Best Cities for Retirees in North Dakota
North Dakota ranks #4 of 50 for retirees, with a retirees score of 79.1. West Fargo is its best city for retirees at 67.5.
- North Dakota, all states
- #4 of 50
- Population
- 40,094
Why North Dakota Works for Retirees
North Dakota ranks #4 nationally for retirees, making it one of the very best 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 59/100 is middling — life expectancy of 77.9 years is roughly in line with national norms, but healthcare quality varies by region. 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.
A typical home value of $292,293 is manageable for retirees selling homes in higher-cost markets. The state's safety profile is reassuring, with a safety score of 70/100. 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 | Household finances | Affordability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1West Fargo | A+ | 67.5 | 69.3 | 70 | 64 | 76 | 40,094 |
| 2Minot | B+ | 64.8 | 62.1 | 64 | 52 | 83 | 47,791 |
| 3Dickinson | B+ | 64.3 | 62.7 | 59 | 51 | 82 | 25,357 |
| 4Horace | A+ | 63.5 | 69.0 | 70 | 93 | 60 | 4,588 |
| 5Beulah | B+ | 62.8 | 60.1 | 52 | 53 | 84 | 3,040 |
| 6Grafton | C+ | 62.6 | 54.9 | 58 | 41 | 90 | 4,102 |
| 7Williston | B+ | 62.5 | 60.4 | 54 | 60 | 80 | 28,056 |
| 8Grand Forks | A | 61.9 | 63.9 | 58 | 39 | 83 | 59,042 |
| 9Watford City | B+ | 61.5 | 61.3 | 58 | 70 | 72 | 6,039 |
| 10Wahpeton | C+ | 61.3 | 54.4 | 54 | 39 | 89 | 8,010 |
| 11Minot AFB | C+ | 61.0 | 53.7 | 70 | 62 | 77 | 4,878 |
| 12Jamestown | C+ | 59.8 | 53.2 | 51 | 38 | 87 | 15,787 |
| 13Fargo | B+ | 59.6 | 62.0 | 66 | 46 | 80 | 131,627 |
| 14Bismarck | B+ | 59.3 | 61.8 | 64 | 57 | 78 | 75,556 |
| 15Lincoln | B | 58.7 | 58.0 | 63 | 68 | 80 | 4,381 |
| 16Casselton | C | 58.4 | 52.1 | 66 | 59 | 81 | 2,953 |
| 17Devils Lake | C | 56.8 | 50.0 | 44 | 19 | 90 | 7,308 |
| 18Mandan | C+ | 56.0 | 53.2 | 59 | 53 | 79 | 24,522 |
| 19Valley City | C | 55.6 | 52.2 | 55 | 36 | 89 | 6,541 |
| 20New Town | F | 47.1 | 42.0 | 29 | 19 | 86 | 2,721 |
City retirees scores use each city's own data, with the category weights rescaled over the categories the city has; outdoor access has no city-level measure and is left out. City scores for retirees also weigh the county's expected yearly building losses from natural hazards (FEMA), lower is better; the share of adults without health insurance (CDC PLACES), a sign of local healthcare access, lower is better; the median age of residents (Census ACS), older is better: more peers and retiree services.
Compare: States with Similar Retirees Rankings
Also See: North Dakota for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is North Dakota a good state for retirees?
North Dakota ranks #4 out of 50 for retirees with a persona-weighted score of 79.1/100. Its strongest relevant category is Affordability (84/100) and its weakest is Environment (39/100).
What is the best city for retirees in North Dakota?
West Fargo ranks #1 in North Dakota for retirees with a score of 67.5/100, followed by Minot and Dickinson.
What factors are most important for retirees in North Dakota?
Rankings weighted toward low taxes, quality healthcare, affordable living, safety, community livability, and pleasant environment — the priorities for retirement years.