Steele County, North Dakota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 49th-largest in North Dakota
The population of Steele County, North Dakota is 1,731 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 49th-largest county in North Dakota. The median household income is $80,313, the median home value is $120,400, and the median age is 46.4.
The population of Steele County has declined 11.3% since 2010 (1,993 → 1,767), a -0.86% annualized rate.
1,731
Population
-0.86%
Annual growth
2
People / sq mi
$80,313
Median Income
$120,400
Median Home Value
Steele County covers 712 sq mi of land at 2.4 people per square mile.
About Steele County, ND
Steele County stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most sparsely settled of US counties, at roughly 2 people per square mile. With 1,731 residents, Steele County is a county in North Dakota. It ranks #49 among counties in North Dakota by population.
The typical household earns $80,313 a year, near the US median of $78,538. Roughly 13.5% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $120,400, with typical rent around $630.
About 29.6% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, below the 35.0% national figure. A solid 11.1% of workers are based at home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 17 minutes each way.
Steele County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Steele County had a population of 1,993 in 2010 and 1,767 in 2024, a -11.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 1,993 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.84%.
1,767
Population (2024)
1,993
Population (2010)
1,993
Peak (2010)
-0.84%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 1,993 |
| 2011 | 1,972 |
| 2012 | 1,953 |
| 2013 | 1,919 |
| 2014 | 1,914 |
| 2015 | 1,918 |
| 2016 | 1,916 |
| 2017 | 1,909 |
| 2018 | 1,903 |
| 2019 | 1,900 |
| 2020 | 1,790 |
| 2021 | 1,803 |
| 2022 | 1,782 |
| 2023 | 1,766 |
| 2024 | 1,767 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.1% |
| Black or African American | 0.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
46.4
Median Age
48.6%
Female
51.4%
Male
28.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.2% · Seniors (65+): 28.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $80,313+$4,364 vs state |
| Mean household income | $93,665 |
| Per-capita income | $41,390 |
| Poverty rate | 13.5%+7.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 57.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Steele County is agriculture, accounting for 32.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
7.3%
Carpool
71.6%
Public transit
11.1%
Work from home
16.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$120,400$-120,700 vs state
Median home value
$630
Median rent
77.8%
Homeownership rate
1,120
Total housing units
65.3%
Occupied
34.7%
Vacant
22.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
96.1%
With health insurance
81.4%
With broadband internet
16.5%
Foreign-born
6.7%
Veterans (18+)
10.6%
With a disability
98.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.5%
High School+
29.6%
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
Steele County, North Dakota has a population of 1,731 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 49th-largest county in North Dakota. Population density is 2 people per square mile.
The population of Steele County has declined 11.3% since 2010 (1,993 → 1,767), a -0.86% annualized rate.
The median household income in Steele County, North Dakota is $80,313, with mean (average) household income of $93,665 and per-capita income of $41,390. 13.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Steele County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.1%), Hispanic or Latino (2.1%), 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 Steele County, North Dakota is 46.4 years. Residents are 48.6% female and 51.4% male.
The median home value in Steele County is $120,400 and median monthly rent is $630. 77.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 1,120 total housing units, 34.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Steele County, North Dakota is agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining, employing 32.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.1%.
Fargo is among the largest cities associated with Steele County, North Dakota, with a population of 129,064.
Steele County, ND Climate
Steele County, ND has an average annual temperature of 4.5°C (40°F) and receives about 502 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
4.5°C
Avg Temp
502
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -15° / 6° | 16 mm |
| February | -11° / 13° | 12 mm |
| March | -4° / 25° | 26 mm |
| April | 5° / 41° | 43 mm |
| May | 13° / 56° | 59 mm |
| June | 18° / 65° | 82 mm |
| July | 21° / 69° | 72 mm |
| August | 20° / 67° | 67 mm |
| September | 14° / 57° | 56 mm |
| October | 7° / 44° | 37 mm |
| November | -3° / 26° | 18 mm |
| December | -11° / 11° | 14 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 Steele County, ND
The most comfortable months to visit Steele County, ND are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 28°C high). The coldest is January (near -20°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Steele County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.