The North Dakota Towns Losing The Most Residents In 2026

A look at the cities in the state that are seeing population declines

Apr. 3, 2026 at 6:57pm

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An impressionistic, out-of-focus scene depicting the faint silhouette of a small town's skyline, with buildings and structures blending into soft, warm-toned washes of color, conceptually representing the population declines affecting certain communities in North Dakota.As North Dakota's population shifts, some smaller towns face an uncertain future amid economic and demographic changes.Grand Forks Today

While North Dakota as a whole has seen steady population growth in recent years, with major cities like Fargo and Bismarck continuing to expand, not every town in the state is experiencing the same trend. An analysis of the top 30 largest cities in North Dakota reveals that several are actually losing residents, particularly those in the state's oil patch region that have been affected by the boom-and-bust cycles of the energy industry.

Why it matters

Understanding which North Dakota communities are losing population can provide insights into the economic and demographic shifts happening across the state. This information can help policymakers, urban planners, and local leaders make more informed decisions about infrastructure, public services, and economic development initiatives.

The details

The article highlights that two of the top 10 most populous cities in North Dakota were recently named among the "Snobbiest/Rudest" in the state, though it's unclear if there is a direct correlation between that perception and the population declines. Many of the towns losing the most residents are located in the oil-producing regions of western North Dakota, which have experienced economic volatility tied to fluctuations in oil prices and production.

  • The population data analyzed is for the year 2026.

The players

Visual Capitalist

A data visualization company that tracks population trends across North Dakota and the United States.

World Population Review

An organization that provides detailed population data and analysis for cities and towns around the world, including North Dakota.

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The takeaway

While North Dakota as a whole continues to grow, the uneven distribution of that population growth highlights the need for targeted economic development and community planning efforts in the state's smaller towns and cities, especially those reliant on the volatile energy industry.