Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Ransom County, North Dakota, had a population of approximately 5,703. The median age was 44.5 years, reflecting an older demographic. About 51% of residents were male and 49% female. The county is predominantly White (over 95%), with small percentages of Hispanic or Latino (about 2%), Native American, Asian, and Black residents each comprising less than 1% of the population.
Elections
Ransom County, ND, had 3,661 registered voters for the 2022 general election. Elections held include federal, state, county, and local measures. In 2020, 70% of 2,678 votes cast favored Republican candidates. Voting occurs at four polling locations, including Lisbon and Enderlin. Key issues include property taxes and agriculture policy. The county is administered by the Ransom County Auditor/Elections Office, ensuring compliance with state law. The major parties are Republican and Democratic-NPL. Voter turnout often exceeds 65%, indicating strong civic participation.
Education, Employment and Housing
Ransom County, ND, features several public schools under Lisbon and Enderlin school districts, with Lisbon High School serving as the largest, enrolling around 200 students. The county’s overall high school graduation rate exceeds 90%. Around 20% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety is a priority, reflected in low incident rates. There are four main schools in the county. Educational programs include dual-credit and vocational courses. Adult education options exist via Lake Region State College outreach. School ratings average 6/10, according to GreatSchools, indicating a generally positive learning environment.
As of 2022, Ransom County, ND had an employment rate of about 64%. Key industries include Agriculture (23%), Education and Health Services (21%), and Manufacturing (11%). Common occupations are management (27%) and production (13%). The median commute time is 18 minutes, with approximately 78% of workers driving alone. Around 67% of employed residents work within the county, while others commute to nearby areas, mainly Cass and Barnes counties. Unemployment stands at roughly 2.2%.
Ransom County, ND, has a homeownership rate of approximately 78%, with median home values around $130,000 as of 2023. The average monthly rent is about $650. The housing market is stable, with modest value growth of 2–3% annually. Most homes are single-family, with some duplexes and rentals. Key communities include Lisbon (the county seat), Enderlin, and Fort Ransom, offering quiet, rural neighborhoods. Property taxes average 1.1% of assessed value, making housing affordable compared to national averages.
County Crime & Safety
Ransom County, ND, maintains relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. According to FBI 2022 statistics, the county reported approximately 1.5 violent crimes and 8.7 property crimes per 1,000 residents. Law enforcement agencies encourage prompt crime reporting and active community involvement in safety initiatives. There were no reported homicides and a minimal number of burglary and assault cases in recent years. Overall, Ransom County is considered safe, with crime rates significantly below state and national averages.
Popular names
- Robert Nelson
- Donald Olson
- Jerry Kuck
- Ryan Reinke
- Thomas Anderson
- Adam Johnson
- Allen Stulz
- Amanda Benneweis
- Andrew Johnson
- Beth Grant
- Brenda Dick
- Cathleen Olerud
- Cody Wheeler
- Constance Moore
- Dale Haugen
- Daniel Bartholomay
- Daniel Elijah
- Danny Galbreath
- David Cole
- Donavon Stetson
- Dustin Mark
- Edwin Dick
- Evelyn Zwetzig
- Hans Schommer
- Jamie Iverson
- Jean Freeberg
- Jeffrey Schmitz
- Jessica Hieggelke
- John Peterson
- John Wurzer
- Julie Kurtz
- Kathleen Pfaff
- Keith Olson
- Kevin Hartl
- Kien Tran
- Kym Thompson
- Lanora Martin
- Lisa Buttke
- Lori Dick
- Lynn Lloyd
- Lynn Rotenberger
- Raymond Yeager
- Rick Hock
- Rita Haugen
- Robert Anderson
- Robert Pulkrabek
- Rodney Qual
- Ryan Bartholomay
- Scott Wertman
- Shirley Hanson
- Stephanie Buhr
- Susanne Olson
- Tammy Will
- Terry Hartl
- Theodore Brandt
- Thomas Olson
- Twila Bock
- Tyler Swanson
- Aaron Flannery
- Aaron Froemke
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
- Kidder
- Lamoure
- Logan
- Mchenry
- Mcintosh
- Mckenzie
- Mclean
- Mercer
- Morton
- Mountrail
- Nelson
- Oliver
- Pembina
- Pierce
- Ramsey
- Renville
- Richland
- Rolette
- Sargent
- Sheridan
- Sioux
- Slope
- Stark
- Steele
- Stutsman
- Towner
- Traill
- Walsh
- Ward