Binford, North Dakota


Binford is a city in Griggs County, North Dakota, United States. The population was 183 at the 2010 census. Binford was founded in 1899.

History

The Johnson Land Company of Iowa purchased a flax field owned by Gabriel Gabrielson when the Northern Pacific Railway laid its tracks in 1899. The town of "Blooming Prairie" was renamed Binford after attorney Ray Binford of Charles City, Iowa who handled the Land Company's purchase.
In the fall of 1899, a lumberyard and general store opened. A hotel was built in 1900. In 1905, Binford had its own newspaper, a bank, grain elevator, a hardware store, two groceries, a couple of pool hall-bowling alleys, two churches, and various other establishments.

Geography

Binford is located at .
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of, all of it land.
The city is located approximately one mile west of North Dakota Highway 1, which is one of the busier ND highways.

Culture & Economics

Although the population of the small town has continually declined since 1980, it continues to be fairly vibrant when compared to its nearby peers. As of 2018, Binford's "Main Street" is populated by numerous businesses which include: an Auto Service/Gas station, a Grocery & Hardware store, a Massage Therapy practice, a Beauty Salon, a Bank, Post Office, Café, Bar, Thrift Store, a Medical Clinic that is open 3 days week, a Used Car Dealer, a Road Construction Company, Heavy Truck Dealer, and a Tool Sales Company.
Binford is the home of the elementary school of the Midkota School District. The high school for the district is located in nearby Glenfield, ND approximately 17 miles to the southwest. The Midkota School was formed in 1992 when the schools from Binford, Grace City, and G-S-M consolidated due to declining enrollments. The sports teams for Midkota School, known as the Mustangs, provide entertainment to the residents of Binford as they play a portion of their basketball and volleyball home games in Binford's gymnasium, while the baseball team plays at the Binford Baseball Diamond. Midkota's girls' basketball team has enjoyed significant success throughout the years making five appearances in the North Dakota State B Girls Basketball Tournament, winning the State Championship in 1995. The school's baseball team has also appeared in the North Dakota State B Baseball tournament 4 times, finishing as high as Runner-Up. The Mustangs Volleyball team appeared in the State Tournament in 2011 placing 3rd.
The city holds an annual celebration each year in June known as "Binford Days". The festivities usually include street vendors, kids games, a 5K Fun Run/Walk, parade, classic car show, silent auction, a supper & pie social, and a late night street dance. The celebration is highlighted in the evening by the annual Binford Bull Ride. This event is extremely unique for such a small town. The rodeo is a sanctioned Professional Bull Riders event. It often features some of the top PBR riders in the world. World famous rodeo clown Flint Rasmussen as well as notable PBR announcer Clint Adkins have been featured at the ride. A majority of the bulls that appear at the event are provided by 7 time "PBR Stock Contractor of the Year" Chad Berger Bucking Bulls. The most recent estimates for attendance at this event are in the neighborhood of 2,500-3,000 spectators, nearly 18 times the population of the city. Binford has been hosting this PBR event since 1999.

Demographics

2010 census

As of the census of 2010, there were 183 people, 99 households, and 51 families residing in the city. The population density was. There were 125 housing units at an average density of. The racial makeup of the city was 100.0% White. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.5% of the population.
There were 99 households, of which 15.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.4% were married couples living together, 7.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 48.5% were non-families. 48.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 27.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.85 and the average family size was 2.59.
The median age in the city was 54.5 years. 14.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 15.9% were from 25 to 44; 33.9% were from 45 to 64; and 29.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 50.3% male and 49.7% female.

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, there were 201 people, 94 households, and 57 families residing in the city. The population density was 573.4 people per square mile. There were 120 housing units at an average density of 342.3/sq mi. The racial makeup of the city was 100.00% White.
There were 94 households, out of which 25.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 5.2% were married couples living together, 66.4% had a householder with no husband present, and 38.3% were non-families. 35.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 27.7% had someone living in town alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.14 and the average family size was 2.79.
In the city, the population was spread out, with 20.9% under the age of 18, 6.0% from 18 to 24, 19.4% from 25 to 44, 20.9% from 45 to 64, and 32.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47 years. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.7 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $25,375, and the median income for a family was $30,000. Males had a median income of $25,938 versus $18,125 for females. Plus support income from the military. The per capita income for the city was $14,459. About 3.3% of families and 5.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under the age of eighteen and 5.3% of those 65 or over.

Notable people