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 is a county in North Dakota with a population of 1,731. It ranks #49 among counties in North Dakota by population. The median age is 46.4, older than the national median. The population is 51.4% male and 48.6% female.
The median household income in Steele County is $80,313, above the US median of $74,580. 13.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $120,400, with monthly rent averaging $630. The homeownership rate of 77.8% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Steele County reflects 29.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 11.1% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 16.5 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.
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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.