Barnes County

Barnes County, North Dakota, had a population of 10,858 as of the 2020 Census. The racial makeup was approximately 94.2% White, 1.7% Native American, 0.6% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 3.1% Hispanic or Latino of any race. The county spans about 1,513 square miles, with a population density of roughly 7.2 people per square mile. Key communities include Valley City, the county seat. The median age was around 43.3 years, highlighting a relatively mature population.

As of recent data, Barnes County, ND, has a median home value of about $143,000. The median rent is approximately $620 per month. Homeownership rate stands at nearly 71%, with about 29% renting. The vacancy rate for homes hovers around 10%. The county's housing market primarily features single-family homes, with the majority built before 1970. Construction of new homes continues modestly.

As of my last update in 2023, Barnes County, North Dakota, holds various local, state, and federal elections. Key local elections often include positions such as County Commissioners, Sheriff, and County Auditor.

For example, in the 2020 election cycle, Barnes County had:

• Voter turnout: Approximately 6,500 out of 8,600 registered voters.
• County Commissioner positions: 2 seats available.
• Sheriff race features incumbents and challengers, such as Randy McClaflin vs. Casey Jones.
• State Representative: District 24 candidates often include a mix of Republican and Democratic contenders, like Dwight Kiefert (R) vs. Naomi Muscha (D).

Federal election data includes Presidential, Senate, and House representation. Specific candidates and numbers vary per election cycle. Please check the Barnes County official website or the North Dakota Secretary of State’s office for the most current information and candidate details.

As of the latest data:

• Barnes County, ND, has a high school graduation rate of around 91%, slightly higher than the national average of approximately 88% and close to North Dakota's average of around 92%.
• Approximately 23% of Barnes County residents have a bachelor’s degree or higher, which is below the national average of about 33% and also lower than North Dakota’s state average of around 30%.

This suggests that while high school completion in Barnes County is relatively strong, the attainment of higher education degrees lags behind both the national and state averages.

As of the most recent data, Barnes County, ND, has an employment level of around 6,000 individuals. The unemployment rate hovers near 3%, which is slightly lower than the national average of around 3.7% and roughly in line with the state average of 3.1%. The top industries in Barnes County include agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare. Agriculture is particularly prominent, employing a significant portion of the population due to the county's extensive farmland. Manufacturing and healthcare also contribute substantially to the local economy, with key employers in these sectors including local manufacturing plants and healthcare facilities.

Nationally, the largest sectors are typically technology, healthcare, and retail, reflecting a more diversified economy compared to Barnes County's agricultural emphasis. North Dakota statewide also shows strong sectors in energy and mining, which are less prominent in Barnes County. This localized focus on agriculture makes Barnes County unique within both the state and the country.

As of the latest available data, the median household income in Barnes County, North Dakota, is approximately $52,000. Comparatively, the median household income for the state of North Dakota is around $64,000, and for the entire United States, it is roughly $68,700.

Income Comparison Table

Barnes County's median household income is thus below both the state and national averages. This indicates a potential disparity in earnings and economic opportunities compared to broader benchmarks.

As of the most recent data, Barnes County, North Dakota, has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. The crime rates are typically measured per 100,000 inhabitants. Please note that these values are approximations and can change over time.

Violent crime includes murder, non-negligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. Property crime includes burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson. Barnes County generally experiences lower violent crime rates, with some fluctuations in property crime categories.