Oakes, Williston, and Dickinson are some of the best places to live in North Dakota. ND is ranked as the 2nd best state in the U.S. in terms of infrastructure.
The rankings are based on seamless internet, roads, good amenities, and overall economic structure. Also, the housing costs in the state are 16% cheaper than the national average.
Apart from affordable housing, Peace Garden State offers excellent job opportunities. On average, the state has created 24,000 new jobs every month in the past year.
3 Reasons to Live in North Dakota 🏔️
- Flourishing Job Market: North Dakota has one of the most stable job markets in the country. The state ranks 4th in terms of best labor participation.
- Quality Education: North Dakota is ranked as the 8th best state in the country, in terms of education. Dickinson State University and North Dakota State University are among the highly rated institutes.
- Enormous Tax Benefits: In ND, there is no tax on social security income. Also, homeowners over 65 are exempt from paying property taxes.
Best Places to Live in North Dakota in 2024
| # | City | Population | Median Home Price | Monthly Expenses | Unemployment Rate | Community Well-Being Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Oakes | 1,798 | $132,390 | $6,862 | 1.70% | 63/100 |
| 2. | Williston | 27,332 | $314,921 | $7,476 | 1.50% | 63/100 |
| 3. | Casselton | 2,459 | $273,282 | $6,840 | 1.4% | 64/100 |
| 4. | Dickinson | 25,167 | $274,789 | $7,417 | 1.40% | 64/100 |
| 5. | Horace | 3,358 | $377,712 | $6,840 | 0.52% | 68/100 |
| 6. | West Fargo | 39,487 | $315,074 | $6,840 | 1.40% | 64/100 |
| 7. | Wahpeton | 7,943 | $198,217 | $6,799 | 1.70% | 61/100 |
1. Oakes
| Home Value | ⬇️ 9.3% |
| Median Income | $37, 380 |
| Monthly Expenses | $6,862 |
| Unemployment Rate | 1.70% |
Oakes is a perfect option for those moving on a budget. The median home price in the city is $132,390, which is quite affordable. Moreover, the cost of living is 12% lower than the national average.
Oakes is ideal for young professionals and the job market in the city is projected to grow by 18.3% in the coming decade. Moreover, it is known for its top-rated education system. The city is home to 41 school districts, one of the largest in North Dakota.
» Homes for Sale in Oakes, ND: Find your dream home in this beautiful city.
2. Williston
| Home Value | ⬆️ 0.1% |
| Median Income | $41,688 |
| Monthly Expenses | $7,476 |
| Unemployment Rate | 1.50% |
The median home price in Williston is $314,921. The cost of living is 3% less than the national average. Also, the city has a booming job market, with a monthly average salary range of $4,830.
The Western Star City has excellent connectivity and the Williston Basin International Airport (XWA/KXWA) is just 15-20 miles away from the city center. Moreover, the city scores A+ in the air quality metrics.
» Homes for Sale in Williston, ND: View the best properties in the Western Star online.
3. Casselton
| Home Value | ⬇️ 9.3% |
| Median Income | $44,914 |
| Monthly Expenses | $6,840 |
| Unemployment Rate | 1.4% |
The median home price in Casselton is $273,282, 9.3% lower than last year. The cost of living is 10% lower than the state average. Moreover, the city has a stable job market with an unemployment rate of 1.4%, which is less than the national average.
Casstown created 20,455 new jobs in 2023. Securities America, CHS Inc., and AT&T are the major employers. Also, the city scores an A+ in the air quality metrics.
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4. Dickinson
| Home Value | ⬆️ 1.5% |
| Median Income | $40,553 |
| Monthly Expenses | $7,417 |
| Unemployment Rate | 1.40% |
The median home price in Dickinson is $274,789. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $975, 50% lower than the national average. Also, the city is home to the prestigious Dickinson State University which is ideal for higher education.
The cost of living in the Queen City is 20% lower than the state average. Moreover, the city’s job market is projected to grow by 13.48% in the next few years. TAM International, Patterson-UTI Energy, LUFKIN, and TMI Systems are some of the major employers.
» Homes for Sale in Dickinson, ND: Find your dream home on Houzeo.
5. Horace
| Home Value | ⬇️ 11.4% |
| Median Income | $58,696 |
| Monthly Expenses | $6,840 |
| Unemployment Rate | 0.52% |
The median home price in Horace is $377,712. The cost of living is 2% lower than the national average. Moreover, the city has a great educational setup. Prestigious institutions like Minnesota State University and Concordia College are in close proximity to the city.
Horace is home to big corporations like Sysco, Red River, Aerotek, and Walmart. The city’s unemployment rate is 0.52%, which is excellent.
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6. West Fargo
| Home Value | ⬆️ 2.0% |
| Median Income | $43,997 |
| Monthly Expenses | $6,840 |
| Unemployment Rate | 1.40% |
The median home price in West Fargo is $315,074. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city is $1422, which is quite affordable. Moreover, the cost of living is 7% lower than the national average.
The City on the Grow has a booming job market, with a steady annual growth rate of 3.93%. Over the years, the city’s economy has flourished in sectors like health sciences, transportation, and retail marketing.
» Homes for Sale in West Fargo, ND: View thousands of properties for sale in the City of Grow.
7. Wahpeton
| Home Value | ⬆️ 0.5% |
| Median Income | $24,613 |
| Monthly Expenses | $6,799 |
| Unemployment Rate | 1.70% |
The median home price in Wahpeton is $198,217. The cost of living is 22% lower than the national average. Moreover, Wahpeton is cheaper than Thompson when it comes to housing costs.
Wahpeton is ideal for job seekers, with over 4,000 active employees. The city is home to big corporations like Bremer Bank, Bobcat Company, Titan, and American Federal Bank.
» Homes for Sale in Wahpeton, ND: Find the best properties in Home of the Wapper.
Best Places to Live in North Dakota for Young Adults
North Dakota offers some of the best places for young adults looking for employment opportunities. Here are the best cities in ND for young adults:
- North Creel Township: The average salary in NCT is $60,617. The job market is projected to increase by 40.94% in the next ten years, one of the best in the country.
- Manvel: The average salary in the city is $42,507. The job market in Manvel is projected to grow by 33.1% over the next decade.
Bottom Line
ND is one of the best places to live in the US due to its thriving job market and low cost of living. Other things that contribute are its excellent education system and vibrant city life.
North Dakota’s current population is 77k, projected to increase by 14% by 2040. Moreover, the Roughrider State is ranked as the 3rd best state to live for families.
In some cities, the median home price is around $132,390, whereas in cities like Horace, it can go up to $377,712. So, you must do your research before you move to North Dakota. To start your home search, browse properties online.
» Free Home Value Estimator: Get an estimate of property values with North Dakota’s most accurate home value estimator.
Find Homes For Sale by Type and Style in ND
Research Methodology
We considered different regions to rank the best cities to live in ND. The comparison criteria for the best cities to live in North Dakota and the information sources are as follows:
- Population: North Dakota Demographics Report [1]
- Median Home Price: Zillow[2] and Redfin[3]
- Median Household Income: United States Census Bureau[4]
- Monthly Expenses: Economic Policy Institute[5]
- Unemployment Rate: US Bureau of Labor Statistics[6]
- Community Well-Being Score: Community Well-Being Index by Sharecare[8]
Additionally, we have listed the good cities to live in ND for varying demographics. These include the best places to live for families, young adults, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best place to live in North Dakota?
Oakes is the best place to live in North Dakota. The city's cost of living is low and has a flourishing job market.
Which is the best place to live in North Dakota for retirees?
Williston is the best place to live for retirees. The city has excellent connectivity and great climatic conditions.
Which is the cheapest place to live in North Dakota?
Wahpeton is the cheapest place to live in North Dakota. The home prices and cost of living in the city are lowest in the state.
