County · North Dakota
Barnes County, North Dakota
Barnes County, North Dakota. Barnes County had 10,573 residents in 2025 by the Census Bureau's estimate, down 2.7% since 2020, while North Dakota grew 2.6%. It holds 56 places (14 cities, villages and boroughs and 42 towns and townships) and 4 census tracts. GEOID 38003.
Residents, July 2025 estimate
10,573
Census Bureau estimate (no margin published)
2020 Census count: 10,853 · ACS 2020-2024: 10,773
Median household income
$68,038
±$5,568 (90% margin)
North Dakota: $76,657
Median home value
$173,700
±$18,203 (90% margin)
North Dakota: $249,900
Median gross rent
$779
±$80 (90% margin)
North Dakota: $954
How many people live in Barnes County, and is it growing?
The 2020 Census counted 10,853 residents in Barnes County. The Census Bureau estimates 10,573 for July 1, 2025, down 2.7% since 2020, while North Dakota grew 2.6%. The 2020-2024 American Community Survey puts the population at 10,773 over 1,492 square miles of land.
| Measure | Barnes County | North Dakota | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total population | 10,773 | 784,841 | +67 |
| Households | 4,908±169 | 331,063 | no clear change |
| Average household size | 2.06±0.07 | 2.28 | no clear change |
| Housing units | 5,700±28 | 377,281 | −261 |
Barnes County's population since 2000
From 11,775 in 2000 to 10,573 in 2025: down 10.2%. The 2000, 2010 and 2020 figures are census counts. The 2005 figure is the Census Bureau's intercensal estimate, revised to fit the 2000 and 2010 counts and drawn on 2010 boundaries; 2015 and 2025 are July 1 estimates made from the census before them.
Source: The 2000, 2010 and 2020 Census counts and the Census Bureau's population estimates (intercensal 2000-2010, Vintage 2020, Vintage 2025) · Census population estimates
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026); PEP Vintage 2025 (CO-EST2025); 2020 Census · Check it at data.census.gov
What cities and towns are in Barnes County?
Barnes County holds 56 places: 14 cities, villages and boroughs (incorporated places) and 42 towns and townships (county subdivisions with their own government). The largest is Valley City with 6,430 residents (2025 estimate). Places that cross a county line are listed with the share of their 2020 residents who live in this county.
| Valley City | 6,575 | $60,339 |
|---|---|---|
| Valley Township, Barnes CountyGEOID 3800381080 | 505 | not published |
| Marsh TownshipGEOID 3800350900 | 254 | $116,750 |
| WimbledonGEOID 3886620 | 178 | $107,857 |
| LitchvilleGEOID 3847140 | 169 | $33,281 |
| SanbornGEOID 3870380 | 161 | $80,875 |
| Ashtabula TownshipGEOID 3800303580 | 142 | $91,250 |
| Hobart TownshipGEOID 3800338300 | 140 | $143,988 |
| Alta TownshipGEOID 3800301780 | 123 | $65,781 |
| OriskaGEOID 3859660 | 114 | $123,194 |
| Green TownshipGEOID 3800333020 | 108 | not published |
| Sibley Trail TownshipGEOID 3800372940 | 105 | $2,500 or less |
| Eckelson TownshipGEOID 3800321820 | 105 | not published |
| Raritan TownshipGEOID 3800365380 | 96 | $48,452 |
| FingalGEOID 3826380 | 92 | $56,944 |
| Uxbridge TownshipGEOID 3800380980 | 82 | $106,154 |
| DazeyGEOID 3818340 | 78 | $43,000 |
| Potter TownshipGEOID 3800364020 | 74 | not published |
| Thordenskjold TownshipGEOID 3800378700 | 73 | not published |
| Meadow Lake TownshipGEOID 3800351700 | 72 | $75,833 |
| Cuba TownshipGEOID 3800317300 | 69 | $98,929 |
| KathrynGEOID 3841500 | 66 | $80,156 |
| Stewart Township, Barnes CountyGEOID 3800376020 | 66 | $132,500 |
| Edna TownshipGEOID 3800322460 | 65 | not published |
| Binghampton TownshipGEOID 3800307100 | 65 | $63,125 |
| Pierce TownshipGEOID 3800362460 | 63 | not published |
| Spring Creek TownshipGEOID 3800374900 | 63 | $125,179 |
| Oakhill TownshipGEOID 3800358780 | 57 | $108,355 |
| Weimer TownshipGEOID 3800384220 | 57 | $112,917 |
| Springvale TownshipGEOID 3800375100 | 57 | not published |
| Dazey TownshipGEOID 3800318380 | 56 | $69,773 |
| Brimer TownshipGEOID 3800309420 | 54 | not published |
| Oriska TownshipGEOID 3800359700 | 52 | $158,333 |
| Getchell TownshipGEOID 3800330060 | 52 | not published |
| NomeGEOID 3857180 | 51 | $72,500 |
| Noltimier TownshipGEOID 3800357140 | 51 | $103,125 |
| Minnie Lake TownshipGEOID 3800353340 | 51 | $250,000 or more |
| RogersGEOID 3867620 | 49 | $76,042 |
| Nelson TownshipGEOID 3800355820 | 48 | $87,083 |
| Grand Prairie TownshipGEOID 3800332340 | 47 | not published |
| Baldwin TownshipGEOID 3800304340 | 45 | not published |
| Greenland TownshipGEOID 3800333380 | 43 | $76,495 |
| Lake Town TownshipGEOID 3800343980 | 41 | $101,389 |
| Norma TownshipGEOID 3800357420 | 40 | $111,250 |
| Rogers TownshipGEOID 3800367660 | 39 | not published |
| Mansfield TownshipGEOID 3800350340 | 38 | not published |
| Svea TownshipGEOID 3800377300 | 36 | not published |
| Rosebud TownshipGEOID 3800368140 | 34 | not published |
| Anderson TownshipGEOID 3800302300 | 34 | not published |
| LealGEOID 3845460 | 27 | $70,500 |
| Hemen TownshipGEOID 3800337180 | 27 | not published |
| Skandia TownshipGEOID 3800373500 | 25 | not published |
| SibleyGEOID 3872820 | 19 | $46,875 |
| PillsburyGEOID 3862540 | 12 | not published |
| Ellsbury TownshipGEOID 3800323500 | 8 | not published |
| Tower City | 268 | $108,958 |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026); 2020 place-by-county parts · Check it at data.census.gov
Who lives in Barnes County?
The median resident of Barnes County is 43.5 years old; 19.7% are under 18 and 23.4% are 65 or older. The largest group is non-Hispanic white residents at 89.4%, then non-Hispanic residents of two or more races at 4.5%. 2.3% of residents were born outside the United States.
| Measure | Barnes County | North Dakota | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 43.5±1.4 | 35.9 | no clear change |
| Under 18 years | 19.7%±0.3 pts | 23.5% | – |
| 65 years and over | 23.4%±0.4 pts | 16.5% | – |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.1% | 4.7% | +0.1 pts |
| White alone, not Hispanic | 89.4%±1.5 pts | 81.7% | −3.1 pts |
| Black or African American alone, not Hispanic | 0.2%±0.3 pts | 3.3% | – |
| Asian alone, not Hispanic | 2.0%±1.5 pts | 1.6% | – |
| American Indian and Alaska Native alone, not Hispanic | 1.5%±0.9 pts | 4.2% | – |
| Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone, not Hispanic | 0.3%±0.4 pts | 0.1% | – |
| Two or more races, not Hispanic | 4.5%±1.7 pts | 4.0% | – |
| Some other race alone, not Hispanic | 0.0%±0.2 pts | 0.3% | – |
| Born outside the United States | 2.3%±1.0 pts | 4.7% | no clear change |
| Speak a language other than English at home (age 5+) | 3.6%±1.2 pts | 6.7% | – |
| Civilian veterans (age 18+) | 9.5%±1.8 pts | 7.1% | – |
| With a disability | 14.8%±2.4 pts | 12.0% | – |
| No health insurance coverage | 4.5%±1.7 pts | 6.5% | no clear change |
| High school graduate or higher (age 25+) | 94.4%±1.4 pts | 94.0% | – |
| Bachelor's degree or higher (age 25+) | 30.7%±3.6 pts | 32.7% | no clear change |
| Graduate or professional degree (age 25+) | 6.8%±1.5 pts | 9.7% | – |
| Moved from another state in the past year | 3.1%±1.0 pts | 4.2% | – |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) (Data Profiles DP02, DP05) · Check it at data.census.gov
What do households in Barnes County earn?
Half of Barnes County's 4,908 households earn less than $68,038 a year (±$5,568), against $76,657 in North Dakota. In 2015-2019 it was $71,829 in 2024 dollars; the margins of error cannot tell the two periods apart. 12.1% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Barnes County | North Dakota | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $68,038±$5,568 | $76,657 | no clear change |
| Mean household income | $92,055±$8,813 | $101,793 | – |
| Per capita income | $42,330±$3,862 | $43,389 | no clear change |
| People below the poverty line | 12.1%±3.1 pts | 10.8% | no clear change |
| Children under 18 below the poverty line | 13.5%±7.1 pts | 11.1% | no clear change |
| Households receiving SNAP | 6.3%±2.5 pts | 6.6% | – |
| Households with a broadband subscription | 83.0%±4.4 pts | 88.7% | – |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) (Data Profile DP03) · Check it at data.census.gov
What does housing cost in Barnes County?
Owners occupy 70.8% of Barnes County's occupied homes and renters 29.2%. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $173,700 by its owner (±$18,203). The median renter pays $779 a month including utilities, and 31.3% of renters pay 35% or more of their income on rent.
| Measure | Barnes County | North Dakota | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home value (owner-occupied) | $173,700±$18,203 | $249,900 | no clear change |
| Median gross rent | $779±$80 | $954 | no clear change |
| Renters paying 35% or more of income on rent | 31.3%±9.2 pts | 31.1% | no clear change |
| Median monthly owner costs, with a mortgage | $1,342±$143 | $1,762 | – |
| Owner-occupied homes | 70.8%±4.1 pts | 62.9% | no clear change |
| Housing units | 5,700±28 | 377,281 | −261 |
| Homeowner vacancy rate | 0.2%±0.3 pts | 1.2% | – |
| Rental vacancy rate | 14.3%±7.5 pts | 8.3% | – |
| Single-family detached homes | 66.8%±3.8 pts | 56.7% | – |
| Mobile homes | 4.6%±1.2 pts | 6.6% | – |
| Built 2020 or later | 0.4%±0.4 pts | 1.8% | – |
| Built 1939 or earlier | 29.6%±3.5 pts | 11.5% | – |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) (Data Profile DP04) · Check it at data.census.gov
How many new homes is Barnes County building?
Builders took permits for 4 new housing units across Barnes County in 2025 (4 single-family), 0.4 per 1,000 residents.
Source: Building Permits Survey, annual county files 2019-2025, U.S. Census Bureau · Census Building Permits Survey
How do people in Barnes County get to work?
79.8% of Barnes County's workers drive alone and 6.9% work from home. The average trip to work takes 19.5 minutes. The unemployment rate in 2020-2024 averaged 3.8%.
| Measure | Barnes County | North Dakota | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| In the labor force (age 16+) | 62.1%±2.7 pts | 68.6% | – |
| Unemployment rate | 3.8%±1.5 pts | 2.8% | +1.9 pts |
| Drove alone to work | 79.8%±3.3 pts | 77.9% | – |
| Carpooled | 7.0%±2.6 pts | 8.8% | – |
| Public transportation | 0.0%±0.5 pts | 0.3% | – |
| Walked | 4.8%±1.8 pts | 3.2% | – |
| Worked from home | 6.9%±2.2 pts | 8.1% | +3.4 pts |
| Mean travel time to work | 19.5 min±2.1 | 17.9 min | no clear change |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) (Data Profile DP03) · Check it at data.census.gov
What are Barnes County's census tracts?
Barnes County is divided into 4 census tracts. Among those with a reliable estimate, median household income runs from $51,579 (Tract 9682) to $91,250 (Tract 9680).
| Tract 967938003967900 | 1,706±206 | $80,208 |
|---|---|---|
| Tract 968038003968000 | 2,531±219 | $91,250 |
| Tract 968238003968200 | 2,860±216 | $51,579 |
| Tract 968338003968300 | 3,676±226 | $65,750 |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) · Check it at data.census.gov
How does Barnes County compare with North Dakota's other counties?
| Measure | Rank |
|---|---|
| Population | 13th of 53 |
| Growth 2020-2025 | 32nd of 53 |
| Residents per square mile | 15th of 53 |
| Median household income | 34th of 53 |
| Median home value | 21st of 53 |
| Median gross rent | 24th of 53 |
| Poverty rate | 16th of 53 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 6th of 53 |
| Median age | 26th of 53 |
Source: PlainCities ranks from the American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) and PEP Vintage 2025 · How ranks are computed
How these figures are made: methodology and release checks · reading a margin of error · every state · corrections
Not on this page: crime, weather and schools for Barnes County are other agencies' records. Crime: the FBI's Crime Data Explorer · climate: NOAA's U.S. Climate Normals · schools: the National Center for Education Statistics' school search.