Stark County Demographics
As of 2022, Stark County, ND, has a population of approximately 33,646. The median age is around 37. Males make up about 51%, and females 49% of the population. The racial composition is 92.7% White, 1.4% Native American, 1% Asian, 0.8% Black or African American, and 4.1% Hispanic or Latino of any race. The county has seen steady population growth since 2010.
Stark County Elections
Stark County, ND, has around 19,800 registered voters as of 2024. Elections include local, state, and federal contests, with voter turnout often above 60% in general elections. In 2020, 72% voted Republican in the presidential race. The county has 9 polling locations, managed by the Stark County Auditor’s office. Key issues include energy, agriculture, and taxes. Major parties are Republican and Democrat, with Republicans dominating recent results. Voter registration requires residency and valid ID. Election administration follows North Dakota state laws, with absentee and early voting options available to increase accessibility.
Stark County Housing
Stark County, ND, has a homeownership rate of approximately 67%, with median home values around $255,000 as of 2024. Median gross rent is roughly $900 per month. The housing market shows stable trends, with modest annual appreciation. Housing types include single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments, mostly in Dickinson—the largest city and main neighborhood hub. Property taxes average 1.2% of home value, equating to about $3,060 yearly on a median-priced home. Stark County offers both established neighborhoods and newer developments, providing diverse housing options for residents.
Employment in Stark County
As of 2023, Stark County, ND, has an employment rate of approximately 67%. Leading industries include health care and social assistance (16%), retail trade (13%), construction (12%), and mining/oil & gas (11%). Most workers are employed in management, business, science, and arts occupations (34%) or in sales and office roles (20%). About 86% of employees commute by car, with a mean travel time of 14 minutes. The majority work locally, primarily in Dickinson—the county’s economic hub. The unemployment rate remains low, at around 2.1%.
Education in Stark County
Stark County, ND, has 17 public schools, including Dickinson High School, serving about 4,500 students. Around 29% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools typically score above the state average in reading and math; Dickinson High earned a 6/10 rating on GreatSchools. The county offers adult education through Dickinson State University and local career centers. School safety initiatives include security upgrades and anti-bullying programs. Educational options include AP, CTE, and dual-enrollment courses, supporting diverse academic paths.
Stark County Crime & Safety
Stark County, ND, maintains a moderate crime and safety profile, with a total crime rate of approximately 25.5 per 1,000 residents, slightly below the U.S. average. In 2023, reported property crimes (burglary, theft) made up 82% of all cases, while violent crimes accounted for 18%. The Dickinson Police Department and Stark County Sheriff’s Office jointly handle over 1,200 incident reports annually. With a steadily improving clearance rate of 46%, law enforcement continues efforts to enhance community safety and crime prevention across the region.
Table of Contents
Other Counties in North Dakota
- Adams
- Barnes
- Benson
- Billings
- Bottineau
- Bowman
- Burleigh
- Cass
- Cavalier
- Dickey
- Divide
- 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
- Steele
- Stutsman
- Towner
- Traill
- Walsh
- Ward
- Wells
- Williams