Traill County
countyTraill County, located in eastern North Dakota, had a population of 7,997 in the 2020 Census and an estimated 7,989 residents in 2024. Characterized by rolling hills and fertile land, the county is primarily devoted to agriculture. The county seat is Hillsboro, while Mayville is the largest city. Agriculture forms the backbone of Traill County's economy. The county is located in the heart of the Red River Valley, providing access to a population of over 300,000 people. Key institutions include Mayville State University, which contributes to the local economy and provides educational opportunities. Traill County was created in 1875 and named after Walter John Strickland Traill, who worked for the Hudson's Bay Company. The county's historical building, constructed in 1905, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Traill County, North Dakota
- Classification
- County
- FIPS Code
- 38097
- Country
- United States
- County
- Traill County
- Region
- Upper Midwest/Great Plains
- Elevation
- 1,201 ft
- Total Area
- 862.436 sq mi
- Land Area
- 861.871 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.565 sq mi
- Latitude
- 47.446271
- Longitude
- -97.164636
- Climate
- Brief climate description needed
- Notable Features
- Goose River · Red River · Elk River · Rolling Hills
- Neighboring Areas
- Norman County, MN · Polk County, MN · Cass County, ND · Grand Forks County, ND · Steele County, ND
- Population (2020)
- 7,997
- Est. Population (2026)
- 8,053
- Median Age
- 40.7
- Median Income
- $88,289
- Poverty Rate
- 9.06%
- Owner-Occupied
- 74.6%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of the county was 90.44% White, 0.97% Black or African American, 0.79% Native American, 0.56% Asian, 6.62% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 3.95% of the population.
- Government Type
- Commission
- Governing Body
- Board of Commissioners
- Municipal Services
- Auditor · Clerk of Court · District Health · Economic Development · Emergency Management · Highway Department · Historical Society · Human Service Zone · NDSU Extension · Recorder · Sheriff's Department · Treasurer
- Unemployment Rate
- 2.2%
- Economic Profile
- Agricultural
- Employment Sectors
- Health Care & Social Assistance · Manufacturing · Educational Services
- School Districts
- Central Valley Public Schools · Hatton Public Schools · Hillsboro Public Schools District #9 · May-Port-C-G Public Schools
- Colleges & Universities
- Mayville State University
- Transportation
- Highways · County Highways
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Power
- Major Facilities
- Courthouse
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Founded
- 1875
- Named After
- Walter John Strickland Traill
- Historical Significance
- Traill County was named for Walter John Strickland Traill, an employee of the Hudson's Bay Company, and has a rich agricultural history in the Red River Valley.
- Key Events
- County created from parts of Burbank, Cass, and Grand Forks Counties · County seat moved to Hillsboro in 1890 · Current courthouse built in 1905