The research division is responsible for producing reliable and accurate information about NDCS and its population. This ensures that key policy decisions are guided by objective findings. These data-driven decisions further the agency's mission to keep people safe by establishing safe prisons, transforming lives and creating safe communities. 

The research division produces statistical and research reports for dissemination within the agency, as well as to a variety of external stakeholders. The division works in close collaboration with a number of national not-for-profit research organizations, such as the Council of State Governments and the Vera Institute of Justice and academic and applied researchers.

General Statistics

Average Daily Population

The table above shows the average daily population by facility for inmates housed within NDCS facilities in FY2024.

Overall, the daily population was approximately 5,880 people.