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Pierce County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.3%), Hispanic or Latino (4.8%), Black or African American (0.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Pierce County, North Dakota is 44.3 years. Residents are 50.4% female and 49.6% male.
The median home value in Pierce County is $143,400 and median monthly rent is $807. 78.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 2,077 total housing units, 11.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Pierce County, North Dakota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 32.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 0.8%.
Fargo is among the largest cities associated with Pierce County, North Dakota, with a population of 129,064.
Pierce County, ND Climate
Pierce County, ND has an average annual temperature of 4.2°C (40°F) and receives about 426 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
4.2°C
Avg Temp
426
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -15° / 5° | 12 mm |
| February | -11° / 12° | 10 mm |
| March | -4° / 24° | 18 mm |
| April | 5° / 40° | 36 mm |
| May | 13° / 55° | 51 mm |
| June | 18° / 64° | 73 mm |
| July | 20° / 68° | 69 mm |
| August | 19° / 67° | 56 mm |
| September | 14° / 57° | 47 mm |
| October | 7° / 44° | 29 mm |
| November | -3° / 26° | 12 mm |
| December | -11° / 12° | 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 Pierce County, ND
The most comfortable months to visit Pierce 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 -20°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Pierce County
Visiting or relocating to Pierce County, ND? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Pierce County
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a move to Pierce County?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Pierce County, ND by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
More from North Dakota
Population 189,286
Population 98,986
Population 72,764
Population 69,232
Full rankings of North Dakota counties
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.