Hettinger County, North Dakota Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Hettinger County is located in North Dakota with a total population of 2,453. It is the 37th most populous county out of 53 in North Dakota. The county encompasses 3 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Hettinger County is 42.6 years. This is 19% higher than the state median of 35.7 years. 13.6% 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 Hettinger County is $70,827. This is 7% lower than the state median of $75,949. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 10% lower. The poverty rate stands at 9.3%. This is 12% lower than the state poverty rate of 10.6%. The unemployment rate is 6.1%. This is 113% higher than the state rate of 2.8%. The median home value is $110,900. Housing costs are 54% lower than the state median of $241,100. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.6x, Hettinger County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 79.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 26% higher than the state average of 63.4%.

Race & Ethnicity

Hettinger County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 94.8% of all residents. Black or African American residents account for 0.3%. The Black or African American population (0.3%) is well below the state average of 3.2%. The Hispanic or Latino population (0.1%) is well below the state average of 4.5%. The Asian population (0.3%) is well below the state average of 1.5%.

Education

18.7% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is among the lowest rates in the state, which may correlate with employment and income patterns. This is 42% 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%.