Wells County, North Dakota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 28th-largest in North Dakota
The population of Wells County, North Dakota is 3,942 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 28th-largest county in North Dakota. The median household income is $61,346, the median home value is $106,400, and the median age is 47.9.
The population of Wells County has declined 9.3% since 2010 (4,192 → 3,803), a -0.69% annualized rate.
3,942
Population
-0.69%
Annual growth
3
People / sq mi
$61,346
Median Income
$106,400
Median Home Value
Wells County covers 1,271 sq mi of land at 3.1 people per square mile.
About Wells County, ND
Wells County stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most sparsely settled of US counties, at roughly 3 people per square mile. Wells County is a county in North Dakota with a population of 3,942. It ranks #28 among counties in North Dakota by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $61,346 — below the US median of $78,538. Only 6.7% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $106,400, with typical rent around $630.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 22.3% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 9.9%, and the average commute runs about 15 minutes each way.
Wells County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Wells County had a population of 4,192 in 2010 and 3,803 in 2024, a -9.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 4,235 in 2012. Average annual growth rate: -0.68%.
3,803
Population (2024)
4,192
Population (2010)
4,235
Peak (2012)
-0.68%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 4,192 |
| 2011 | 4,198 |
| 2012 | 4,235 |
| 2013 | 4,148 |
| 2014 | 4,123 |
| 2015 | 4,094 |
| 2016 | 4,052 |
| 2017 | 3,993 |
| 2018 | 3,895 |
| 2019 | 3,794 |
| 2020 | 3,967 |
| 2021 | 3,896 |
| 2022 | 3,916 |
| 2023 | 3,866 |
| 2024 | 3,803 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 96.5% |
| Black or African American | 0.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
47.9
Median Age
51.5%
Female
48.5%
Male
25.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.5% · Seniors (65+): 25.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $61,346$-14,603 vs state |
| Mean household income | $90,709 |
| Per-capita income | $42,252 |
| Poverty rate | 6.7%+0.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 58.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Wells County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.7%
Drive alone
13.1%
Carpool
61.4%
Public transit
9.9%
Work from home
14.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$106,400$-134,700 vs state
Median home value
$630
Median rent
73.5%
Homeownership rate
2,250
Total housing units
80.4%
Occupied
19.6%
Vacant
26.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.9%
With health insurance
90.9%
With broadband internet
20.6%
Foreign-born
5.9%
Veterans (18+)
13.0%
With a disability
97.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.8%
High School+
22.3%
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
Wells County, North Dakota has a population of 3,942 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 28th-largest county in North Dakota. Population density is 3 people per square mile.
The population of Wells County has declined 9.3% since 2010 (4,192 → 3,803), a -0.69% annualized rate.
The median household income in Wells County, North Dakota is $61,346, with mean (average) household income of $90,709 and per-capita income of $42,252. 6.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Wells County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (96.5%), Hispanic or Latino (1.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Wells County, North Dakota is 47.9 years. Residents are 51.5% female and 48.5% male.
The median home value in Wells County is $106,400 and median monthly rent is $630. 73.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 2,250 total housing units, 19.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Wells County, North Dakota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.0%.
Fargo is among the largest cities associated with Wells County, North Dakota, with a population of 129,064.
Wells County, ND Climate
Wells County, ND has an average annual temperature of 4.6°C (40°F) and receives about 435 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
4.6°C
Avg Temp
435
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -15° / 5° | 13 mm |
| February | -11° / 13° | 11 mm |
| March | -4° / 25° | 19 mm |
| April | 5° / 40° | 38 mm |
| May | 13° / 55° | 57 mm |
| June | 18° / 64° | 85 mm |
| July | 21° / 69° | 65 mm |
| August | 20° / 67° | 50 mm |
| September | 14° / 57° | 43 mm |
| October | 7° / 45° | 29 mm |
| November | -2° / 28° | 12 mm |
| December | -10° / 15° | 13 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 Wells County, ND
The most comfortable months to visit Wells 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 Wells County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.