Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Bismarck, ND
Considering a move to Bismarck, ND? This friendly capital city of 74,445 offers affordable living with a median home price of $317,000 and average rent of $1,050. Residents enjoy short 16-minute commutes and a low unemployment rate, while crime rates are moderate for the region. Bismarck boasts excellent access to healthcare, good public schools, and a sunny climate with 61% sunny days annually—making it a great choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Bismarck, ND
Demographics - Bismarck, ND
Bismarck is home to about 74,445 residents, with a balanced gender ratio and a median age of 37.2, offering a mix of young professionals and families. The city has a predominantly White population, but also features a small yet growing diversity, with nearly 8% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density supports a comfortable, community-oriented urban environment.
Population:
74,445
Density:
2,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
89.0%
Black:
1.3%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
8.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Bismarck, ND?
Living in Bismarck is affordable, with a cost of living index below the national average and a median home value around $317,000. Renters benefit from average rents of $1,050 and relatively low utility and insurance costs. State income taxes remain low, helping residents stretch their budgets further.
Median House Value:
$317,000
Gross Rent:
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,585
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$540
State Taxes:
Low:
1.1%
|
High:
2.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
94.6
Grocery:
97.1
Housing:
87.3
Utilities:
93.8
Transportation:
88.5
Health Care:
98.2
Miscellaneous:
96.7
Crime
Is Bismarck, ND a safe place to live?
Bismarck experiences moderate crime levels compared to similar-sized U.S. cities, with a violent crime rate of 313 incidents per 100,000 people. The chance of experiencing a violent crime is about 1 in 319, while property crime risk is higher at 1 in 46. Overall, residents generally feel safe, especially in family neighborhoods.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
313
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,171
Crime Index:
2,484
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 319
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 46
Weather
What is the weather like in Bismarck, ND year-round?
Bismarck enjoys a four-season climate, with cold winters averaging lows around 3°F and warm summers reaching up to 85°F. The city receives about 16.8 inches of annual rainfall and experiences sunny weather 61% of the year. Residents enjoy distinct seasonal changes, making outdoor activities popular throughout the year.

Winter
Min:
3°F
Max:
23°F

Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
63°F

Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
85°F

Fall
Min:
32°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
16.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
Bismarck residents enjoy a strong sense of community, with median household incomes near $72,200 and low unemployment at just 2.1%. The vast majority have completed high school, and nearly 35% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commutes are short, averaging under 16 minutes, contributing to a relaxed lifestyle.
Median Income:
$41,200
Household Income:
$72,200
Family Income:
$92,700
Per Capita Income:
$38,900
Income Male:
$48,200
Income Female:
$39,100
Poverty Rate:
8.0%
Non English Speakers:
7.8%
Rent:
$1,050
Unemployment Rate:
2.1%
Public Transport Usage:
1.1%
Commute Time:
15.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
94.5%
Bachelors or More:
34.9%
Education
How are the schools in Bismarck, ND?
Bismarck supports quality education through its well-rated public and private schools, including Bismarck High School and Shiloh Christian School. Higher education is easily accessible with institutions like Bismarck State College and the University of Mary located within the city. Families benefit from reasonable student-teacher ratios and a strong local commitment to educational success.

Public Schools
Name:
Bismarck High School
Street:
800 N 8th St
Phone:
701-323-4800
Students:
1,350
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8
Name:
Will-Moore Elementary School
Street:
400 E Avenue E
Phone:
701-323-4150
Students:
390
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.4

Private Schools
Name:
Shiloh Christian School
Street:
1915 Shiloh Dr
Phone:
701-221-2104
Students:
650

Colleges
Name:
Bismarck State College
City:
Bismarck
State:
ND
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
3,700
Name:
University of Mary
City:
Bismarck
State:
ND
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
3,800
Healthcare
Bismarck offers excellent healthcare options, featuring major hospitals like Sanford Medical Center and CHI St. Alexius Health with comprehensive emergency services. With 2.2 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 94% of people covered by health insurance, quality medical care is accessible. The city's healthcare index indicates solid local medical resources for families and individuals.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Sanford Medical Center Bismarck
Address:
300 N 7th St, Bismarck, ND 58501
Phone:
(701) 323-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
CHI St. Alexius Health Bismarck
Address:
900 E Broadway Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501
Phone:
(701) 530-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.8%
Health Care Index:
71.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Bismarck, ND?
The housing market in Bismarck is stable, with a median home price of $317,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $1,050. Around 62% of homes are owner-occupied, and the city maintains a low foreclosure rate of just 0.3%. Home appreciation has been steady, making it attractive for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$317,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
61.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.8%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents of Bismarck are served by the North Dakota Department of Transportation, conveniently located in the city. The DMV offers all standard licensing and vehicle registration services, with helpful staff and accessible online resources for most transactions. This makes managing transportation needs straightforward for newcomers and longtime residents alike.
State:
North Dakota
Department:
North Dakota Department of Transportation
Address:
608 E Boulevard Ave, Bismarck, ND 58505
Phone:
1-701-328-2500
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.