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NDNorth Dakota rankings

Oldest towns in North Dakota

Ranked by the median age of residents — often lake, mountain and retirement towns. 24 towns with 2,500+ residents.

U.S. Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year

1 Grafton 43.2 Population 4,102 2 Jamestown 40.7 Population 15,787 3 Hay Creek Burleigh County 40.6 Population 4,348
#TownMedian agePopulationHome value
1 Grafton4,102 people 43.2 4,102 $147,300
2 Jamestown15,787 people 40.7 15,787 $199,800
3 Hay CreekBurleigh County · 4,348 people 40.6 4,348 $459,700
4 Valley City6,541 people 39.4 6,541 $162,200
5 Bismarck75,556 people 38.9 75,556 $300,300
6 Apple CreekBurleigh County · 3,490 people 38.2 3,490 $411,700
7 GibbsBurleigh County · 2,836 people 38.0 2,836 $474,600
8 Devils Lake Devils Lake7,308 people 37.3 7,308 $164,900
9 Beulah Beulah3,040 people 36.7 3,040 $203,300
10 Mandan24,522 people 36.1 24,522 $259,800
11 Wahpeton Wahpeton8,010 people 34.7 8,010 $171,300
12 Horace4,588 people 33.9 4,588 $414,500
13 Minot47,791 people 33.5 47,791 $257,100
14 West Fargo West Fargo40,094 people 33.3 40,094 $321,900
15 Dickinson25,357 people 33.3 25,357 $263,700
16 Casselton2,953 people 32.9 2,953 $278,400
17 Map of Lincoln Lincoln4,381 people 32.8 4,381 $278,900
18 Map of Williston Williston28,056 people 32.0 28,056 $286,200
19 Fargo131,627 people 31.8 131,627 $281,900
20 Grand Forks59,042 people 29.6 59,042 $249,900
21 Watford City6,039 people 28.8 6,039 $408,500
22 New Town2,721 people 28.2 2,721 $207,600
23 Minot AFB Minot AFB4,878 people 22.6 4,878 —
24 TatmanWard County · 2,730 people 22.6 2,730 —

How this ranking works

We rank every town by the median age of residents — often lake, mountain and retirement towns. The town with the highest figure ranks #1. For comparison, the figure for North Dakota as a whole is 35.9.

Only towns with at least 2,500 residents are ranked; Census estimates for smaller places are too uncertain. Population and income: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Town photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each town’s page.

Same ranking in other states

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