Wahpeton, ND
Population 7,996 · North Dakota
About Wahpeton, ND
Wahpeton is a small town located in North Dakota with a population of 7,996 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $57,417 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.8 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Wahpeton features a median home value of $164,600, which is 33% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Wahpeton in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $753, 35% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,662 total housing units, 48% are owner-occupied (1,606 units) and 52% are renter-occupied (1,732 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Wahpeton shows an unemployment rate of 1.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 16.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Wahpeton have an average one-way commute time of 17.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
22.9% of Wahpeton residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 2.3% White, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.8% Asian residents, with 0.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Wahpeton Ranks in North Dakota
Cost of Living in Wahpeton, ND
Compared to national averages, Wahpeton has a median household income of $57,417 (24% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $164,600, which is 33% below the national median. Monthly rent at $753 is 35% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Dakota, Wahpeton's income is 21% below the state average of $72,691, and home values are 18% above the state median of $139,496.
Why Live in Wahpeton, ND?
Wahpeton offers affordable housing with a median home value of $164,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $753/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.6%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 17.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($57,417) that falls below the national average. However, Wahpeton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Wahpeton has a population of 7,996 with a median age of 34.8 years. Compare Wahpeton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Wahpeton
Cities in North Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Devils Lake | 7,170 | $42,755 | $171,000 | Compare |
| Valley City | 6,554 | $56,471 | $152,800 | Compare |
| Watford City | 6,016 | $88,351 | $385,100 | Compare |
| Minot AFB | 4,904 | $65,571 | $0 | Compare |
| Lincoln | 4,309 | $83,387 | $259,400 | Compare |
| Grafton | 4,128 | $60,184 | $153,800 | Compare |
| Horace | 3,964 | $145,801 | $444,600 | Compare |
| Beulah | 3,058 | $84,417 | $194,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Dakota
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Wahpeton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Wahpeton
What is the population of Wahpeton, ND?
The population of Wahpeton, ND is 7,996 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in North Dakota.
What is the median household income in Wahpeton?
The median household income in Wahpeton, ND is $57,417 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wahpeton?
The median home value in Wahpeton, ND is $164,600, which is 33% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Wahpeton?
The median monthly rent in Wahpeton, ND is $753, which is 35% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wahpeton?
The unemployment rate in Wahpeton, ND is 1.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Wahpeton, ND a good place to live?
Wahpeton offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 7,996 and a median age of 34.8, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Wahpeton, ND?
22.9% of residents in Wahpeton aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Wahpeton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wahpeton, ND: median home value is $164,600 (33% below national), median rent is $753/month, and median household income is $57,417. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Wahpeton?
The poverty rate in Wahpeton, ND is 16.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Wahpeton, ND?
Wahpeton's population is 2.3% White, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.8% Asian, and 1.8% two or more races. 0.8% of residents are foreign-born.