What to know when moving to Bismarck, ND
TL;DR: Bismarck at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated community where 35.4% hold a bachelor's degree and 36.7% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- The median household income is $69,796, making it a financially stable place to live.
- The Reality Check:
- A poverty rate of 13.0% suggests some economic challenges.
- Commute:
- Only 0% use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $938/month in rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Bismarck has a population of 28,571, with a significant portion of the community being educated, as 35.4% hold a bachelor's degree. The median gross rent is $938, which reflects the housing market for renters. Additionally, the area is predominantly owner-occupied, with 63.3% of residents owning their homes. The local community shows a strong inclination toward car use, as evidenced by the 0% public transit usage.
Probably not your spot if you prefer a vibrant public transportation system, as Bismarck is entirely car-dependent.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median household income is $69,796, offering a solid base for budgeting.
- Median gross rent stands at $938, which is manageable for many.
- Median home value is $276,000, indicating a relatively stable housing market.
- 35.4% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, contributing to the area's educated community character.
- The poverty rate is 13.0%, which highlights some economic challenges in the community.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In North Dakota, crime rates are generally lower than the national average, showing a trend of improvement over recent years.
- Violent crime rate is 236.7 per 100k, which is 27.2% lower than the national average of 325.3 per 100k.
- Property crime rate stands at 1507.5 per 100k, slightly below the national average of 1546.9 per 100k.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate has decreased by 59.8% since 2022, now at 1.5 per 100k.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for North Dakota).
Schools & Higher Ed
Bismarck has access to a variety of educational institutions.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 5
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 5
- Nearby institutions include Bismarck State College and the University of Mary.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
While specific climate data is unavailable, Bismarck offers several outdoor spots perfect for exploring.
- Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park - 4.7 stars (1,108 reviews)
- Sertoma Park - 4.7 stars (597 reviews)
- North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum - 4.8 stars (546 reviews)
- Bismarck Municipal Ballpark - 4.7 stars (344 reviews)
Source: Google Places API.