Williams County, North Dakota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 5th-largest in North Dakota
The population of Williams County, North Dakota is 39,368 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 5th-largest county in North Dakota. The median household income is $90,224, the median home value is $267,800, and the median age is 32.3.
The population of Williams County has grown 80.4% since 2010 (22,591 → 40,763), a +4.31% annualized rate.
39,368
Population
+4.31%
Annual growth
19
People / sq mi
$90,224
Median Income
$267,800
Median Home Value
Williams County covers 2,078 sq mi of land at 18.9 people per square mile.
About Williams County, ND
Age is the most distinctive thing about Williams County: a median age of 32.3, younger than the national median. Williams County is a county in North Dakota with a population of 39,368. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in North Dakota in the country, at #5 by population.
Earnings sit at the high end: a median household income of $90,224, above the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 5.7%, below the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $267,800, with typical rent around $1,108.
Roughly 23.7% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Almost everyone commutes — only 3.2% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 minutes each way.
Williams County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Williams County had a population of 22,591 in 2010 and 40,763 in 2024, a 80.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 41,189 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 4.45%.
40,763
Population (2024)
22,591
Population (2010)
41,189
Peak (2020)
4.45%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 22,591 |
| 2011 | 24,417 |
| 2012 | 26,755 |
| 2013 | 29,623 |
| 2014 | 32,166 |
| 2015 | 35,379 |
| 2016 | 34,286 |
| 2017 | 33,639 |
| 2018 | 35,698 |
| 2019 | 37,897 |
| 2020 | 41,189 |
| 2021 | 38,506 |
| 2022 | 38,012 |
| 2023 | 39,304 |
| 2024 | 40,763 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 81.3% |
| Black or African American | 5.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 5.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
32.3
Median Age
47.0%
Female
53.0%
Male
9.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 26.3% · Seniors (65+): 9.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $90,224+$14,275 vs state |
| Mean household income | $119,610 |
| Per-capita income | $45,793 |
| Poverty rate | 5.7%-0.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 71.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Williams County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
3.4%
Carpool
83.3%
Public transit
3.2%
Work from home
18.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$267,800+$26,700 vs state
Median home value
$1,108
Median rent
57.2%
Homeownership rate
20,291
Total housing units
75.4%
Occupied
24.6%
Vacant
42.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
88.3%
With health insurance
95.2%
With broadband internet
46.9%
Foreign-born
8.8%
Veterans (18+)
11.2%
With a disability
89.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.6%
High School+
23.7%
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
Williams County, North Dakota has a population of 39,368 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 5th-largest county in North Dakota. Population density is 19 people per square mile.
The population of Williams County has grown 80.4% since 2010 (22,591 → 40,763), a +4.31% annualized rate.
The median household income in Williams County, North Dakota is $90,224, with mean (average) household income of $119,610 and per-capita income of $45,793. 5.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Williams County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (81.3%), Hispanic or Latino (5.9%), Black or African American (5.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Williams County, North Dakota is 32.3 years. Residents are 47.0% female and 53.0% male.
The median home value in Williams County is $267,800 and median monthly rent is $1,108. 57.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 20,291 total housing units, 24.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Williams County, North Dakota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.9%.
Fargo is among the largest cities associated with Williams County, North Dakota, with a population of 129,064.
Williams County, ND Climate
Williams County, ND has an average annual temperature of 5.2°C (41°F) and receives about 360 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
5.2°C
Avg Temp
360
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -13° / 8° | 12 mm |
| February | -9° / 17° | 9 mm |
| March | -2° / 28° | 15 mm |
| April | 6° / 43° | 30 mm |
| May | 13° / 56° | 51 mm |
| June | 18° / 65° | 60 mm |
| July | 21° / 70° | 57 mm |
| August | 21° / 69° | 39 mm |
| September | 14° / 57° | 39 mm |
| October | 7° / 44° | 22 mm |
| November | -3° / 26° | 13 mm |
| December | -10° / 13° | 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 Williams County, ND
The most comfortable months to visit Williams County, ND are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -19°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Williams County
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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.