Grand Forks, ND, US
Red River Valley city with the University of North Dakota and the Ralph Engelstad Arena.
Below Average vs US Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Grand Forks vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 2.9%
- Sales Tax: 5.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $58,000
- Unemployment: 2.8%
- Population: 57,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 195/year
- Summer High: 82°F
- Winter Low: 5°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 4b
Housing
- Median Home: $250,000
- 1BR Rent: $1000/mo
Cost of Living
Grand Forks's cost of living index is 92 (US average = 100).
| Category | Grand Forks | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 92 | 100 | -8.0% |
| Housing | 95 | 100 | -5.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $250,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $1000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,250/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $166 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Grand Forks:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $71 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $96 | 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 | $302 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Grand Forks scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Grand Forks has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 25°F | 5°F | 2.5" |
| April | 67°F | 20°F | 2.8" |
| July | 82°F | 57°F | 1.5" |
| October | 62°F | 23°F | 2.2" |
Cold — cool-season crops, hardy perennials
Natural Hazards
Grand Forks 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 2.8%.
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
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 Grand Forks, ND, US?
The cost of living index in Grand Forks is 92, which is Lower the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Grand Forks?
The median home price in Grand Forks is $250,000. The housing index is 95.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Grand Forks is approximately $1000/mo.
Does Grand Forks, ND have income tax?
Grand Forks is in ND, which has an income tax rate of 2.9%.
What is the climate like in Grand Forks?
Grand Forks enjoys approximately 195 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 82°F, while winter lows can drop to around 5°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: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.