Bismarck, ND, US
North Dakota's capital on the Missouri River with the State Capitol and Fort Abraham Lincoln.
Overview
Bismarck is a city in ND with a population of 74,000. North Dakota’s capital on the Missouri River with the State Capitol and Fort Abraham Lincoln. Housing costs are close to the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 4b growing zone supports Cold — cool-season crops, hardy perennials.
Last updated: September 12, 2026
Below Average vs US Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Bismarck vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 2.9%
- Sales Tax: 5.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $60,000
- Unemployment: 2.5%
- Population: 74,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 200/year
- Summer High: 84°F
- Winter Low: 8°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 4b
Housing
- Median Home: $280,000
- 1BR Rent: $1100/mo
Cost of Living
Bismarck's cost of living index is 95 (US average = 100).
| Category | Bismarck | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 95 | 100 | -5.0% |
| Housing | 98 | 100 | -2.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $280,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $1100/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,375/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $186 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Bismarck:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $71 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $88 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $35 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $75 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | $25 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | $294 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Bismarck scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Bismarck has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28°F | 8°F | 2.5" |
| April | 69°F | 23°F | 2.8" |
| July | 84°F | 59°F | 1.5" |
| October | 64°F | 26°F | 2.2" |
Cold — cool-season crops, hardy perennials
Natural Hazards
Bismarck faces the following natural hazards:
Tornado Alley with frequent tornadoes.
Severe winter storms and blizzards.
Frequent drought conditions.
Wildfire risk in grassland areas.
River flooding (Red River).
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 2.9%
- Sales Tax: 5%
- Property Tax: ~0.98% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 2.5%.
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Demographics
The population of Bismarck is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Data source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) (2023)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Bismarck, ND, US?
The cost of living index in Bismarck is 95, which is Lower the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Bismarck?
The median home price in Bismarck is $280,000. The housing index is 98.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Bismarck is approximately $1100/mo.
Does Bismarck, ND have income tax?
Bismarck is in ND, which has an income tax rate of 2.9%.
What is the climate like in Bismarck?
Bismarck enjoys approximately 200 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 84°F, while winter lows can drop to around 8°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.