Wells County, North Dakota Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Wells County is located in North Dakota with a total population of 3,942. It is the 28th most populous county out of 53 in North Dakota. The county encompasses 7 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Wells County is 47.9 years. This is 34% higher than the state median of 35.7 years. 12.7% 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 Wells County is $61,346. This is 19% lower than the state median of $75,949. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 22% lower. The poverty rate stands at 10.5%. This is about average than the state poverty rate of 10.6%. The unemployment rate is 1.6%. This is 43% lower than the state rate of 2.8%. The median home value is $106,400. Housing costs are 56% lower than the state median of $241,100. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.7x, Wells County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 73.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 16% higher than the state average of 63.4%.

Race & Ethnicity

Wells County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 95.6% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 1.3%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.3%) is well below the state average of 4.5%. The Asian population (0.2%) is well below the state average of 1.5%.

Education

22.3% 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 91.8%.