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Is Bismarck a Good Place to Live? Bismarck, North Dakota: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Bismarck ranks #311 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #151 of 524 smaller cities and #7 of 20 in North Dakota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.4%, #6 of 476) and short commutes (15.6 min, #8 of 524), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Bismarck by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Bismarck's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Bismarck?
Bismarck's cost of living index is 91, 9% below the US level of 100 and #244 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $999/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $377,821, 29% above the typical North Dakota home ($292,293).
| Measure | Bismarck | North DakotaND | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 91#244 of 1,308 | 89 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $377,821#577 of 1,187 | $292,293 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,306/mo#170 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $300,300#532 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $999/mo#213 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.8x#506 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 15.3%#70 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). North Dakota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Bismarck housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Bismarck is in the Bismarck, ND metro.
North Dakota housing market →Is Bismarck safe?
Bismarck recorded 241 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 26% below the US rate of 328 and 6% below North Dakota's 257. That ranks #441 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #203 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Bismarck Police Department. Property crime runs 1,892 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Bismarck | North DakotaND | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 241#441 of 1,085 | 257 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,892#660 of 1,085 | 1,698 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). North Dakota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Bismarck?
The median household in Bismarck earns $78,387, 6% below the US figure of $83,163 and 1% above North Dakota ($77,871). Unemployment is 2.4% (US 4.3%). 9.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Bismarck | North DakotaND | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $78,387#648 of 1,312 | $77,871 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 2.4%#19 of 1,058 | 2.6% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 9.3%#442 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.9%#254 of 1,132 | +0.8% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). North Dakota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Bismarck?
The median resident of Bismarck is 38.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 39.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #482 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 65.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Bismarck | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 38.9 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 39.2%#482 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 65.5% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Bismarck's schools and health?
Bismarck's 24 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (North Dakota 85.1%), with 15.3 students per teacher and $14,558 spent per pupil. 35.2% of adults are obese and 9.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Bismarck | North DakotaND | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 90%#358 of 1,063 | 85.1% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 15.3#514 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $14,558#639 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 35.2%#789 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 9.4%#278 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 13.3%#78 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 6.6%#206 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). North Dakota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 13,337 students are enrolled in Bismarck's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Bismarck?
The average commute in Bismarck is 15.6 minutes (North Dakota 17.5); 0.2% of workers take transit and 7.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Bismarck scores 8.8 of 20 (below average walkable), #866 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 67.2°F and winters 16°F, with 20.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Bismarck | North DakotaND | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 15.6 min#80 of 1,312 | 17.5 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 3.4%#276 of 1,312 | 4.3% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 80.2% | 76.7% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.2% | 0.5% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.9% | 3.7% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 7.6% | 7.1% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 8.8#866 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). North Dakota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 22.1 | 3.8 | 0.5 |
| Feb | 27.1 | 6.7 | 0.5 |
| Mar | 39.7 | 17.8 | 0.9 |
| Apr | 53.8 | 29.4 | 1.6 |
| May | 66.4 | 42.5 | 2.6 |
| Jun | 75.6 | 52.5 | 3.3 |
| Jul | 81.5 | 58.3 | 3.2 |
| Aug | 80.1 | 55.6 | 2.7 |
| Sep | 71.3 | 46.1 | 1.9 |
| Oct | 55.6 | 33.5 | 1.6 |
| Nov | 39.6 | 19.8 | 0.7 |
| Dec | 26.9 | 9.5 | 0.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Bismarck 2.4 Nnw.
| Measure | Bismarck | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 42.3°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 67.2°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 16°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 20.3 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Bismarck 2.4 Nnw.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Bismarck?
Burleigh County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 78% of measured days were rated good; 12 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Burleigh County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, winter weather, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.24% of building value, higher than 82% of US counties.
| Measure | Bismarck | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 39#281 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 12#911 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.24%#1031 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Burleigh County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Burleigh County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.075% | 100% of counties |
| Winter weather | 0.0045% | 99% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0075% | 91% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.11% | 78% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0039% | 75% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0023% | 55% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.01% | 55% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Bismarck compare with similar-size cities?
Bismarck is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #151 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 75,556.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bismarck, NDPop. 75,556 | #311 | 61.8 | $78,387 | $999/mo | 241 | 15.6 min |
| Wesley Chapel, FLPop. 76,011 | #626 | 56.3 | $107,504 | $2,100/mo | no data | 31.1 min |
| Arlington Heights, ILPop. 76,005 | #51 | 70.8 | $116,723 | $1,760/mo | 43 | 27.7 min |
| Pawtucket, RIPop. 75,893 | #549 | 57.3 | $68,310 | $1,208/mo | 224 | 25.6 min |
| Iowa City, IAPop. 75,752 | #437 | 59.3 | $58,546 | $1,094/mo | 257 | 17.3 min |
| Apple Valley, CAPop. 75,473 | #1260 | 41.4 | $69,882 | $1,444/mo | 485 | 41.1 min |
| Bowling Green, KYPop. 75,388 | #954 | 50.8 | $48,873 | $998/mo | 187 | 17.8 min |
| Rock Hill, SCPop. 75,259 | #989 | 50.3 | $68,771 | $1,341/mo | 394 | 25 min |
| Ellicott City, MDPop. 75,257 | #14 | 74.3 | $156,964 | $2,061/mo | no data | 28.2 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Bismarck compare with the rest of North Dakota?
Bismarck ranks #7 of the 20 North Dakota cities we track, with a score of 61.8 against North Dakota's statewide 75.5. Its households earn 1% above the North Dakota median. Violent crime is 6% below the statewide rate. Homes are 29% above the typical North Dakota home.
| City | Rank in ND | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Fargo, NDPop. 40,094 | #1 | 69.3 | $90,665 | $1,111/mo | 185 |
| Horace, NDPop. 4,588 | #2 | 69.0 | $138,578 | $2,146/mo | no data |
| Grand Forks, NDPop. 59,042 | #3 | 63.9 | $63,627 | $980/mo | 270 |
| Dickinson, NDPop. 25,357 | #4 | 62.7 | $82,696 | $957/mo | 183 |
| Minot, NDPop. 47,791 | #5 | 62.1 | $73,219 | $973/mo | 295 |
| Fargo, NDPop. 131,627 | #6 | 62.0 | $66,998 | $946/mo | 378 |
| Bismarck, NDPop. 75,556 | #7 | 61.8 | $78,387 | $999/mo | 241 |
| Watford City, NDPop. 6,039 | #8 | 61.3 | $102,260 | $1,336/mo | 387 |
| Williston, NDPop. 28,056 | #9 | 60.4 | $79,381 | $1,122/mo | 432 |
| Beulah, NDPop. 3,040 | #10 | 60.1 | $76,848 | $1,075/mo | 131 |
| Lincoln, NDPop. 4,381 | #11 | 58.0 | $87,652 | $950/mo | 44 |
| Grafton, NDPop. 4,102 | #12 | 54.9 | $62,679 | $733/mo | 200 |
| Wahpeton, NDPop. 8,010 | #13 | 54.4 | $62,750 | $751/mo | 135 |
| Minot AFB, NDPop. 4,878 | #14 | 53.7 | $62,500 | $1,431/mo | no data |
| Mandan, NDPop. 24,522 | #15 | 53.2 | $71,780 | $1,083/mo | 257 |
| Jamestown, NDPop. 15,787 | #16 | 53.2 | $56,554 | $773/mo | 133 |
| Valley City, NDPop. 6,541 | #17 | 52.2 | $60,339 | $780/mo | 61 |
| Casselton, NDPop. 2,953 | #18 | 52.1 | $73,259 | $814/mo | no data |
| Devils Lake, NDPop. 7,308 | #19 | 50.0 | $43,220 | $711/mo | 191 |
| New Town, NDPop. 2,721 | #20 | 42.0 | $52,500 | $851/mo | part year |
All 20 North Dakota cities we track, by overall score. North Dakota statewide: median income $77,871, violent crime 256.7 per 100,000.
How is Bismarck's score calculated?
Bismarck scores 61.8 out of 100, #311 of 1,312 (grade B+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with North Dakota's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Bismarck. Similar-size median 55.5.
63.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Bismarck's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
77.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Bismarck. Similar-size median 58.9.
64.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Bismarck's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
61.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Bismarck's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
78.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Bismarck. Similar-size median 56.1.
57.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Bismarck. Similar-size median 42.4.
55.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Bismarck. Similar-size median 50.0.
47.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Bismarck's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
41.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
40.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
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Bar: Bismarck's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Bismarck has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Bismarck
Is Bismarck, ND a good place to live?
Bismarck ranks #311 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #151 of 524 smaller cities and #7 of 20 in North Dakota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.4%, #6 of 476) and short commutes (15.6 min, #8 of 524), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Bismarck?
Bismarck's cost of living index is 91, 9% below the US level of 100 and #244 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $999/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $377,821, 29% above the typical North Dakota home ($292,293).
What is the crime rate in Bismarck?
Bismarck recorded 241 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 26% below the US rate of 328 and 6% below North Dakota's 257. That ranks #441 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #203 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Bismarck Police Department. Property crime runs 1,892 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Bismarck?
The median household in Bismarck earns $78,387, 6% below the US figure of $83,163 and 1% above North Dakota ($77,871). Unemployment is 2.4% (US 4.3%). 9.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Bismarck?
Median rent in Bismarck is $999/mo (Census), #213 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,306/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 15.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Bismarck?
The typical home value in Bismarck is $377,821, up 5.5% in a year, against $292,293 for North Dakota and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $300,300.
How are the public schools in Bismarck?
Bismarck's 24 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (North Dakota 85.1%), with 15.3 students per teacher and $14,558 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Bismarck?
The average commute is 15.6 minutes, #80 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 17.5 minutes across North Dakota. 3.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Bismarck?
Bismarck averages 42.3°F over the year, 67.2°F in summer and 16°F in winter, with 20.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Bismarck walkable?
Bismarck scores 8.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #866 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Bismarck at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Burleigh County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, winter weather, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.24% of building value, higher than 82% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Bismarck?
Burleigh County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 78% of measured days were rated good; 12 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Bismarck?
Bismarck has 75,556 residents. The median resident of Bismarck is 38.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 39.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #482 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 65.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Bismarck compare with the rest of North Dakota?
Bismarck ranks #7 of the 20 North Dakota cities we track, with a score of 61.8 against North Dakota's statewide 75.5. Its households earn 1% above the North Dakota median. Violent crime is 6% below the statewide rate. Homes are 29% above the typical North Dakota home.
What cities are similar in size to Bismarck?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Bismarck's population of 75,556 are Wesley Chapel, FL (#626 overall), Arlington Heights, IL (#51 overall), Pawtucket, RI (#549 overall), Iowa City, IA (#437 overall), and Apple Valley, CA (#1260 overall). Bismarck is #311.