2023 Ward County, North Dakota Demographics | Comprehensive Overview
Data and insights for Ward County, North Dakota, including population, age & gender distribution, race & ethnicity, median & household income distribution, property value distribution, educational attainment, health insurance coverage, nativity & citizenship, commuting & transportation, employment, veteran service, poverty & income and SNAP/food stamp recipients. Based on 2023 American Community Survey Estimates.
Ward County, North Dakota Key Demographic Statistics (2023 Estimates)
Key demographic statistics summarized from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates
Ward County, North Dakota Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution (2023)

Key Demographic Indicators for Ward County, North Dakota
The following statistics highlight Ward County, North Dakota population and median age, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Population
- 69,232
- Median Age (Total)
- 33.3 years
- Median Age (Male)
- 32.4 years
- Median Age (Female)
- 34.4 years
Ward County, North Dakota Age Distribution Comparison with North Dakota 2023
Compare Ward County, North Dakota age demographics with North Dakota to understand regional demographic patterns.
| Metric | Ward County, North Dakota | North Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Age | 33.3 yrs | 36.7 yrs | -3.4 yrs |
| Under 5 years | 7.14% | 5.47% | +1.7pp |
| Children (5–17 years) | 17.05% | 16.88% | +0.2pp |
| Young Adults (18–24) | 11.63% | 10.96% | +0.7pp |
| Middle-aged (35–54) | 22.86% | 23.80% | -0.9pp |
| Seniors (65+) | 13.66% | 17.61% | -3.9pp |
| Total Dependency Ratio | 60.90 | 66.56 | -5.7 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. "yrs" indicates years. The dependency ratio measures the burden on working-age population (18-64) to support dependents (under 18 and 65+).
Dependency Ratios Analysis
- Total Dependency Ratio
- 60.90
- Youth Dependency Ratio
- 38.92 Population under 18 relative to working age (18-64).
- Old-Age Dependency Ratio
- 21.97 Population 65+ relative to working age (18-64).
A higher ratio indicates a greater financial and social burden on the working population to support non-working age groups.
Ward County, North Dakota Demographics: Racial and Ethnic Composition (2023)

Diversity & Cultural Composition of Ward County, North Dakota
The racial makeup and ethnic composition of Ward County, North Dakota are detailed below, drawing from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Diversity Index Score
- 33.57
- Diversity Tier
- low
- Definition
- The probability that two individuals chosen at random will be from different racial or ethnic groups.
Diversity Comparison with North Dakota
Compare Ward County, North Dakota racial and ethnic demographics with North Dakota to understand regional diversity patterns.
Ward County, North Dakota Diversity
33.57
lowNorth Dakota Diversity
34.71
lowRacial and Ethnic Composition Comparison
| Racial/Ethnic Group | Ward County, North Dakota | North Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Alone (Non-Hispanic) | 80.93% | 80.31% | +0.6pp |
| Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) | 6.93% | 5.00% | +1.9pp |
| Two or More Races | 5.19% | 4.65% | +0.5pp |
| Black/African American Alone | 3.90% | 3.49% | +0.4pp |
| Asian Alone | 1.39% | 1.92% | -0.5pp |
| American Indian and Alaska Native Alone | 1.21% | 4.05% | -2.8pp |
| Some Other Race Alone | 0.36% | 0.49% | -0.1pp |
| Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone | 0.09% | 0.08% | +0.0pp |
| Diversity Index Score | 33.57 | 34.71 | -1.14 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher Diversity Index Scores (green) indicate greater racial/ethnic diversity.
Ward County, North Dakota Economic Demographics: Household Income Statistics (2023)

Economic Snapshot for Ward County, North Dakota
The following data illustrates the financial landscape of Ward County, North Dakota, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Household Income
- $79,273 (Adjusted for inflation)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 28,290
Income Comparison with North Dakota
Compare Ward County, North Dakota household income with North Dakota to understand regional economic patterns.
Ward County, North Dakota
$79,273
North Dakota
$77,871
Income Distribution Comparison
| Income Bracket | Ward County, North Dakota | North Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $20,000 | 10.43% | 10.63% | -0.2pp |
| $20,000 to $34,999 | 8.29% | 9.62% | -1.3pp |
| $35,000 to $49,999 | 9.75% | 11.28% | -1.5pp |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | 18.11% | 16.44% | +1.7pp |
| $75,000 to $149,999 | 34.57% | 33.48% | +1.1pp |
| $150,000 or more | 18.85% | 18.55% | +0.3pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-income brackets (green) indicate greater affluence compared to North Dakota.
Ward County, North Dakota Real Estate Demographics: Property Values (2023)

Real Estate Market Snapshot for Ward County, North Dakota
The following data highlights the distribution of owner-occupied housing values in Ward County, North Dakota, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Property Value
- $259,100
- Total Properties Analyzed
- 17,518 (Owner-occupied units)
Property Value Comparison with North Dakota
Compare Ward County, North Dakota property values with North Dakota to understand regional real estate market patterns.
Ward County, North Dakota
$259,100
North Dakota
$266,100
Property Value Distribution Comparison
| Value Bracket | Ward County, North Dakota | North Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $25,000 | 4.97% | 3.95% | +1.0pp |
| $25,000 to $49,999 | 1.81% | 3.09% | -1.3pp |
| $50,000 to $99,999 | 4.95% | 7.45% | -2.5pp |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 20.10% | 18.28% | +1.8pp |
| $200,000 to $499,999 | 59.54% | 54.25% | +5.3pp |
| $500,000 to $999,999 | 8.44% | 12.02% | -3.6pp |
| $1,000,000 or more | 0.19% | 0.96% | -0.8pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-value brackets (green) indicate more expensive real estate compared to North Dakota.
Ward County, North Dakota Educational Attainment Statistics (2023)

Education Snapshot for Ward County, North Dakota
The following statistics represent the educational background of residents aged 25 and older in Ward County, North Dakota, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- High School Graduate or Higher
- 95.08%
- Bachelor's Degree or Higher
- 29.66%
- Total Population Analyzed (25+)
- 44,431
Education Level Comparison with North Dakota
Compare Ward County, North Dakota educational attainment with North Dakota to understand regional education patterns.
Bachelor's+ in Ward County, North Dakota
29.66%
Bachelor's+ in North Dakota
33.95%
Detailed Education Level Comparison
| Education Level | Ward County, North Dakota | North Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than HS | 4.92% | 5.85% | -0.9pp |
| HS Graduate | 28.73% | 24.33% | +4.4pp |
| Some College/Associate's | 36.69% | 35.86% | +0.8pp |
| Bachelor's Degree | 20.45% | 23.47% | -3.0pp |
| Graduate/Professional | 9.21% | 10.48% | -1.3pp |
| HS Graduate or Higher | 95.08% | 94.15% | +0.9pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in advanced education levels (green badges) indicate higher educational attainment compared to North Dakota.
Ward County, North Dakota Health Insurance Coverage Statistics (2023)

Healthcare Coverage Snapshot for Ward County, North Dakota
The following data illustrates the health coverage landscape of Ward County, North Dakota, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Overall Uninsured Rate
- 6.1%
- Total Uninsured Population
- 3,918
- Total Civilian Population
- 64,470
The uninsured rates vary significantly by demographic group. Children under 18 and seniors aged 65+ generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs like Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare.
Health Insurance Coverage Comparison with North Dakota
Compare Ward County, North Dakota health insurance coverage with North Dakota to understand regional healthcare access patterns.
Uninsured in Ward County, North Dakota
6.1%
Uninsured in North Dakota
6.1%
Uninsured Rates by Age and Sex
| Age Group | Ward County, North Dakota | North Dakota | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | Male | Female | |
| Under 18 | 1.7% | 3.8% | 5.9% | 7.6% |
| 18-34 years | 16.0% | 7.2% | 10.7% | 9.2% |
| 35-64 years | 10.6% | 3.3% | 5.9% | 5.3% |
| 65+ years | 1.9% | 0.0% | 0.1% | 1.1% |
Note: Lower uninsured rates indicate better health insurance coverage. The 18-34 age group typically has the highest uninsured rates, while seniors 65+ have near-universal coverage through Medicare.
Ward County, North Dakota Nativity & Citizenship Statistics (2023)

Citizenship Snapshot for Ward County, North Dakota
The following data details the citizenship status and nativity of the population in Ward County, North Dakota, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- U.S. Citizenship Rate
- 97.7% (Native-born + Naturalized)
- Naturalized Citizens
- 1,234 (Foreign-born individuals who acquired citizenship)
- Non-Citizen Residents
- 1,558
Citizenship Comparison with North Dakota
Compare Ward County, North Dakota citizenship and nativity with North Dakota to understand regional immigration and naturalization patterns.
Citizenship in Ward County, North Dakota
97.7%
Citizenship in North Dakota
96.6%
Nativity and Citizenship Comparison
| Nativity/Citizenship Status | Ward County, North Dakota | North Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born in the United States | 93.6% | 93.7% | -0.1pp |
| Born in PR or U.S. Territories | 0.5% | 0.2% | +0.3pp |
| Born abroad of American parent(s) | 1.8% | 0.8% | +1.0pp |
| U.S. citizen by naturalization | 1.8% | 1.9% | -0.1pp |
| Not a U.S. citizen | 2.3% | 3.4% | -1.1pp |
| Total U.S. Citizens | 97.7% | 96.6% | +1.1pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher naturalization rates (green) indicate greater immigrant integration compared to North Dakota.
Ward County, North Dakota Commuting & Transportation Statistics (2023)

Commuter Snapshot for Ward County, North Dakota
The following data details the commuting habits of the workforce in Ward County, North Dakota, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Drove to Work (Car/Truck/Van)
- 90.9%
- Public Transportation Usage
- 0.1%
- Work From Home Rate
- 5.6%
- Total Workers Analyzed
- 36,758
Transportation Comparison with North Dakota
Compare Ward County, North Dakota commuting patterns with North Dakota to understand regional transportation preferences.
Drove in Ward County, North Dakota
90.9%
Drove in North Dakota
86.9%
Commute Mode Comparison
| Transportation Method | Ward County, North Dakota | North Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car, truck, or van | 90.9% | 86.9% | +4.0pp |
| Public transportation | 0.1% | 0.5% | -0.4pp |
| Bicycle | 0.4% | 0.3% | +0.1pp |
| Walked | 1.7% | 3.7% | -2.0pp |
| Taxicab, motorcycle, or other | 1.3% | 1.5% | -0.2pp |
| Worked from home | 5.6% | 7.1% | -1.5pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher public transit or work-from-home rates (green) indicate more diverse commuting options compared to North Dakota.
Ward County, North Dakota Employment by Class of Worker (2023)

Workforce Snapshot for Ward County, North Dakota
The following statistics categorize the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in Ward County, North Dakota by their employment sector, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Employed Civilian Population
- 33,738
- Private Sector (Profit & Non-Profit)
- Includes For-Profit and Non-Profit organizations
- Government Workers
- Includes Local, State, and Federal employees
- Self-Employed Workers
- Includes own not incorporated business workers
Employment Sector Comparison with North Dakota
Compare Ward County, North Dakota employment patterns with North Dakota to understand regional workforce composition differences.
Government Employment in Ward County, North Dakota
8.3% (M) / 10.7% (F)
Government Employment in North Dakota
7.9% (M) / 9.7% (F)
Employment Sector Comparison
| Employment Sector | Ward County, North Dakota | North Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private For-Profit (Combined) | M: 37.9% F: 25.9% | M: 37.0% F: 26.8% | M: +0.9pp F: -0.9pp |
| Private Non-Profit | M: 3.4% F: 7.7% | M: 3.3% F: 7.7% | M: +0.1pp F: 0.0pp |
| Government (All Levels) | M: 8.3% F: 10.7% | M: 7.9% F: 9.7% | M: +0.4pp F: +1.0pp |
| Self-Employed | M: 3.5% F: 2.4% | M: 5.0% F: 2.5% | M: -1.5pp F: -0.1pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. M = Male, F = Female. Green badges indicate higher government employment compared to North Dakota.
Definitions: "Private sector" includes employees of for-profit and non-profit companies. "Government" includes all local, state, and federal employees. "Self-employed" refers to those operating their own unincorporated businesses.
Ward County, North Dakota Veteran Population & Service Statistics (2023)

Veteran Community Snapshot for Ward County, North Dakota
The following data details the civilian veteran population aged 18 and over in Ward County, North Dakota, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Civilian Veterans
- 5,459
- Primary Service Era
- Post-9/11 Only
1,744 veterans (31.9%)
Veteran Population Comparison with North Dakota
Compare Ward County, North Dakota veteran demographics with North Dakota to understand regional veteran service patterns.
Total Veterans in Ward County, North Dakota
5,459
Total Veterans in North Dakota
43,237
- Ward County, North Dakota: Post-9/11 Only (31.9%)
- North Dakota: Vietnam Era Only (30.4%)
Service Period Distribution Comparison
| Service Period | Ward County, North Dakota | North Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Post-9/11 Only | 31.9% (1,744) | 19.6% (8,467) | +12.3pp |
| Post-9/11 + Gulf War | 19.2% (1,050) | 9.7% (4,194) | +9.5pp |
| Vietnam Era Only | 17.9% (975) | 30.4% (13,132) | -12.5pp |
| Gulf War Only | 13.2% (723) | 12.3% (5,336) | +0.9pp |
| Between Gulf War & Vietnam | 6.2% (340) | 12.9% (5,571) | -6.7pp |
| Korean War Only | 5.0% (273) | 4.6% (2,010) | +0.4pp |
| Between Vietnam & Korean | 3.8% (210) | 6.7% (2,907) | -2.9pp |
| Gulf War + Vietnam | 1.4% (79) | 1.4% (623) | 0.0pp |
| Vietnam + Korean | 0.8% (41) | 0.5% (197) | +0.3pp |
| Post-9/11 + Gulf War + Vietnam | 0.4% (24) | 0.4% (178) | 0.0pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Comparisons show relative proportions of veteran populations by service era.
Note: Periods of service include World War II (Dec 1941–Dec 1946), Korean War (Jul 1950–Jan 1955), Vietnam Era (Aug 1964–Apr 1975), Gulf War (Aug 1990–Aug 2001), and Post-9/11 (Sept 2001 or later). Veterans may have served in multiple eras.
Ward County, North Dakota Family Poverty & Income Statistics (2023)

Family Economic Security Snapshot for Ward County, North Dakota
The following data categorizes families in Ward County, North Dakota by their income relative to the federal poverty threshold, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Families Below Poverty Line (<100%)
- 4.5% (769 families)
- Families Near Poverty (100-199%)
- 25.3% (4,286 families)
- Families with Secure Income (200%+)
- 70.2% (11,887 families)
Poverty Rate Comparison with North Dakota
Compare Ward County, North Dakota poverty levels with North Dakota to understand regional economic disparities.
Poverty Rate in Ward County, North Dakota
4.5%
Below poverty linePoverty Rate in North Dakota
7.0%
Below poverty lineIncome-to-Poverty Ratio Distribution Comparison
| Income Category | Ward County, North Dakota | North Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below Poverty (<100%) | 4.5% (769) | 7.0% (14,083) | -2.5pp |
| Near Poverty (100-199%) | 25.3% (4,286) | 25.6% (51,188) | -0.3pp |
| Economic Security (200%+) | 70.2% (11,887) | 67.4% (134,754) | +2.8pp |
| Detailed Breakdown | |||
| Below 50% of Poverty | 1.6% | 3.7% | -2.1pp |
| 50-74% of Poverty | 1.8% | 0.9% | +0.9pp |
| 75-99% of Poverty | 1.1% | 2.4% | -1.3pp |
| 100-124% of Poverty | 1.6% | 2.0% | -0.4pp |
| 125-149% of Poverty | 1.8% | 2.2% | -0.4pp |
| 150-174% of Poverty | 2.8% | 2.8% | 0.0pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Red badges indicate higher poverty; green badges indicate lower poverty compared to North Dakota.
Definition: The "Income-to-Poverty Ratio" measures a family's income against the federal poverty threshold. A ratio below 1.00 means the family is in poverty. Ratios between 1.00 and 1.99 indicate low income ("near poverty"), while ratios of 2.00 or higher suggest greater economic security.
Ward County, North Dakota SNAP/Food Stamps Statistics (2023)

SNAP Participation Snapshot for Ward County, North Dakota
The following data details household participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Ward County, North Dakota, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Households Receiving SNAP
- 1,704 (6.02% of all households)
- Recipient Households with Children
- 638 (37.44% of recipients)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 28,290
SNAP Participation Comparison with North Dakota
Compare Ward County, North Dakota SNAP participation with North Dakota to understand regional food assistance needs.
SNAP Participation in Ward County, North Dakota
6.02%
1,704 householdsSNAP Participation in North Dakota
6.39%
22,340 householdsSNAP Household Composition Comparison
| Household Type | Ward County, North Dakota | North Dakota | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| With Children | No Children | With Children | No Children | |
| Married-Couple Family | 12.68% (216) | 4.75% (81) | 12.30% (2,748) | 2.65% (591) |
| Male Householder, No Spouse | 1.23% (21) | 3.64% (62) | 5.68% (1,268) | 2.98% (665) |
| Female Householder, No Spouse | 23.24% (396) | 8.69% (148) | 25.62% (5,723) | 1.98% (443) |
| Nonfamily Households | 0.29% (5) | 45.48% (775) | 0.00% (0) | 48.80% (10,902) |
| Total SNAP Recipients | 1,704 (6.02% of households) | 22,340 (6.39% of households) | ||
Note: Percentages represent the share of SNAP-receiving households in each category. Higher percentages in households with children often indicate targeting of families with greater nutritional needs.
About this data: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance to low-income families. Households with children often face higher participation rates due to eligibility guidelines prioritizing child nutrition. "Nonfamily households" typically refer to individuals living alone or with unrelated roommates.