Steele County, North Dakota Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Steele County is located in North Dakota with a total population of 1,731. It is the 49th most populous county out of 53 in North Dakota. The county encompasses 3 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Steele County is 46.4 years. This is 30% higher than the state median of 35.7 years. 15.7% 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 Steele County is $80,313. This is 6% higher than the state median of $75,949. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 2% higher. The poverty rate stands at 13.3%. This is 26% higher than the state poverty rate of 10.6%. The unemployment rate is 3.5%. This is 24% higher than the state rate of 2.8%. The median home value is $120,400. Housing costs are 50% lower than the state median of $241,100. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.5x, Steele County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 77.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 23% higher than the state average of 63.4%.

Race & Ethnicity

Steele County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 93.8% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 2.6%. The Black or African American population (0.3%) is well below the state average of 3.2%.

Education

29.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 8% 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 94.5%.