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
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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.
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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.