Cost Of Living
The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.
Employment
The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Ratings
Local residents have positive things to say about the proximity of restaurants, grocery stores, parks, public transit, friendliness of neighbors, sense of community and overall safety of the area.
Commute
Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.
Bismarck, North Dakota is a medium-sized city with a population of 75,566 inhabitants. The majority of Bismarck residents report their race to be White; this is followed by American Indian and Alaskan and Black. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Bismarck offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 17 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to ascertain if living in Bismarck is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before moving to any new city in North Dakota, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. To help you find the best places to live in and around Bismarck, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, crime, commute, education, housing and more.
With a livability score of 78 out of 100, Bismarck is ranked #2,352 in the United States and #5 in North Dakota. Clearly, Bismarck is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Bismarck also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! If we explore each of the categories on their own, we see that Bismarck ranks well for cost of living (B+), education (B), employment (A-) and housing (A+).
When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Bismarck, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Bismarck apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Bismarck. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Bismarck are affordable. The median home price for Bismarck homes is $452,781, which is 54% higher than the North Dakota average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Bismarck, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4.4, which is 33.3% higher than the North Dakota average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Bismarck | North Dakota | National |
| Average one way commute | 17min | 17min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 84.9% | 80.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.2% | 9.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.2% | 0.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.3% | 0.4% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.5% | 3.6% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.3% | 4.9% | 4.6% |
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