Bayard, located in west central Morrill County, bases its economy on agriculture and livestock. The original town of Bayard was established in July of 1888, and Chimney Rock, designated a national historic site by the federal government in 1956, remains its most prominent landmark.
As of 2025 the population of Bayard is 1,119. The population is expected to shrink to 1,095 by 2030 - a growth rate of -0.43%.
The median age of Bayard residents is 45.
The diversity index of Bayard is 50.5, meaning that there is a 51% 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 Bayard is $85,443 and projected to be $92,967 in 2030. Per capita income is $34,299, projected to be $37,280 in 2030. 0.36% of households – 4 – have an income of $200,000 or higher. Average net worth is $670,057 and the average disposable income is $65,204.
There are 532 housing units in Bayard; 343 are owner-occupied, 105 are rented, and 84 are vacant. The average home value is $139,431, with 0 homes built in 2010 or later, and 243 built in 1939 or earlier.
There are 45 businesses in Bayard, employing 326 workers and pulling from a labor force of 724 age 16 and above. 259 workers commute into Bayard from outside the county or state. Key industries for the area include:
424 residents both live and work in/around Bayard. The average travel time is 27.1 minutes. 21.93% people have a commute of less than 5 minutes while 8.96% commute 90 minutes or more each way. Of commuters, 613 drive alone, 37 carpool, and 0 take public transportation. 14 use other modes of transport such as motorcycle, bicycle, walking, etc. 60 residents work from home.
260 members of the workforce hold a high school diploma or GED. 102 have associates degrees, 151 have bachelor’s degrees, and 38 hold a graduate or professional degree.
