RANK #398 / 996 · POP 69,532 · ND
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.1%
Ward County, North Dakota, is defined by Minot, its largest city and county seat, often called the "Magic City" due to its rapid growth during the railroad era. Located in north-central North Dakota, Minot is approximately 110 miles north of Bismarck. The community's feel is influenced by Minot State University and Minot Air Force Base, contributing to a diverse and energetic atmosphere. The Souris River, also known as the Mouse River, meanders through the county, and outdoor recreation opportunities include hiking and biking trails at places like Black Butte Trailhead and the Minot Outdoor Recreation Area.
Life in Ward County offers a blend of urban amenities and access to outdoor activities. Public schools in the county are generally above average. Commute times are manageable, with Minot serving as a central hub. The economy is significantly shaped by the presence of Minot Air Force Base, which is a major employer and contributes substantially to the local economy. Additionally, the region's location near the Bakken oil formation and key transportation routes drives opportunities in sectors such as transportation, logistics, and agribusiness. Recent years have seen investment in new housing and commercial developments, reflecting ongoing economic activity.
Below national median (4.7x)
Well below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Prices detached from rents
Housing is fairly valued at 4.4x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Ward Battery/Storage
Undisclosed (part of MISO interconnection queue)
|
$200M | Planned |
|
Ward Wind Farm
Undisclosed (part of MISO interconnection queue)
|
$100M | Planned |
|
County Road 23 Reconstruction
Ward County / KLJ Engineering
|
$50M | Planned |
|
SW & SE Connector Corridor Study
Ward County
|
$50M | Proposed |
|
Islandview Estate Development
SHK Holdings
|
$50M | Approved |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Ward County has a Boom Town Index score of 60/100, ranking #398 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.8% and a median household income of $78,143, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Ward County is $249,800 with median rent at $1,005/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3128, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.2% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.8%. Home values changed +2.4% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 4.15% of Ward County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.