Oliver Public RecordsNorth Dakota

As of the 2020 Census, Oliver County, North Dakota, had a population of 1,815. The median age was 48.4 years, reflecting an older demographic. Approximately 52% of residents were male and 48% female. The county is predominantly White (95.8%), with small representations of Native American (2.4%), two or more races (1.1%), and other races. Hispanic or Latino individuals of any race account for about 1%.

Oliver County, ND, has around 1,800 residents with approximately 1,200 registered voters. The county conducts general, primary, and special elections; in the 2020 presidential election, 82% voted Republican, 15% Democrat. Polling occurs at the Center Civic Center and absentee/mail-in voting is available. The County Auditor administers elections, working with local officials. Key issues include agriculture, property taxes, and energy development. Republican Party dominates, but Democrats maintain a small presence. Voter turnout typically exceeds 65%. The county prioritizes security and transparency in election processes.

Oliver County, ND, has a high homeownership rate, with about 90% of households owning their homes and median home values around $160,000 as of 2022. Rentals are scarce, with median rents near $700 per month. The housing market is stable, showing modest appreciation under 2% annually. Most homes are single-family houses, and neighborhoods are rural with spacious lots. Property taxes average 1.1% of home value, meaning about $1,760 yearly on a median-priced home. The area is characterized by quiet, tight-knit communities, primarily near Center, the county seat.

As of 2022, Oliver County, ND, had an unemployment rate of approximately 2.3%. Major industries include agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting (27%), and educational services, health care, and social assistance (23%). The most common occupation types are management, business, science, and arts occupations (36%). Around 80% of the workforce commutes by car, with a mean travel time of 27 minutes. Most residents work within Oliver County or commute to nearby counties like Morton and Burleigh, where larger employment centers such as Bismarck are located.

Oliver County, ND, has a limited educational infrastructure, with only one public K-12 school—Center-Stanton Public School—serving about 192 students, and a student-teacher ratio of 8:1. High school graduation rates are approximately 93%, but only around 18% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The district scores average in state assessments. School safety incidents are rare, with a small community fostering secure environments. Adult education options are minimal, typically requiring distance or online programs. Educational enrichment includes FFA, STEM, and athletics, but advanced or specialized courses are accessed mainly through regional partnerships.

Oliver County, ND, consistently reports one of the lowest crime rates in the state. According to the North Dakota Uniform Crime Report 2022, the county recorded zero violent crimes and fewer than five property crimes for the entire year. Local law enforcement maintains a strong presence, with rapid response times and community-oriented policing. Residents report a high sense of safety, and crime rates have remained below 1.0 incident per 1,000 population annually. Regular public reporting by the sheriff’s office enhances transparency and encourages proactive safety measures across the county.