Cavalier County, North Dakota Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Cavalier County is located in North Dakota with a total population of 3,663. It is the 31st most populous county out of 53 in North Dakota. The county encompasses 12 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Cavalier County is 47.1 years. This is 32% higher than the state median of 35.7 years. 12.6% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Cavalier County is $67,064. This is 12% lower than the state median of $75,949. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 15% lower. The poverty rate stands at 7.7%. This is 27% lower than the state poverty rate of 10.6%. The unemployment rate is 1.1%. This is 62% lower than the state rate of 2.8%. The median home value is $122,300. Housing costs are 49% lower than the state median of $241,100. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.8x, Cavalier County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 82.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 31% higher than the state average of 63.4%.

Race & Ethnicity

Cavalier County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 92.8% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 2.6%. The Asian population (0.1%) is well below the state average of 1.5%.

Education

22.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 31% 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 93.1%.