10 Best Places To Live In North Dakota

Located on the windswept prairie of the north-central United States, North Dakota may not be for everyone. Indeed, it is the fourth least populated state in the union. But for the people who call North Dakota home — all 775,000 of them — there is no place they’d rather be.

So, what are the best places to live in North Dakota? Rocket Homes ranked communities based on eight weighted livability metrics and five housing factors (see Methodology below) to identify the top places to live in the Flickertail State.

Is North Dakota A Good Place To Live?

As part of the United States, one of the liveliest and most consequential countries in the world, North Dakota may seem a bit removed from the action — and that’s exactly how North Dakotans like it. People like the clean air, large open spaces, low taxes, small towns and cities, and low crime. As a state with low unemployment, North Dakota has benefited greatly from its booming oil industry — the state ranks second only to Texas in oil production.

North Dakota’s rugged landscape includes the Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the Sheyenne National Grasslands preserve. The state’s nickname comes from the International Peace Garden that links the U.S. and Canada on its northern border. And each fall in Minot, the largest Scandinavian festival in North America takes place at Norsk Hostfest.

A recent study by U.S. News and World Report found North Dakota to be the 14^th best state to live in 2022. With all that the Peace Garden state has going for it, it seems too good to be true that it is also one of the cheapest states to buy a house.

10 Best Places To Live In North Dakota

The many quaint, unmistakably Midwestern small towns that dot North Dakota grew up around the state’s rich and abundant farmland. Not only is the state a major producer of scale crops like wheat, durum, and barley, it also leads the nation in growing such diverse crops as sunflowers, field peas, honey and canola.

All this fresh air, all these wide-open vistas make for a state with lots of little rural towns filled with hardworking, friendly people. Because it’s such an isolated place, North Dakotans have developed their quirks. You might look at them twice, for instance, when a North Dakotan exclaims “Oh fer cute!”, “You betcha!” or “Uff da!” But these are things you are sure to hear when you discover the best places to live in North Dakota.

1. Oakes

• Population: 1,786
• Median household income: $65,441
• Median home sold price: $222,450
• Median monthly rental price: $614
• Housing cost-to-income ratio: 20.5
• Home affordability index: 1.39

Oakes has been a significant agricultural hub in the United States since its founding in 1888. It is located near the James River and is a junction for several rail lines. Because of this, several grain elevators, processing mostly corn, operate in Oakes.

Growing Small Towns, located in Oakes, is a regional business and arts center dedicated to helping businesses in small towns grow. Oakes has a community swimming pool, a bowling alley, and four city parks that are administered by a volunteer board. For one weekend each summer the town of Oakes celebrates Irrigation Days, with nearly every business and organization in town running special events, including a parade, the Sno-Buster Demolition Derby, and something called “cosmic” bowling. The town ranks second among those surveyed for the lowest property crime rate.

For more on living in Oakes, research homes for sale in Oakes and the Oakes housing market report.

2. Casselton 

• Population: 2,509
• Median household income: $57,227
• Median home sold price: $120,000
• Median monthly rental price: $661
• Housing cost-to-income ratio: 32.7
• Home affordability index: 2.25

Just a 30-minute drive from big city amenities of Fargo, Casselton is happy maintaining its small town identity. Casselton grew up as a wheat farming community and is now known as an ag technology hub. The local economy benefits from the massive Theraldson Ethanol plant, as well as the Casselton Heartland Industrial Park.

Governors Park in the historic downtown features an engraved bench and tree honoring each of the North Dakota governors that came from Casselton. An active civic community calendar culminates with the Casselton Summerfest each July. With excellent affordability and an abundance of high-paying jobs, Casselton places third in North Dakota for well-being with a score of 66 (see chart).

If the thought of living in Casselton is enticing, explore homes for sale in Casselton or check out the Casselton housing market report.

3. Wahpeton

• Population: 8,055
• Median household income: $45,000
• Median home sold price: $130,000
• Median monthly rental price: $664
• Housing cost-to-income ratio: 29.2
• Home affordability index: 1.64

Modern-day Wahpeton began as one of the first European settlements of what would become North Dakota. It sits on the Bois de Sioux River, which forms the border of North Dakota and Minnesota. A bridge connects Wahpeton to its sister city, Breckenridge, Minnesota. Wahpeton is one of the larger towns in the region and its multiple manufacturing plants provide good paying jobs.

Family attractions in Wahpeton include the Prairie Rose Carousel, Richland County Historical Museum, Chahinkapa Zoo (which hosts two white rhinos), and “Wahpper,” a 40-foot sculpture of a catfish in a riverside park. Some of the best birdwatching and waterfowl hunting in the world is available in the region, which is part of the Central Flyway, a major bird migration route from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.

For further investigation, look at homes for sale in Wahpeton and the Wahpeton housing market report.

4. Horace 

• Population: 4,200
• Median household income: $138,636
• Median home sold price: $324,700
• Median monthly rental price: $764
• Housing cost-to-income ratio: 19.9
• Home affordability index: 2.02

Sharing a border with North Dakota’s largest city of Fargo lends residents of Horace access to all of the amenities, shopping, restaurants and nightlife of a larger American city, including an international airport. Despite a population of just 4,200, Horace is still the 16^th largest city in the state. It also ranks #1 for lowest crime, #3 for lowest property crime, and tied for third for well-being in North Dakota. This is also one of the wealthiest per capita communities in the entire region, with robust home values.

The biggest annual Horace celebration, Bean Days, occurs every year in late summer and includes a parade and fireworks. This will be especially festive in 2023 when the city celebrates its 150^th birthday.

To research homes for sale in Horace, visit homes for sale in Horace and check out the Horace housing market report.

5. Fargo

Source: FiledIMAGE - stock.adobe.com

• Population: 130,078
• Median household income: $60,243
• Median home sold price: $263,671
• Median monthly rental price: $821
• Housing cost-to-income ratio: 29.8
• Home affordability index: 1.08

While a well-known Coen brothers film brought some level of infamy to Fargo, Fargo is actually one of the most fun, lively, and sophisticated cities in the upper Midwest. It is home to North Dakota State University, a land-grant university that offers 146 undergraduate degrees. The extremely popular NDSU Bison football team is a powerhouse in college football’s second division.

Fargo is a major center for food production and distribution. Other industries include manufacturing of farm and construction implements, software, and sugar beet processing. Fargo’s state-of-the-art Sanford Medical Center, which opened in 2017, is one of the best in the entire region and includes a Level 1 Adult Trauma Center.

Fargo’s college town vibe helps give this town a feel of diversity and cultural sophistication one would find in a much larger city. It ranks near the top in the state for well-being. Downtown has a lively food, brewery, and nightlife scene that is mostly locally owned. Experiencing it fully helps one understand Fargo’s unofficial slogan: “North of Normal.” Two of the best museums of their kind are the Bonzaville USA History Museum and the Fargo Air Museum. Family fun is easy in downtown Fargo at the beautifully landscaped Lindenwood Park and the Red River Zoo. As a college town, Fargo is a renter’s city, and with the cost of living at 12% below average, it’s also one of the best places to live while saving for a house.

To learn more about life in Fargo, check out homes for sale in Fargo and the Fargo housing market report.

6. Rugby

• Population: 2,435
• Median household income: $56,429
• Median home sold price: $164,900
• Median monthly rental price: $697
• Housing cost-to-income ratio: 25.4
• Home affordability index: 1.62

A towering stone monument in Rugby proclaims itself the geographical center of North America. Rugby embraces its history. The town grew up in the late 19^th century as a key junction of the Great Northern Railway. The original Depot building is preserved, along with several other historical buildings and artifacts, at the Prairie Village Museum. There is also a Victorian Dress Museum in Rugby. Civic life in Rugby swirls around the imposing and historic Pierce County Courthouse, which dates to 1908.

Rugby’s economy centers on agriculture, and the town has the third lowest unemployment rate in the state. Rugby residents enjoy fantastic outdoor recreation opportunities, with multiple freshwater lakes in the area, including the massive Devil’s Lake and Alice Lake region a short drive to the east.

To further investigate life in Rugby, check out homes for sale in Rugby and the Rugby housing market report.

7. West Fargo

• Population: 41,186
• Median household income: $93,382
• Median home sold price: $302,225
• Median monthly rental price: $957
• Housing cost-to-income ratio: 21.0
• Home affordability index: 1.46

As part of the greater Fargo metropolitan area, West Fargo stands out as having some of the most expensive home prices in North Dakota, and a majority of residents own their own homes. Featuring upscale dining, retail, and lodging, West Fargo has a blend of small town and suburban sensibility. Several technology companies have offices or headquarters in West Fargo. The West Fargo school system is one of the finest in the state. All of this contributes to its ranking as one of the top places in the state for well-being.

West Fargo takes advantage of its long upper midwestern summer days to bring the community together. Hundreds of artists and food vendors take over downtown on the third Saturday of June for the West Fargo Street Fair. A parade of classic cars and motorcycles, called Cruise Night, takes place once a month on Sheyenne Street in summertime. Finally, West Fest wraps up the summer with a weeklong, community-wide celebration that includes one of the largest parades in North Dakota.

For more on living in West Fargo, research homes for sale in West Fargo and the West Fargo housing market report.

8. Valley City

• Population: 6,573
• Median household income: $54,629
• Median home sold price: $180,000
• Median monthly rental price: $735
• Housing cost-to-income ratio: 25.0
• Home affordability index: 1.43

With multiple bridges arching over the Sheyenne River, a quaint downtown, and easy access to rivers, lakes, and hiking trails, Valley City is proud to have earned the title “North Dakota’s Most Beautiful Town” from Expedia. But it’s not just a pretty face. “The City of Bridges” has a dynamic, modern economy, with plenty of excellent job opportunities in fields as diverse as technology, medicine, and agri-business. The city of Valley City has a comprehensive program to entice business, including local development funds and tax exemptions.

The downtown is a vibrant version of Midwest quaint, with excellent retail, dining, and local favorites like Wild Prairie Bakery, the Hungry Pelican and Brockopp Brewing. In addition to five city parks, a skate park, campground, and outdoor community pool, Valley City also has the Gaukler Family Wellness Center. This massive indoor facility includes an Olympic size pool, basketball courts, track, weightroom/fitness center, and community meeting rooms—a great resource in the cold winter months.

Thinking about a move to Valley City? Check out homes for sale in Valley City and the Valley City housing market report. 

9. Minot

• Population: 49,875
• Median household income: $68,543
• Median home sold price: $224,950
• Median monthly rental price: $882
• Housing cost-to-income ratio: 25.6
• Home affordability index: 1.44

Minot, North Dakota is the state’s fourth largest city, with impressive cultural life to go along with excellent recreation and natural beauty. It is also growing, with a stable economy due to its largest employer, Minot Air Force Base, as well as a rapidly expanding oil industry in North Dakota. Minot ranks third in the state for internet searches. Minot is home to Minot State University, the third largest college in the state. The city even has a minor league professional baseball club, the Minot Hot Tots, which plays at Corbett Field.

In a city whose slogan is “Why not Minot?, it’s fitting that one can attend an opera and a rodeo in the same day. Another top attraction is the Scandanavian Heritage Park. As the largest trade center in the region, Minot has such large national retail stores as Best Buy, Home Depot, and Target, while the lively downtown projects a more provincial character with shops like Bray’s Saddlery and Western Wear, pubs like Atypical Brewery, and a surprising number of Thai restaurants. Two of the most anticipated summer festivals in Minot are the North Dakota State Fair and ND Country Fest, a multiple day music and camping party that attracts top performers. And for winter, what else? A Coffee and Cocoa Crawl.

For more on the Minot real estate market, look at homes for sale in Minot and the Minot housing market report.

10. Stanley

• Population: 2,493
• Median household income: $97,000
• Median home sold price: $174,950
• Median monthly rental price: $1,052
• Housing cost-to-income ratio: 16.3
• Home affordability index: 2.62

Stanley is a small northwest North Dakota town that has the third lowest crime rate in the state. It grew up as an agricultural town along the Great Northern Railway, and it still has a daily arrival and departure of Empire Builder, an Amtrak train that runs between Chicago and Washington state. The Great Northern Railway Underpass in Stanley is an architectural accomplishment of some note and is on the National Register of Historic Places — its steel and concrete bridge is an innovation that allowed roads to be built underneath railroads.

The economy of Stanley is heavily tied to good paying oil drilling jobs at the nearby oil-rich Bakken Formation, one of the largest oil reserves in the United States. A key community hub, especially for elderly residents, is the Ina Mae Rude Aquatic Center, a state-of-the-art warm water therapy center built by Ray Rude, a Stanley native who designed the Duraflex diving boards that are used at the Olympics to this day. Much of the cultural life of the town, including arts and educational programs, takes place at the Sibyl Center for Life Enrichment in the historic First Presbyterian Church, which is noted for its warm atmosphere and excellent acoustics.

For further research on Stanley, check out homes for sale in Stanley and the Stanley housing market report.

3 Other Popular Places To Live In North Dakota

1. Lincoln 

• Population: 4,627
• Median household income: $76,333
• Median home sold price: $225,000
• Median monthly rental price: $1,179
• Housing cost-to-income ratio: 23.6
• Home affordability index: 1.60

Unlike most of the other towns in our list, Lincoln is a relatively young town, having been founded in 1977. It is a suburb of Bismarck, the state capital. Lincoln placed 6^th on the Safewise Safest Cities list of North Dakota for 2022. Residents of Lincoln enjoy the proximity of a large city like Bismarck while living in a much more rural and quiet community. 87% of homes in Lincoln are single family houses.

For more on life in Lincoln, check out homes for sale in Lincoln and the Lincoln housing market report.

2. Cooperstown

• Population: 983
• Median household income: $52,917
• Median home sold price: $169,000
• Median monthly rental price: $495
• Housing cost-to-income ratio: 10.27
• Home affordability index: 1.48

Cooperstown is a tiny rural community of 983 residents in rural central North Dakota that is just 1.5 hours by car to Fargo. It is the county seat of Griggs County and is surrounded by rich farmland producing principally grains, oilseeds, dry beans, and dry peas. Cooperstown enjoys a very low cost of living.

For more on Cooperstown, research homes for sale in Cooperstown and the Cooperstown housing market report.

3. Gwinner

• Population: 924
• Median household income: $75,013
• Median home sold price: $179,950
• Median monthly rental price: $835
• Housing cost-to-income ratio: 7.20
• Home affordability index: 1.97

Gwinner is a very small town in southeastern North Dakota. Like much of the rest of the state, agriculture is big in Gwinner. The town is also, however, the home of the Bobcat Company, one of the largest employers in North Dakota. Household incomes are pretty strong for such a small town, which recently completed a plan to plumb the town for natural gas, establish fiber optic connections for high-speed internet, and improve cell phone reception in the area.

For more in living Gwinner, check out homes for sale in Gwinner and the Gwinner housing market report.

Best Cities To Live In North Dakota: FAQs

Is it cheap to live in North Dakota?

According to payscale.com, the overall cost of living in North Dakota is 6% lower than the U.S. average. Residents pay 17% less on average for housing and 9% less on utilities. According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, which did a thorough analysis of all 50 states, North Dakota ranked 25^th for cost of living, with residents paying more on average for groceries and significantly more for healthcare.

What are the pros and cons of living in North Dakota?

Pros

• Low unemployment
• Low crime
• Low cost of living
• Fresh air
• World class birdwatching and bird hunting
• Friendly people

Cons

• Lack of diversity
• No big cities
• No professional sports teams
• Winters can be severe, with cold temperatures, wind, and occasional blizzards

What are summers like in North Dakota?

While summers in North Dakota can be quite pleasant, with a peak average high temperature of 83 Fahrenheit on July 24, more residents than not would complain that summer is too short and the winters are too long. In all, the warm season lasts from around late may to the middle of September.

Does North Dakota have harsh winters?

It’s all relative, but most Americans would probably consider the North Dakota winters to be pretty harsh. The coldest month of the year is January, with an average low temperature of just 5 Fahrenheit and an average high of 23. Because it is located on the geographically flat Great Plains, North Dakota is also notoriously windy. Wind makes a cold day seem much colder, and when high winds accompany a winter snowstorm it becomes a blizzard, which makes for terrible driving conditions that can become whiteouts.

The Bottom Line

By the standards of many Americans, the best places to live in North Dakota are small towns. Most of them have fewer than 10,000 residents — and a couple of them have fewer than 1,000. Even the largest town, Fargo, would not make a list of the top 200 largest cities in America.

But North Dakota communities are big on friendliness and community. There is not a great deal of wealth in the state, but there are jobs for pretty much anyone who wants one. North Dakota has a great deal of natural beauty and a four-season climate. The cost of living in the state is relatively low, and affordable housing is plentiful.

Anyone who is ready to move to the Flickertail State can start by getting approved for financing with Rocket Mortgage^®.

Methodology: Finding The Best Places To Live In North Dakota

Rocket Homes collected and analyzed the most recent data on twelve key local and countywide metrics to give us insight into the top cities best for living. The 27 most populated cities analyzed are home to 67.7% of U.S. residents living in North Dakota. The metrics used in this study include the violent crime rate, property crime rate, unemployment rate, google search volume, median rent, well-being index, median monthly income, median monthly housing costs, median days on market for homes, median home list price, and Freddie Mac primary mortgage market survey interest rates. Some of these metrics were then used to calculate housing cost to income ratio and home affordability index. These metrics were chosen based on public data availability and topical relevance. Metrics from the U.S. Census are based on 2020 ACS 5-year estimates. In one case, county-level data was used because data is not recorded at the local level.

The housing cost to income ratio was calculated by taking the median monthly housing costs divided by the median monthly income to get the average percentage of income spent on housing costs in a household. The home affordability index was calculated using median listing price for homes in that city, interest rate from Freddie Mac primary mortgage market survey, and median yearly income. To interpret the indices, a value equal to or greater than 1 means that the average person has enough income to qualify for a mortgage in that area. The calculation assumes a down-payment of 20% of the home price and a qualifying ratio of 25%.

Each data category was normalized and transformed into a range of points for scoring and comparison. Cities with violent crime rates greater than or equal to 55 and property crime rates greater than or equal to 65 were removed from the ranking. Weights were then applied to each metric depending on their individual importance in the study. The weighted scores for each metric were summed to create the overall Best Places To Live Score for each city. The final scores are sorted to produce the final rankings. If multiple cities ranked within the same county, only the top city or two cities were chosen to be represented in order to showcase the diversity of the state and offer readers a wider representation of the state.

Other metrics considered without weight: