Ward County, North Dakota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 4th-largest in North Dakota
The population of Ward County, North Dakota is 69,232 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 4th-largest county in North Dakota. The median household income is $79,273, the median home value is $259,100, and the median age is 33.3.
The population of Ward County has grown 10.1% since 2010 (62,128 → 68,427), a +0.69% annualized rate.
69,232
Population
+0.69%
Annual growth
34
People / sq mi
$79,273
Median Income
$259,100
Median Home Value
Ward County covers 2,013 sq mi of land at 34.4 people per square mile.
About Ward County, ND
Age is the most distinctive thing about Ward County: a median age of 33.3, younger than the national median. With 69,232 residents, Ward County is a county in North Dakota. It is the #4-largest of all counties in North Dakota nationally.
Households take in a median $79,273, comfortably near the US median of $78,538. Very few residents live in poverty — 4.5%, below the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $259,100, with typical rent around $1,000.
About 29.7% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, below the 35.0% national figure. Most workers commute: only 5.6% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 minutes each way.
Ward County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Ward County had a population of 62,128 in 2010 and 68,427 in 2024, a 10.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 71,409 in 2015. Average annual growth rate: 0.71%.
68,427
Population (2024)
62,128
Population (2010)
71,409
Peak (2015)
0.71%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 62,128 |
| 2011 | 64,386 |
| 2012 | 65,595 |
| 2013 | 68,028 |
| 2014 | 69,587 |
| 2015 | 71,409 |
| 2016 | 70,164 |
| 2017 | 69,226 |
| 2018 | 68,504 |
| 2019 | 68,449 |
| 2020 | 69,922 |
| 2021 | 69,265 |
| 2022 | 68,831 |
| 2023 | 68,419 |
| 2024 | 68,427 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 82.2% |
| Black or African American | 4.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
33.3
Median Age
47.8%
Female
52.2%
Male
13.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.5% · Seniors (65+): 13.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $79,273+$3,324 vs state |
| Mean household income | $101,341 |
| Per-capita income | $42,299 |
| Poverty rate | 4.5%-1.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 62.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Ward County is professional & business services, accounting for 26.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
1.7%
Carpool
79.2%
Public transit
5.6%
Work from home
19.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$259,100+$18,000 vs state
Median home value
$1,000
Median rent
61.9%
Homeownership rate
32,372
Total housing units
87.4%
Occupied
12.6%
Vacant
38.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.9%
With health insurance
95.8%
With broadband internet
36.3%
Foreign-born
11.3%
Veterans (18+)
13.4%
With a disability
94.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
95.1%
High School+
29.7%
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
Ward County, North Dakota has a population of 69,232 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 4th-largest county in North Dakota. Population density is 34 people per square mile.
The population of Ward County has grown 10.1% since 2010 (62,128 → 68,427), a +0.69% annualized rate.
The median household income in Ward County, North Dakota is $79,273, with mean (average) household income of $101,341 and per-capita income of $42,299. 4.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Ward County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (82.2%), Black or African American (4.1%), Hispanic or Latino (3.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Ward County, North Dakota is 33.3 years. Residents are 47.8% female and 52.2% male.
The median home value in Ward County is $259,100 and median monthly rent is $1,000. 61.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 32,372 total housing units, 12.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Ward County, North Dakota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.2%.
Fargo is among the largest cities associated with Ward County, North Dakota, with a population of 129,064.
More from North Dakota
Population 189,286
Population 98,986
Population 72,764
Population 39,368
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.