Rolette County, North Dakota Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Rolette County is located in North Dakota with a total population of 12,065. It is the 11th most populous county out of 53 in North Dakota. The county encompasses 5 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Rolette County is 32.1 years. This is 10% lower than the state median of 35.7 years. With 32.8% of the population under 18, Rolette County has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Rolette County is $57,355. This is 24% lower than the state median of $75,949. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 27% lower. The poverty rate stands at 25.1%. This is 137% higher than the state poverty rate of 10.6%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 5.7%. This is 101% higher than the state rate of 2.8%. The median home value is $93,000. Housing costs are 61% lower than the state median of $241,100. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.6x, Rolette County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 65.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 3% higher than the state average of 63.4%.

Race & Ethnicity

Rolette County is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 1.1%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (18.4%) is well below the state average of 82.5%. The Black or African American population (0.2%) is well below the state average of 3.2%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.1%) is well below the state average of 4.5%. The Asian population (0.5%) is well below the state average of 1.5%.

Education

16.6% 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 49% 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 83.9%.