Griggs County

Griggs County, North Dakota: Key Demographics (Latest ACS/U.S. Census Data)

• Population Size: Approx. 2,270 (2023 Census estimate)
• Age:
  • Median age: ~48 years
  • Under 18: 19%
  • 65 and older: 26%
• Gender:
  • Male: 50.3%
  • Female: 49.7%
• Racial/Ethnic Composition:
  • White (non-Hispanic): 93.6%
  • Two or more races: 2.8%
  • Native American: 1.7%
  • Asian: 0.4%
  • Hispanic/Latino (of any race): 2.7%
• Households:
  • Number of households: ~1,050
  • Average household size: 2.13
  • Family households: 60.3%
  • Non-family households: 39.7%
• Housing:
  • Owner-occupied: 77%
  • Renter-occupied: 23%

Griggs County has a small, aging, and predominantly White population, with low racial diversity and a majority of family-oriented, owner-occupied households.

In Griggs County, ND, email usage reflects broader rural digital trends. The county, with an estimated population of 2,200, has around 1,400 regular email users, primarily driven by necessity for communication, banking, and government services. Adults aged 35–64 represent the largest group of users, comprising approximately 55% of email account holders; seniors (65+) account for about 25%, while youth (18–34) make up roughly 20%. The gender split is nearly even, with a slight female majority (52% female, 48% male), mirroring the county’s demographic balance. Digital access is facilitated by improving rural broadband, and recent data from the FCC indicates roughly 85% of Griggs County households have reliable high-speed internet, up from previous years. Local connectivity density corresponds with these improvements—communities in Cooperstown and nearby towns report the strongest usage, with some outlying farms still underserved. Trends show increasing smartphone-based email access, especially among younger residents, helping close previous generational digital gaps and expanding email adoption countywide.

Mobile phone usage in Griggs County, ND, reflects distinct trends shaped by its rural context and demographic profile. As of 2023, an estimated 81% of Griggs County residents own a mobile phone, notably lower than the North Dakota state average of 94%. Smartphone adoption is likewise reduced, with approximately 68% of adult residents using smartphones compared to the statewide rate of 85%.

Demographically, the county’s median age is 46.9 years, resulting in reduced mobile adoption among older adults. Among residents aged 18–34, smartphone ownership exceeds 90%, aligning with national and statewide trends. However, for adults 65 and older, smartphone usage drops to 41%, significantly below the North Dakota average in that age group. Families with school-aged children—especially those in Cooperstown, the county seat—report higher household smartphone and tablet use, often driven by educational requirements.

Digital infrastructure presents unique challenges in Griggs County. While 4G LTE cellular coverage reaches roughly 96% of populated areas, persistent gaps remain in sparsely inhabited regions, with only 58% of the county boasting dependable, high-speed wireless connections. 5G implementation is negligible, with just 12% of service areas indicating any consistent 5G coverage, sharply contrasting with the state’s 36% rate. Public Wi-Fi and mobile hotspots are concentrated around schools, libraries, and municipal buildings, supporting digital access but creating reliance on shared networks.

Notably, text messaging remains the dominant form of mobile communication among older residents, whereas younger users employ a wider array of apps and data-driven services. VoIP calling and video chat adoption continue to lag, partly due to connectivity constraints and lower digital literacy rates among older adults.

In summary, Griggs County’s mobile phone usage is marked by lower overall penetration, a wider digital divide between age groups, and slower infrastructure advancements compared to broader North Dakota trends. The community exhibits steady year-to-year growth in connectivity and technology adoption but remains below state averages in most key metrics.

Social Media Usage in Griggs County, ND – 2024 Breakdown

User Stats & Demographics:
Griggs County, a rural community with a population near 2,200, exhibits social media usage rates that partially lag national averages but have seen steady growth. Approximately 58% of adult residents actively use at least one social media platform.

• Age Groups:

  • Ages 18–29: 83% use social media
  • Ages 30–49: 73%
  • Ages 50–64: 48%
  • Ages 65+: 27%

• Gender Breakdown:

  • Female: 53% of local social media users
  • Male: 47%

Most-Used Platforms:

• Facebook: 86% of local users; remains the leading platform, particularly popular among adults 30 and older. Community groups, agricultural pages, and county event promotions see high engagement.
• Instagram: 28%, especially among those under 35
• Snapchat: 21%, strong among 18–24-year-olds for messaging and sharing community happenings
• TikTok: 16%, rapidly rising among teens and young adults, used for entertainment and local content sharing
• Twitter/X: 11%, primarily for news updates and regional discussions

Behavioral Trends:

• Residents increasingly use Facebook for local news, school updates, civic notices, and marketplace activity.
• Younger adults cluster on visual-based platforms (Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok); they prefer daily stories, short videos, and direct messaging.
• Public sharing is cautious; most residents favor private groups and closed communities.
• There’s growing usage of social media to organize local events, support small businesses, and discuss regional issues.
• Elderly residents’ usage centers on Facebook, often for maintaining family connections.

Key Insights: General social media adoption in Griggs County reflects strong platform loyalty (especially Facebook) and slow, yet growing, interest in newer apps among younger residents. While the overall population remains digitally cautious, social media is increasingly integral for local communication, event coordination, and community identity.