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Population Review

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.

Richland County within North Dakota · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

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 a county in North Dakota with a population of 16,550. It ranks #9 among counties in North Dakota by population. The median age is 38.0, in line with the national median. The population is 51.1% male and 48.9% female.

The median household income in Richland County is $72,524, near the US median of $74,580. 5.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $177,600, with monthly rent averaging $751. The homeownership rate of 69.1% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Richland County reflects 25.0% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 8.1% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 21.2 minutes each way.

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%.

2024 · 17K20102024

16,658

Population (2024)

16,329

Population (2010)

16,658

Peak (2024)

0.14%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201016,329
201116,269
201216,231
201316,301
201416,363
201516,306
201616,316
201716,323
201816,245
201916,187
202016,532
202116,547
202216,577
202316,604
202416,658

Race & Ethnicity

White90.1%
Black or African American0.9%
Asian0.1%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)4.8%
Two or More Races0.2%

Age & Sex

38.0

Median Age

48.9%

Female

51.1%

Male

19.5%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
5.5%
5–9
5.9%
10–14
6.5%
15–19
9.5%
20–24
7.7%
25–34
11.0%
35–44
11.2%
45–54
9.8%
55–59
6.5%
60–64
6.8%
65–74
11.0%
75–84
6.3%
85+
2.2%

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 rate5.9%-0.3% vs state
Unemployment rate1.2%
Employment-to-population64.1%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
26.8%
Manufacturing
14.4%
Agriculture
11.2%
Education & health care
7.3%
Finance & real estate
6.6%
Construction
5.5%
Retail trade
4.7%
Information
3.7%

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.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.