Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Dickey County, ND had a population of 4,824. The population is predominantly White (95.5%), with small percentages of Hispanic or Latino (2.1%), two or more races (1.5%), and other groups. The median age is about 43.8 years, pointing to an aging demographic. Gender distribution is roughly equal, with 50.5% male and 49.5% female, reflecting a balanced community gender-wise.
Elections
Dickey County, North Dakota, had approximately 3,000 registered voters as of 2022. The county conducts primary, general, and special elections, with results in 2020 showing 72% support for Republican candidates. Four polling locations serve the area, including Oakes and Ellendale. Election issues include mail-in ballot access and rural voter turnout. The County Auditor administers elections under bipartisan oversight, mainly by Republican and Democratic parties. In recent cycles, voter turnout has surpassed 60%.
Education, Employment and Housing
Dickey County, ND, has five public schools, including Ellendale and Oakes High Schools. Graduation rates hover around 92%, and about 18% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average school ratings range from 6-7/10. The county emphasizes school safety, with protocols and resource officers in place. Educational offerings include AP courses, vocational programs, and FFA. Adult education options are limited, with some GED and community programs available.
As of 2022, Dickey County, ND, had an employment rate of about 65.2%. Agriculture dominates, employing around 32% of workers, followed by health care and social assistance (12%), and retail trade (10%). Most occupations are in management, business, science, and arts (29%), and service roles (23%). The average commute time is 14.6 minutes, with over 79% of residents driving alone. The majority of employed residents work within the county, primarily in cities like Ellendale and Oakes, while a small proportion commute to neighboring counties for jobs.
Dickey County, ND, features a homeownership rate of around 75%, with a median home value of approximately $112,000 (2022). The median gross rent is about $570 monthly. Property values have remained relatively stable, with modest appreciation in recent years. Housing is primarily single-family homes, with some multifamily units in Oakes, the largest city. Neighborhoods tend to be rural or small-town in character. Property taxes are moderate, averaging $1,300 annually for a median-priced home. The county offers affordable living, low housing density, and a strong sense of community.
County Crime & Safety
Dickey County, ND, is known for its low crime rate compared to national averages. According to recent FBI statistics, the county reported a total of 35 crimes in 2022, with only 2 violent crimes and 33 property crimes. The crime rate per 1,000 residents is approximately 5.7, significantly below both state and national averages. Law enforcement agencies, such as the Dickey County Sheriff's Office, are proactive in crime reporting and prevention. Overall, Dickey County is considered a safe rural community, with residents experiencing minimal risks related to crime and public safety concerns.
Popular names
- Cindy Schmitz
- Eric Larson
- Aaron Filbert
- Alexis Marthaller
- Bodie Metzger
- Bryan Brandenburger
- Colin Finley
- David Dietz
- Demairis Dietz
- Duane Anderson
- Gary White
- Gloria Brummund
- Ivan Widhalm
- James Maddock
- James Quandt
- Jason Paradis
- Jeff Andersen
- John Seelye
- Jonathan Lott
- Kurt Schlenker
- Layna Gramlow
- Leo Ell
- Luann Anderson
- Michael Kelly
- Michael Martin
- Rochelle Gosvener
- Roger Illies
- Stephanie Martin
- Trever Kelstrom
- Troy Petersen
- William Jorgenson
- Zachary Roberts
- Adam Gramlow
- Adam Ladwig
- Adam Maine
- Adam Schlosser
- Adam Zimbleman
- Alex Breitbach
- Alexandria Sisson
- Alicia Eckhart
- Alicia Knutson
- Allen Hillesland
- Amanda Merkel
- Amanda Rall
- Amanda Siro
- Amber Miller
- Amy Bakke
- Andrea Amundson
- Andrew Rath
- Andrew Wald
- Angela Baasch
- Angela Sand
- Anna Courtney
- Anna Sell
- Anne Smith
- Annette Wickstrom
- Anthony Gross
- Arne Hoikkala
- Ashley Hagen
- Ashley Jenkins
Other Counties in North Dakota
- Adams
- Barnes
- Benson
- Billings
- Bottineau
- Bowman
- Burke
- Burleigh
- Cass
- Cavalier
- Divide
- Dunn
- Eddy
- Emmons
- Foster
- Golden Valley
- Grand Forks
- Grant
- Griggs
- Hettinger
- Kidder
- Lamoure
- Logan
- Mchenry
- Mcintosh
- Mckenzie
- Mclean
- Mercer
- Morton
- Mountrail
- Nelson
- Oliver
- Pembina
- Pierce
- Ramsey
- Ransom
- Renville
- Richland
- Rolette
- Sargent
- Sheridan
- Sioux
- Slope
- Stark
- Steele
- Stutsman
- Towner
- Traill
- Walsh
- Ward