Richland County, North Dakota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 9th-largest in North Dakota
The population of Richland County, North Dakota is 16,550 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 9th-largest county in North Dakota. The median household income is $72,524, the median home value is $177,600, and the median age is 38.0.
The population of Richland County has grown 2.0% since 2010 (16,329 → 16,658), a +0.14% annualized rate.
16,550
Population
+0.14%
Annual growth
12
People / sq mi
$72,524
Median Income
$177,600
Median Home Value
Richland County covers 1,436 sq mi of land at 11.5 people per square mile.
About Richland County, ND
Richland County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 52.7% of the population. Richland County is a county in North Dakota with a population of 16,550. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in North Dakota in the country, at #9 by population.
The typical household earns $72,524 a year, below the US median of $78,538. Only 5.9% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $177,600, with typical rent around $751.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 25.0% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Around 8.1% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
The large foreign-born share is a defining thread in Richland County, shaping language, household composition, and the labor force behind the economic figures above.
Richland County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Richland County had a population of 16,329 in 2010 and 16,658 in 2024, a 2.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 16,658 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.14%.
16,658
Population (2024)
16,329
Population (2010)
16,658
Peak (2024)
0.14%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 16,329 |
| 2011 | 16,269 |
| 2012 | 16,231 |
| 2013 | 16,301 |
| 2014 | 16,363 |
| 2015 | 16,306 |
| 2016 | 16,316 |
| 2017 | 16,323 |
| 2018 | 16,245 |
| 2019 | 16,187 |
| 2020 | 16,532 |
| 2021 | 16,547 |
| 2022 | 16,577 |
| 2023 | 16,604 |
| 2024 | 16,658 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 90.1% |
| Black or African American | 0.9% |
| Asian | 0.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 4.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.2% |
Age & Sex
38.0
Median Age
48.9%
Female
51.1%
Male
19.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.9% · Seniors (65+): 19.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $72,524$-3,425 vs state |
| Mean household income | $97,675 |
| Per-capita income | $40,184 |
| Poverty rate | 5.9%-0.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 64.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Richland County is professional & business services, accounting for 26.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.4%
Drive alone
5.3%
Carpool
77.8%
Public transit
8.1%
Work from home
21.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$177,600$-63,500 vs state
Median home value
$751
Median rent
69.1%
Homeownership rate
7,552
Total housing units
89.6%
Occupied
10.4%
Vacant
30.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.5%
With health insurance
93.6%
With broadband internet
52.7%
Foreign-born
8.0%
Veterans (18+)
12.7%
With a disability
97.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.9%
High School+
25.0%
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
Richland County, North Dakota has a population of 16,550 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 9th-largest county in North Dakota. Population density is 12 people per square mile.
The population of Richland County has grown 2.0% since 2010 (16,329 → 16,658), a +0.14% annualized rate.
The median household income in Richland County, North Dakota is $72,524, with mean (average) household income of $97,675 and per-capita income of $40,184. 5.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Richland County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (90.1%), Hispanic or Latino (4.8%), 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 Richland County, North Dakota is 38.0 years. Residents are 48.9% female and 51.1% male.
The median home value in Richland County is $177,600 and median monthly rent is $751. 69.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 7,552 total housing units, 10.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Richland County, North Dakota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.2%.
Fargo is among the largest cities associated with Richland County, North Dakota, with a population of 129,064.
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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.