Barnes County, North Dakota Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Barnes County is located in North Dakota with a total population of 10,794. It is the 13th most populous county out of 53 in North Dakota. The county encompasses 13 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Barnes County is 42.9 years. This is 20% higher than the state median of 35.7 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Barnes County is $70,230. This is 8% lower than the state median of $75,949. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 11% lower. The poverty rate stands at 11.3%. This is 7% higher than the state poverty rate of 10.6%. The unemployment rate is 3.1%. This is 9% higher than the state rate of 2.8%. The median home value is $168,100. Housing costs are 30% lower than the state median of $241,100. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.4x, Barnes County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 73.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 16% higher than the state average of 63.4%.

Race & Ethnicity

Barnes County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 90.1% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 2.0%. The Black or African American population (1.3%) is well below the state average of 3.2%. The Hispanic or Latino population (2.0%) is well below the state average of 4.5%.

Education

30.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 7% lower than the state rate of 32.3%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 95.3%.