Grand Forks 78 Exceptional
Grand Forks Livability #8 ranked city in North Dakota#2,645 ranked city in the USARanks better than 90% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Grand Forks

PROS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.

  • Housing Housing

    High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.

  • Schools Schools

    The schools category boasts a high score thanks to factors like excellent test scores, impressive graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.

CONS
  • Ratings Ratings

    Surveys and polls conducted by AreaVibes with residents of the area revealed unfavorable results concerning the walkability of amenities, the availability of parks and public transit access.

What's it like Living in Grand Forks?

Grand Forks is a mid-sized city located in the state of North Dakota. The city has a population of 58,685 inhabitants. If we look at the most recent Census, Grand Forks is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. Grand Forks tends to attract a younger crowd, as the median age of 29 is far below the national average. Grand Forks is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 44% married, this city falls well below the national average. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Grand Forks is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 14 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very discouraging task. However, it could also be a good experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in Grand Forks, North Dakota. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. Finding the best places to live in Grand Forks and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes crime, cost of living, education and other important metrics.

Using data and statistics Grand Forks has received a livability score of 79 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 93rd percentile when compared to all other cities. Clearly, Grand Forks is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Grand Forks is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. Based on the rankings for each individual category, Grand Forks has been rewarded with high marks for amenities (B), cost of living (A+), education (B+) and housing (A+).

If you're living in Grand Forks, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Grand Forks an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home. Some of the interesting things to do and attractions include: Ralph Englestad Arena, Splasher's of the South Seas, and Alerus Center.

A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Grand Forks has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Grand Forks. 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 Grand Forks are affordable. Median real estate prices in Grand Forks come in at $383,594, which is 30.5% higher than the North Dakota average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Grand Forks, the home price to income ratio is 5.2, which is 57.6% higher than the North Dakota average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Grand Forks

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Compare Grand Forks, ND Livability

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      Grand Forks transportation information

      Statistic Grand Forks North Dakota National
      Average one way commute14min17min26min
      Workers who drive to work81.6%80.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool7.0%9.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.3%0.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle1.0%0.4%0.6%
      Workers who walk4.6%3.6%2.8%
      Working from home4.0%4.9%4.6%
      Source: The Grand Forks, ND data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.