County · North Dakota
McKenzie County, North Dakota
McKenzie County, North Dakota. McKenzie County had 15,192 residents in 2025 by the Census Bureau's estimate, up 3.3% since 2020, faster than North Dakota (+2.6%). It holds 21 places (3 cities, villages and boroughs, 15 towns and townships and 3 census-designated) and 5 census tracts. GEOID 38053.
Residents, July 2025 estimate
15,192
Census Bureau estimate (no margin published)
2020 Census count: 14,704 · ACS 2020-2024: 14,321
Median household income
$93,404
±$14,393 (90% margin)
North Dakota: $76,657
Median home value
$349,600
±$29,514 (90% margin)
North Dakota: $249,900
Median gross rent
$1,284
±$81 (90% margin)
North Dakota: $954
How many people live in McKenzie County, and is it growing?
The 2020 Census counted 14,704 residents in McKenzie County. The Census Bureau estimates 15,192 for July 1, 2025, up 3.3% since 2020, faster than North Dakota (+2.6%). The 2020-2024 American Community Survey puts the population at 14,321 over 2,760 square miles of land.
| Measure | McKenzie County | North Dakota | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total population | 14,321 | 784,841 | +987 |
| Households | 5,997±237 | 331,063 | +1,695 |
| Average household size | 2.34±0.09 | 2.28 | −0.71 |
| Housing units | 7,752±122 | 377,281 | +1,109 |
McKenzie County's population since 2000
From 5,737 in 2000 to 15,192 in 2025: up 164.8%. 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 McKenzie County?
McKenzie County holds 21 places: 3 cities, villages and boroughs (incorporated places), 15 towns and townships (county subdivisions with their own government) and 3 census-designated places. The largest is Watford City with 6,378 residents (2025 estimate). Places that cross a county line are listed with the share of their 2020 residents who live in this county.
| Watford City | 6,207 | $102,260 |
|---|---|---|
| Mandaree | 691 | $64,545 |
| Four Bears VillageGEOID 3827950 | 500 | not published |
| Yellowstone TownshipGEOID 3805387820 | 448 | not published |
| AlexanderGEOID 3801180 | 319 | $121,953 |
| ArnegardGEOID 3803220 | 282 | $80,536 |
| Alex TownshipGEOID 3805301140 | 268 | $75,870 |
| Twin Valley TownshipGEOID 3805380460 | 264 | $227,578 |
| Arnegard TownshipGEOID 3805303260 | 242 | not published |
| Tri TownshipGEOID 3805379520 | 222 | $99,934 |
| Sioux Township | 154 | $58,818 |
| Blue Butte TownshipGEOID 3805308020 | 102 | not published |
| Elm Tree TownshipGEOID 3805323820 | 92 | $18,947 |
| East FairviewGEOID 3821580 | 73 | not published |
| Grail TownshipGEOID 3805331900 | 52 | $155,213 |
| Charbon TownshipGEOID 3805313540 | 48 | not published |
| Hawkeye Township, McKenzie CountyGEOID 3805336340 | 46 | not published |
| Keene TownshipGEOID 3805341580 | 40 | not published |
| Antelope Creek TownshipGEOID 3805302600 | 33 | $250,000 or more |
| Randolph TownshipGEOID 3805365220 | 23 | not published |
| Riverview TownshipGEOID 3805367140 | 7 | not published |
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 McKenzie County?
The median resident of McKenzie County is 31.5 years old; 31.1% are under 18 and 9.3% are 65 or older. The largest group is non-Hispanic white residents at 73.7%, then Hispanic or Latino residents (of any race) at 12.1%. 5.0% of residents were born outside the United States.
| Measure | McKenzie County | North Dakota | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 31.5±0.7 | 35.9 | +1.4 |
| Under 18 years | 31.1%±0.9 pts | 23.5% | – |
| 65 years and over | 9.3%±0.3 pts | 16.5% | – |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 12.1% | 4.7% | +3.7 pts |
| White alone, not Hispanic | 73.7%±0.8 pts | 81.7% | −3.8 pts |
| Black or African American alone, not Hispanic | 1.9%±0.6 pts | 3.3% | no clear change |
| Asian alone, not Hispanic | 1.1%±0.2 pts | 1.6% | +0.7 pts |
| American Indian and Alaska Native alone, not Hispanic | 6.6%±1.1 pts | 4.2% | – |
| Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone, not Hispanic | 0.0%±0.2 pts | 0.1% | – |
| Two or more races, not Hispanic | 4.5%±1.5 pts | 4.0% | – |
| Some other race alone, not Hispanic | 0.2%±0.2 pts | 0.3% | – |
| Born outside the United States | 5.0%±1.8 pts | 4.7% | +2.4 pts |
| Speak a language other than English at home (age 5+) | 7.7%±2.0 pts | 6.7% | – |
| Civilian veterans (age 18+) | 4.9%±1.6 pts | 7.1% | – |
| With a disability | 8.9%±1.8 pts | 12.0% | – |
| No health insurance coverage | 10.9%±2.7 pts | 6.5% | −4.4 pts |
| High school graduate or higher (age 25+) | 89.1%±3.4 pts | 94.0% | – |
| Bachelor's degree or higher (age 25+) | 19.1%±3.4 pts | 32.7% | −6.7 pts |
| Graduate or professional degree (age 25+) | 3.9%±1.6 pts | 9.7% | – |
| Moved from another state in the past year | 7.1%±3.1 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 McKenzie County earn?
Half of McKenzie County's 5,997 households earn less than $93,404 a year (±$14,393), against $76,657 in North Dakota. In 2015-2019 it was $95,803 in 2024 dollars; the margins of error cannot tell the two periods apart. 12.0% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | McKenzie County | North Dakota | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $93,404±$14,393 | $76,657 | no clear change |
| Mean household income | $136,029±$13,884 | $101,793 | – |
| Per capita income | $51,333±$5,413 | $43,389 | no clear change |
| People below the poverty line | 12.0%±3.5 pts | 10.8% | no clear change |
| Children under 18 below the poverty line | 12.8%±5.4 pts | 11.1% | no clear change |
| Households receiving SNAP | 3.4%±2.1 pts | 6.6% | – |
| Households with a broadband subscription | 89.1%±3.6 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 McKenzie County?
Owners occupy 53.4% of McKenzie County's occupied homes and renters 46.6%. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $349,600 by its owner (±$29,514). The median renter pays $1,284 a month including utilities, and 17.1% of renters pay 35% or more of their income on rent.
| Measure | McKenzie County | North Dakota | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home value (owner-occupied) | $349,600±$29,514 | $249,900 | +$55,956 |
| Median gross rent | $1,284±$81 | $954 | no clear change |
| Renters paying 35% or more of income on rent | 17.1%±8.1 pts | 31.1% | no clear change |
| Median monthly owner costs, with a mortgage | $2,274±$214 | $1,762 | – |
| Owner-occupied homes | 53.4%±4.6 pts | 62.9% | no clear change |
| Housing units | 7,752±122 | 377,281 | +1,109 |
| Homeowner vacancy rate | 0.4%±0.5 pts | 1.2% | – |
| Rental vacancy rate | 18.6%±5.3 pts | 8.3% | – |
| Single-family detached homes | 46.2%±4.1 pts | 56.7% | – |
| Mobile homes | 18.8%±3.8 pts | 6.6% | – |
| Built 2020 or later | 1.1%±0.8 pts | 1.8% | – |
| Built 1939 or earlier | 6.4%±2.0 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 McKenzie County building?
Builders took permits for 40 new housing units across McKenzie County in 2025 (40 single-family), 2.6 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 McKenzie County get to work?
78.0% of McKenzie County's workers drive alone and 8.8% work from home. The average trip to work takes 22.9 minutes.
| Measure | McKenzie County | North Dakota | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| In the labor force (age 16+) | 69.8%±3.2 pts | 68.6% | – |
| Unemployment rate | 1.3%±0.9 pts | 2.8% | – |
| Drove alone to work | 78.0%±4.2 pts | 77.9% | – |
| Carpooled | 9.8%±3.2 pts | 8.8% | – |
| Public transportation | 0.1%±0.2 pts | 0.3% | – |
| Walked | 2.1%±1.2 pts | 3.2% | – |
| Worked from home | 8.8%±2.8 pts | 8.1% | no clear change |
| Mean travel time to work | 22.9 min±2.8 | 17.9 min | +4.5 min |
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 McKenzie County's census tracts?
McKenzie County is divided into 5 census tracts. Among those with a reliable estimate, median household income runs from $59,784 (Tract 9401) to $132,188 (Tract 9623.02).
| Tract 940138053940100 | 1,180±261 | $59,784 |
|---|---|---|
| Tract 9623.0138053962301 | 4,067±699 | $101,984 |
| Tract 9623.0238053962302 | 1,819±414 | $132,188 |
| Tract 962438053962400 | 5,166±695 | $91,745 |
| Tract 962538053962500 | 2,089±261 | $92,098 |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) · Check it at data.census.gov
How does McKenzie County compare with North Dakota's other counties?
| Measure | Rank |
|---|---|
| Population | 10th of 53 |
| Growth 2020-2025 | 6th of 53 |
| Residents per square mile | 20th of 53 |
| Median household income | 2nd of 53 |
| Median home value | 1st of 53 |
| Median gross rent | 1st of 53 |
| Poverty rate | 18th of 53 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 49th of 53 |
| Median age | 51st 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 McKenzie 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.