Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Kidder County, North Dakota, had a population of 2,394. The median age was 48.7 years, indicating an older demographic. About 51% of residents were male and 49% female. The racial makeup was predominantly White (95.6%), with small percentages of American Indian (1.2%), two or more races (2.6%), and other races. Hispanic or Latino individuals made up about 1.2% of the population, reflecting limited racial and ethnic diversity.
Elections
Kidder County, North Dakota, had 1,191 registered voters as of 2023. Elections include federal, state, county, and local races, with recent turnout at about 62% in the 2022 general election. Polling is conducted at the Kidder County Courthouse in Steele. The county is administered by the Kidder County Auditor's Office, overseeing eight precincts. Republican candidates typically dominate, winning over 75% of votes. Major issues include agriculture and rural infrastructure. Voters primarily affiliate with Republican and Democratic-NPL parties, with independent candidates occasionally appearing.
Education, Employment and Housing
Kidder County, ND operates Kidder County School District, which includes one K–12 school, Kidder County High School in Steele, with about 200 students enrolled. The graduation rate is approximately 92%, and around 17% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety is prioritized, featuring secure entrances and routine safety drills. The district offers academic, vocational, and extracurricular programs, including dual-credit college courses. Adult education options are limited locally, but residents can access online and regional institutions. Schools generally score near the North Dakota average on state assessments.
As of 2022, Kidder County, ND had an employment rate of approximately 64%. Major industries include agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting (23%), educational services, healthcare, and social assistance (19%), and retail trade (12%). The leading occupation types are management (22%), office and administrative support (16%), and sales roles (12%). Over 77% of workers commute alone by car, with an average commute time of 18 minutes. Most residents work within the county, with a small percentage commuting to neighboring counties such as Burleigh and Stutsman for employment.
Kidder County, ND, has a high homeownership rate of about 84%, with median home values around $110,000. The rental market is limited, with median rents near $600 per month. Housing types are mostly single-family homes, often older and on spacious lots. Property values have remained relatively stable, with slight annual increases in recent years. The area comprises small towns like Steele and rural neighborhoods. Property taxes are low, averaging about 1.1% of a home's value annually, making housing relatively affordable compared to state and national averages.
County Crime & Safety
Kidder County, ND, is known for its low crime and high safety rates. According to the most recent FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) data, the county reported zero violent crimes and fewer than 5 property crimes per year, resulting in a crime rate of less than 1 per 1,000 residents. Law enforcement agencies maintain diligent patrolling, and the small population contributes to a tight-knit community with minimal criminal activity, making Kidder County one of the safest regions in North Dakota.
Popular names
- Cole Arndt
- Bertha Ochsner
- Betty Pfaff
- Brook Rangeloff
- Candice Hins
- Jerod Tufte
- Kari Enzminger
- Kenneth Pfaff
- Leona Roemmich
- Rebecca Fischer
- Trent Anderson
- Alan Malinowski
- Alison Fallgatter
- Allen Krueger
- Amber Rangeloff
- Andrew Faul
- Angela Haverkamp
- Angella Anderson
- Anthony Bayless
- Arlene Dewald
- Arlyn Scherbenske
- Ashley Contreras
- Barbara Stroh
- Becki Wolf
- Bert Morrison
- Beverly Schoepp
- Billy Mittleider
- Bonnie Subart
- Brice Barnick
- Britian Pfaff
- Carol Johnson
- Casey Steinke
- Cheri Hins
- Cherrie Remmick
- Christin Ruston
- Christina Burgard
- Clifford Vogel
- Cory Mack
- Craig Kemmet
- Cynthia Schnabel
- Dan Mittleider
- Darcy Dockter
- Darla Pfaff
- Darnell Demaray
- Darwin Enzminger
- Dave Haverkamp
- David Flath
- David Heaton
- David Johnson
- Deborah Olson
- Del Jasper
- Delmer Neitzel
- Delores Rath
- Derek Braun
- Dianne Dronen
- Doreen Holm
- Douglas Demaray
- Duane Mack
- Dustin Bauer
- Dustin Braun
Other Counties in North Dakota
- Adams
- Barnes
- Benson
- Billings
- Bottineau
- Bowman
- Burke
- Burleigh
- Cass
- Cavalier
- Dickey
- Divide
- Dunn
- Eddy
- Emmons
- Foster
- Golden Valley
- Grand Forks
- Grant
- Griggs
- Hettinger
- 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