North Dakota reaches new population record in latest census estimates

BISMARCK — North Dakota reached a new record population of 783,926, according to the Census Bureau.

The population estimate as of July 1 indicates North Dakota gained 4,665 residents.

“North Dakota continues working to attract and retain residents by building healthy, vibrant communities, cutting taxes and supporting economic development, and we’re encouraged that a record number of residents are enjoying our state’s outstanding quality of life for the second straight year,” Gov. Doug Burgum said in a statement.

North Dakota was one of 42 states that gained population in 2023, according to Census Bureau estimates.

North Dakota’s 2022 population estimate of 779,261 was a record at the time, and it reflected that a population loss experienced from the 2020 official census to the 2021 estimate — attributed mainly to outmigration and the impact of lower oil prices — had begun to reverse.

“This week’s release from the Census Bureau shows that the pattern of migration since the pandemic has switched from a net loss of residents to a net gain in the most recent timeframe,” said Kevin Iverson, state data center manager at the North Dakota Department of Commerce.

The pattern of net in-migration gains has continued, he said.

Because new county population estimates aren’t yet available, however, it can’t be determined where the population increases have occurred, Iverson said.

Fargo and West Fargo likely account for much of the growth, followed to a lesser degree by Bismarck-Mandan, he said.

But smaller rural counties with populations of 5,000 or less and agriculture-dependent economies probably have continued to dwindle, Iverson said.

Also, the population of western North Dakota often ebbs and flows with changes in oil prices and the petroleum industry, whereas Fargo’s economy is more diversified and more stable, he said.

“Our population change is almost always economically driven,” Iverson said.

With the estimate released this week, North Dakota remains the 47th most populous state, ahead of Alaska and behind South Dakota.

Since 2010, North Dakota has been among the nation’s fastest-growing states, estimated to have grown by more than 16% since 2010. Only six states — Idaho, Utah, Texas, Florida, Nevada and Colorado — are estimated to have grown by a higher percentage since 2010.

Last year, half the states experienced population decreases. Higher death rates during the coronavirus pandemic have subsided, however.

Patrick Springer first joined The Forum in 1985. He covers a wide range of subjects including health care, energy and population trends. Email address: pspringer@forumcomm.com
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