Ward County, ND demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
68,973
-0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$78,238/yr
-1.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
32,487
0.4% year-over-year change

Ward County population

How many people live in Ward County

Ward County is home to 68,973 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52.1% of Ward County locals are male, and 47.9% are female.

Total population
68,973
-0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52.1%
35,928
Female
47.9%
33,045
Value Percent YoY change
Male 35,928 52.1% -0.5%
Female 33,045 47.9% -0.2%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Ward County is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.2% are children under 15, then 15.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 30.4% of the population, while another 20% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14% are 65 or older.

Median age
33.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.2%
15 to 24
15.4%
25 to 44
30.4%
45 to 64
20%
Over 65
14%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 13,937 20.2% -1.7%
15 to 24 10,631 15.4% 0.1%
25 to 44 20,945 30.4% -0.2%
45 to 64 13,824 20% -1.2%
Over 65 9,636 14% 1.9%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Ward County, 93.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 81.3% of locals are Caucasian, 4.7% are African American and 1.7% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4%
Non-citizens
2.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 64,785 93.9% -0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2,735 4% -4.1%
Non-citizens 1,453 2.1% -6.7%
Racial breakdown
White
81.3%
Black or African American
4.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.8%
Asian
1.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.1%
Other
2.4%
Value Percent
White 56,047 81.3%
Black or African American 3,271 4.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,269 1.8%
Asian 1,148 1.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 34 0%
Two or more races 5,556 8.1%
Other 1,648 2.4%

Households in Ward County

A peek inside Ward County households

Ward County has 28,568 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 60.4% are families, while the remaining 39.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
28,568
1.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
11,298
Family households
17,270
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 11,298 39.6% -0.4%
Family households 17,270 60.4% 1.9%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Ward County

The housing landscape of Ward County

Ward County's housing consists of 32,487 units, with 53.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 9.3% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 8.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
32,487
0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 17,390 53.5%
1 unit, attached 3,023 9.3%
2 units 979 3%
3 or 4 units 1,508 4.6%
5 to 9 units 1,191 3.7%
10 to 19 units 1,377 4.2%
20 to 49 units 2,905 8.9%
50 or more units 1,460 4.5%
Mobile home 2,648 8.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 6 0%
Homes built since 2020
524
102.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Ward County

In Ward County, the median construction year is 1984. About 9.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 11.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 21.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 3,169 9.8% -2.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,005 3.1% -0.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,881 8.9% -4.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,073 9.5% 5.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 4,856 15% -1.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 3,560 11% 6.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,571 7.9% 1.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 3,734 11.5% -1.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 7,114 21.9% -2.4%
Built in 2020 or later 524 1.6% 102.3%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Ward County occupancy rates

Out of the 28,568 occupied housing units in Ward County, 60.8% are owner-occupied, while 39.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
28,568
1.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
11,203
Owner occupied
17,365
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 11,203 39.2% 4.0%
Owner occupied 17,365 60.8% -0.9%
Unoccupied housing units
12.1%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Ward County housing costs

Housing costs in Ward County come to a median of $1,098 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,048.

Median housing costs per month
$1,098/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Ward County
$1,048/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Ward County

Ward County education at a glance

About 33.6% of the population in Ward County went to high school, while 27.1% pursued college studies. Another 10% earned an associate degree and 19% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,258 2.4% 15.8%
High school diploma 17,589 33.6% -0.2%
College diploma 14,187 27.1% 1.9%
Associate degree 5,239 10% -8.4%
Bachelor's degree 9,928 19% -0.8%
Graduate degree 4,156 7.9% 0.6%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Ward County

How much people earn in Ward County

The average annual household income in Ward County was $102,307 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $78,238, reflecting a -1.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Ward County
$102,307/year
0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Ward County
$78,238/year
-1.3% year-over-year change

Ward County income by age

In Ward County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $85,938. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $104,945 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $45,034, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $58,034 in earnings. Overall, 91.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $45,034 -10.6%
25 - 44 $85,938 -0.8%
45 - 64 $104,945 4.5%
Over 65 $58,034 8.1%
Above poverty level
60,678
Below poverty level
5,625
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 60,678 91.5% -0.9%
Below poverty level 5,625 8.5% 7.1%

Employment in Ward County

Workforce and job types in Ward County

The job market in Ward County is powered by 32,457 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 71.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 28.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.6% run their own businesses, 59.2% are employed by private companies, and 19.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
32,457
-3.8% year-over-year change
White collar
23,202
Blue collar
9,255
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 23,202 71.5% -4.0%
Blue collar 9,255 28.5% -3.4%
Employer type
Self employees
10.6%
Private companies
59.2%
Governmental workers
19.1%
Not for profit companies
11%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 3,457 10.6% 4.6%
Private companies 19,225 59.2% -5.2%
Governmental workers 6,209 19.1% -2.8%
Not for profit companies 3,566 11% -5.1%
Unemployment rate
3.6%
0.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Ward County stands at 3.6%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Ward County

How people get around in Ward County

In Ward County, the average commute time is 19 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 90.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
19 min
1.6% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 32,388 90.3% -3.1%
Taxicab 25 0.1% 66.7%
Bus or trolleybus 124 0.4% 287.5%
Motorcycle 106 0.3% -42.4%
Bicycle 153 0.4% 0.7%
Walk 726 2% 12.9%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Ward County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
58701 33,086 14,362 $73,269 $99,192
58703 22,139 9,575 $82,728 $107,254
58704 4,616 1,344 $62,500 $77,263
58705 262 0 $0 $0
58707 500 0 $0 $0
58716 308 122 $61,959 $84,948
58718 886 380 $82,500 $104,204
58722 1,366 555 $85,417 $102,577
58725 419 160 $74,792 $97,867

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Ward County demographics 

What is the total population of Ward County?

Ward County has a total population of 68,973 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Ward County?

The gender ratio in Ward County is as follows:
  • 52.1% males (35,928 residents)
  • 47.9% females (33,045 residents)

What is the median age in Ward County?

The median age in Ward County is 33.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Ward County?

The age distribution in Ward County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.2% (13,937 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.4% (10,631 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 30.4% (20,945 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20% (13,824 residents)
  • Over 65: 14% (9,636 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Ward County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Ward County is as follows:
  • White: 81.3% (56,047 residents)
  • Black or African American: 4.7% (3,271 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.8% (1,269 residents)
  • Asian: 1.7% (1,148 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (34 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.1% (5,556 residents)
  • Other: 2.4% (1,648 residents)

What percentage of the population in Ward County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 93.9% of the population in Ward County.

How many housing units are there in Ward County?

There are 32,487 housing units in Ward County, reflecting a +0.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Ward County and what is the average household size?

Ward County has a total of 28,568 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Ward County?

Ward County has a median household income of $78,238, representing a -1.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Ward County?

The employment rate is 96.4% in Ward County, with a workforce of 32,457 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 71.5% (23,202 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 28.5% (9,255 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.6% (3,457 residents)
  • Private companies: 59.2% (19,225 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 19.1% (6,209 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11% (3,566 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025