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
Ward County is a county in North Dakota with a population of 69,232. It ranks #4 among counties in North Dakota by population. The median age is 33.3, younger than the national median. The population is 52.2% male and 47.8% female.
The median household income in Ward County is $79,273, above the US median of $74,580. 4.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $259,100, with monthly rent averaging $1,000. The homeownership rate of 61.9% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Ward County reflects 29.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 5.6% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 19.0 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.
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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.