Best Cities for Young Professionals in North Dakota
North Dakota ranks #3 of 50 for young professionals, with a young professionals score of 75.9. Horace is its best city for young professionals at 69.7.
- North Dakota, all states
- #3 of 50
- Population
- 4,588
Why North Dakota Works for Young Professionals
North Dakota ranks #3 out of 50 for young professionals — a top destination for ambitious early-career workers. The state's economy scores 64/100, with 2.6% unemployment and a median household income of $77,871. Modest population growth of 0.75% suggests a stable but not booming market.
For young professionals, the equation comes down to earning potential versus cost of living. North Dakota's cost-of-living index of 89 is significantly below the national average, meaning entry-level salaries go further here than in most metros. Growth metrics are moderate, so career advancement may depend more on specific industries than broad market expansion.
Beyond the paycheck, livability matters. North Dakota's livability score of 42/100 is adequate — metro areas have decent options, though the state isn't known as a cultural hub. Transportation is car-dependent in most areas (score: 55/100), which is worth factoring into housing location decisions.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Young Professionals
| # City | Grade | Young Professionals score | Overall | Economy | Growth | Walkability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Horace | A+ | 69.7 | 69.0 | 90 | 100 | 24 | 4,588 |
| 2West Fargo | A+ | 67.6 | 69.3 | 70 | 59 | 73 | 40,094 |
| 3Grand Forks | A | 63.0 | 63.9 | 58 | 58 | 73 | 59,042 |
| 4Dickinson | B+ | 60.9 | 62.7 | 64 | 55 | 43 | 25,357 |
| 5Fargo | B+ | 60.8 | 62.0 | 57 | 54 | 66 | 131,627 |
| 6Bismarck | B+ | 60.7 | 61.8 | 64 | 56 | 41 | 75,556 |
| 7Williston | B+ | 60.2 | 60.4 | 62 | 69 | 38 | 28,056 |
| 8Watford City | B+ | 59.2 | 61.3 | 59 | 64 | 44 | 6,039 |
| 9Minot | B+ | 58.6 | 62.1 | 60 | 47 | 44 | 47,791 |
| 10Beulah | B+ | 55.2 | 60.1 | 36 | 43 | 64 | 3,040 |
| 11Lincoln | B | 51.0 | 58.0 | 46 | 33 | 17 | 4,381 |
| 12Mandan | C+ | 50.7 | 53.2 | 32 | 41 | 42 | 24,522 |
| 13Wahpeton | C+ | 48.7 | 54.4 | 24 | 30 | 42 | 8,010 |
| 14Grafton | C+ | 47.1 | 54.9 | 24 | 27 | 37 | 4,102 |
| 15Minot AFB | C+ | 46.8 | 53.7 | 24 | — | 28 | 4,878 |
| 16Jamestown | C+ | 45.7 | 53.2 | 19 | 26 | 41 | 15,787 |
| 17Casselton | C | 45.7 | 52.1 | 33 | 34 | 37 | 2,953 |
| 18Valley City | C | 45.2 | 52.2 | 22 | 16 | 40 | 6,541 |
| 19Devils Lake | C | 43.5 | 50.0 | 7 | 30 | 46 | 7,308 |
| 20New Town | F | 36.0 | 42.0 | 15 | 19 | 41 | 2,721 |
City young professionals 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.
Compare: States with Similar Young Professionals Rankings
Also See: North Dakota for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is North Dakota a good state for young professionals?
North Dakota ranks #3 out of 50 for young professionals with a persona-weighted score of 75.9/100. Its strongest relevant category is Affordability (84/100) and its weakest is Livability (42/100).
What is the best city for young professionals in North Dakota?
Horace ranks #1 in North Dakota for young professionals with a score of 69.7/100, followed by West Fargo and Grand Forks.
What factors are most important for young professionals in North Dakota?
Rankings weighted toward job market strength, economic growth, affordable living, transportation, and vibrant community life — the factors that attract ambitious young professionals.