Best Cities for Retirees in North Dakota
Why North Dakota Works for Retirees
North Dakota ranks #7 nationally for retirees, making it a top-ten destination for those entering their next chapter. The state's strong fiscal health (70/100) and light overall tax burden of 6.61% help retirement savings go further.
For retirees, healthcare access and tax friendliness are non-negotiable. North Dakota's health score of 65/100 reflects strong medical infrastructure — life expectancy here is 79 years, above the national average. On the tax front, the overall burden stands at 6.61% of income. The 2.5% income tax rate is relatively modest. Property taxes run 0.99% (effective rate), which is near the national average.
The median home price of $281,000 is manageable for retirees selling homes in higher-cost markets. The state's safety profile is reassuring, with a safety score of 71/100. Livability amenities are more limited compared to top-ranked states, so retirees who value a vibrant social scene should focus their search on the state's larger metro areas.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Retirees
| # | City | Grade | Retirees Score | Overall | Health | Fiscal Health | Affordability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Horace | A+ | 70.0 | 67.6 | 70 | 96 | 66 | 3,964 |
| 2 | West Fargo | A+ | 64.4 | 63.8 | 70 | 71 | 70 | 39,325 |
| 3 | Lincoln | A | 63.7 | 61.8 | 63 | 65 | 77 | 4,309 |
| 4 | Minot AFB | B+ | 61.0 | 59.0 | 70 | 63 | 68 | 4,904 |
| 5 | Bismarck | B+ | 59.9 | 59.8 | 64 | 55 | 79 | 75,102 |
| 6 | Beulah | B+ | 59.1 | 56.8 | 52 | 62 | 73 | 3,058 |
| 7 | Watford City | B+ | 58.8 | 57.3 | 58 | 64 | 66 | 6,016 |
| 8 | Dickinson | B+ | 58.4 | 58.3 | 59 | 52 | 72 | 25,216 |
| 9 | Minot | B+ | 58.3 | 57.3 | 64 | 56 | 72 | 47,922 |
| 10 | Williston | A | 58.1 | 62.2 | 54 | 61 | 71 | 27,964 |
| 11 | Casselton | C+ | 58.0 | 52.7 | 66 | 62 | 72 | 2,640 |
| 12 | Valley City | B | 56.9 | 54.8 | 55 | 37 | 83 | 6,554 |
| 13 | Grafton | B | 56.4 | 55.2 | 58 | 47 | 77 | 4,128 |
| 14 | Grand Forks | B+ | 55.8 | 58.0 | 58 | 38 | 81 | 58,882 |
| 15 | Fargo | B+ | 55.4 | 56.8 | 66 | 43 | 80 | 132,400 |
| 16 | Mandan | C+ | 55.4 | 50.9 | 59 | 58 | 72 | 24,293 |
| 17 | Jamestown | C+ | 52.8 | 51.4 | 51 | 39 | 76 | 15,774 |
| 18 | Wahpeton | C+ | 52.8 | 50.7 | 54 | 35 | 76 | 7,996 |
| 19 | New Town | C+ | 47.9 | 49.7 | 29 | 23 | 75 | 2,725 |
| 20 | Devils Lake | C | 45.4 | 46.5 | 44 | 15 | 77 | 7,170 |