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Golden Valley County
countyGolden Valley County is located in western North Dakota, bordering Montana. As of 2024, its population was estimated to be 1,795, making it one of the least populous counties in the state. The county seat and largest city is Beach. The landscape features semi-arid hills and agricultural areas. Agriculture and oil are important to Golden Valley County's economy. Key sectors include agriculture, forestry, fishing & hunting, and healthcare & social assistance. Golden Valley County offers access to outdoor recreation, including hiking and wildlife viewing in the nearby Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The county was established in 1912 and named for the golden color of the prairie grasses.
Golden Valley County, North Dakota
Overview
- Classification
- County
- FIPS Code
- 38-033
- Country
- United States
- County
- Golden Valley County
Geography
- Region
- Badlands area of southwestern North Dakota
- Elevation
- 3,251 ft
- Total Area
- 1,002.487 sq mi
- Land Area
- 1,000.885 sq mi
- Water Area
- 1.602 sq mi
- Latitude
- 46.938924
- Longitude
- -103.844612
- Climate
- The county terrain consists of semi-arid hills, dedicated to agriculture in the level areas.
- Notable Features
- Beaver Creek · Little Missouri River · Semi-arid hills
- Neighboring Areas
- Billings County, ND · McKenzie County, ND · Slope County, ND · Fallon County, MT · Wibaux County, MT
Demographics
- Population (2020)
- 1,736
- Est. Population (2024)
- 1,795
- Median Age
- 47.2
- Median Income
- $68,021
- Poverty Rate
- 19.8%
- Owner-Occupied
- 79.5%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of the county was 95.4% White (91.5% NH White), 0.9% African American, 1.3% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, and 2.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 4.5% of the population.
Governance
- Government Type
- County Commission
- Governing Body
- Golden Valley County Commissioners
- Body Size
- 3 members
- Municipal Services
- Road & Highway · Sheriff's Office · Tax Equalization · Weed Control · Planning & Zoning · Emergency Management · Public Health · Library
U.S. Congress
Economy
- Unemployment Rate
- 3.8%
- Economic Profile
- Agriculture · Oil · Ranching
- Employment Sectors
- Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting · Health Care & Social Assistance · Educational Services
- Major Employers
- Golden Valley County Bank · Golden Valley Farm Equipment · Golden Valley Trading Post
Education
- School Districts
- Beach Public School District
History
- Founded
- 1912
- Named After
- The golden color of the prairie grasses
- Historical Significance
- Established as a result of a vote to secede from Billings County, reflecting the development and changing political landscape of the region
- Key Events
- Voters chose to secede from Billings County on November 8, 1910 · North Dakota Supreme Court upheld the election result on September 19, 1912 · Legislature completed the county's organization on November 13, 1912