Ransom County, North Dakota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 22nd-largest in North Dakota
The population of Ransom County, North Dakota is 5,662 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 22nd-largest county in North Dakota. The median household income is $74,521, the median home value is $174,800, and the median age is 41.1.
The population of Ransom County has grown 2.8% since 2010 (5,440 → 5,590), a +0.19% annualized rate.
5,662
Population
+0.19%
Annual growth
7
People / sq mi
$74,521
Median Income
$174,800
Median Home Value
Ransom County covers 862 sq mi of land at 6.6 people per square mile.
About Ransom County, ND
What distinguishes Ransom County is density: among the most sparsely settled of US counties, around 7 people per square mile. With 5,662 residents, Ransom County is a county in North Dakota. It ranks #22 among counties in North Dakota by population.
Median household income is $74,521, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 7.5%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $174,800, with typical rent around $710.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 21.0% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Around 9.9% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 minutes each way.
Ransom County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Ransom County had a population of 5,440 in 2010 and 5,590 in 2024, a 2.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 5,693 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.23%.
5,590
Population (2024)
5,440
Population (2010)
5,693
Peak (2020)
0.23%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 5,440 |
| 2011 | 5,432 |
| 2012 | 5,472 |
| 2013 | 5,498 |
| 2014 | 5,446 |
| 2015 | 5,455 |
| 2016 | 5,379 |
| 2017 | 5,301 |
| 2018 | 5,218 |
| 2019 | 5,217 |
| 2020 | 5,693 |
| 2021 | 5,677 |
| 2022 | 5,648 |
| 2023 | 5,606 |
| 2024 | 5,590 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.7% |
| Black or African American | 0.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.1
Median Age
48.0%
Female
52.0%
Male
21.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.6% · Seniors (65+): 21.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $74,521$-1,428 vs state |
| Mean household income | $90,086 |
| Per-capita income | $38,775 |
| Poverty rate | 7.5%+1.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 61.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Ransom County is manufacturing, accounting for 23.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
3.6%
Carpool
76.0%
Public transit
9.9%
Work from home
18.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$174,800$-66,300 vs state
Median home value
$710
Median rent
75.7%
Homeownership rate
2,538
Total housing units
90.8%
Occupied
9.2%
Vacant
24.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
96.0%
With health insurance
90.0%
With broadband internet
32.2%
Foreign-born
9.6%
Veterans (18+)
11.1%
With a disability
94.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.6%
High School+
21.0%
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
Ransom County, North Dakota has a population of 5,662 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 22nd-largest county in North Dakota. Population density is 7 people per square mile.
The population of Ransom County has grown 2.8% since 2010 (5,440 → 5,590), a +0.19% annualized rate.
The median household income in Ransom County, North Dakota is $74,521, with mean (average) household income of $90,086 and per-capita income of $38,775. 7.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Ransom County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (92.7%), Hispanic or Latino (1.8%), Black or African American (0.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Ransom County, North Dakota is 41.1 years. Residents are 48.0% female and 52.0% male.
The median home value in Ransom County is $174,800 and median monthly rent is $710. 75.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 2,538 total housing units, 9.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Ransom County, North Dakota is manufacturing, employing 23.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.3%.
Fargo is among the largest cities associated with Ransom County, North Dakota, with a population of 129,064.
Ransom County, ND Climate
Ransom County, ND has an average annual temperature of 5.4°C (42°F) and receives about 488 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
5.4°C
Avg Temp
488
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -14° / 7° | 12 mm |
| February | -10° / 15° | 10 mm |
| March | -3° / 27° | 24 mm |
| April | 6° / 43° | 46 mm |
| May | 14° / 57° | 61 mm |
| June | 19° / 66° | 85 mm |
| July | 21° / 71° | 72 mm |
| August | 20° / 69° | 63 mm |
| September | 15° / 59° | 52 mm |
| October | 8° / 46° | 35 mm |
| November | -2° / 28° | 16 mm |
| December | -10° / 14° | 12 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 Ransom County, ND
The most comfortable months to visit Ransom County, ND are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -19°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Ransom County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.