Wells Public RecordsNorth Dakota

As of the 2020 Census, Wells County, North Dakota had a population of 3,982. The median age was 48.6 years, reflecting an older demographic. About 50.7% were male and 49.3% female. The county was predominantly White (95.5%), with small populations of American Indian (1.2%), two or more races (2.6%), and Hispanic or Latino (1.0%). The population has experienced slight decline in recent years, mirroring rural trends in North Dakota.

Wells County, ND, has approximately 3,800 residents and around 2,100 registered voters as of 2022. Elections include federal, state, county, and local offices, with regular primary and general elections plus occasional special elections. In the 2020 presidential election, 76% voted Republican and 21% Democratic. Key polling locations are in Fessenden, Harvey, and Bowdon. The County Auditor’s office administers elections. Voter turnout typically exceeds 65%. Major issues include agriculture, rural healthcare, and infrastructure. The dominant parties are Republican and Democratic-NPL, with Republicans holding most county offices as of the last election.

Wells County, ND, has a high homeownership rate of about 77%, with median home values around $87,000 and median gross rents near $575 per month. The housing market is stable, with modest annual appreciation under 3%. The area features mostly single-family homes and some multi-unit dwellings, concentrated in small towns like Harvey and Fessenden. Property tax rates average 1.05% of assessed value. Neighborhoods are quiet and rural, with a low population density. The cost of living is well below the national average, making Wells County an affordable place to live or rent.

As of 2022, Wells County, ND had an employment rate of approximately 60%, with around 1,300 residents in the workforce. Agriculture dominates, employing nearly 40% of workers, followed by education, health care, and retail. Management, business, and agriculture-related occupations account for 35% of jobs. Most employees (over 85%) work within Wells County, and about 80% commute by car, with average travel times under 15 minutes. Only a small proportion, less than 3%, use alternative commute methods.

Wells County, ND, serves students through five public schools, including Harvey and Fessenden-Bowdon high schools. Around 88% of residents hold a high school diploma, while about 18% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools here maintain safety above the state average with limited incidents, and average standardized test scores are close to North Dakota norms. Several adult education and vocational programs operate in partnership with local colleges. Schools offer extracurriculars in STEM, arts, and agriculture to enhance learning.

Wells County, ND, is known for its low crime rate compared to state and national averages. According to the FBI’s 2022 Uniform Crime Reporting data, violent crime incidents were reported at a rate of just 0.4 per 1,000 residents, with property crime at approximately 2.3 per 1,000 residents. Law enforcement agencies maintain transparency in reporting, and the sheriff’s office actively engages in community programs to maintain public safety. Overall, Wells County remains one of the safer counties in North Dakota, with consistently low annual crime statistics.