As of 2026 the population of Ness County is 2,631. The population is expected to shrink to 2,582 by 2031 - a growth rate of -0.38%.
The median age of Ness County residents is 51.
The diversity index of Ness County is 44.9, meaning that there is a 45% chance that any two people selected out of 100 residents will be of different race or ethnicity from one another.
The average household income in Ness County is $100,727 and projected to be $111,703 in 2031. Per capita income is $46,124, projected to be $51,126 in 2031. 4.07% of households – 107 – have an income of $200,000 or higher. Average net worth is $1,087,858 and the average disposable income is $77,583.
There are 1,531 housing units in Ness County; 987 are owner-occupied, 205 are rented, and 339 are vacant. The average home value is $161,107, with 27 homes built in 2010 or later, and 382 built in 1939 or earlier.
There are 252 businesses in Ness County, employing 1,386 workers and pulling from a labor force of 1,455 age 16 and above. 169 workers commute into Ness County from outside the county or state. Key industries for the area include:
1,286 residents both live and work in/around Ness County. The average travel time is 15.6 minutes. 30.56% people have a commute of less than 5 minutes while 1.94% commute 90 minutes or more each way. Of commuters, 1,094 drive alone, 181 carpool, and 0 take public transportation. 69 use other modes of transport such as motorcycle, bicycle, walking, etc. 111 residents work from home.
688 members of the workforce hold a high school diploma or GED. 237 have associates degrees, 410 have bachelor’s degrees, and 93 hold a graduate or professional degree.
Source: ESRI, 2026-09-09
