What to know when moving to Grand Forks, ND

Grand Forks at a Glance

The Vibe:
A community where 50% of residents are renters and the median household income is $69,120.
The Major Draw:
Access to the University of North Dakota, a major institution in the area.
The Reality Check:
A poverty rate of 13.7% might be a concern for some newcomers.
Commute:
Only 0.7% use public transit.
Top Tip:
Median rent is $966, so budget accordingly.

The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?

Grand Forks features a median household income of $69,120, but with 13.7% of residents living below the poverty line, financial considerations may be a key factor for newcomers. Approximately 39.6% of the population holds a bachelor's degree, highlighting a relatively educated community. Given that half of the residents are renters, newcomers should be aware of a competitive rental market.

Probably not your spot if you are looking for a strong public transportation network, as only 0.7% of the community relies on transit.

Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot

  • Median rent is $966, which allows for a variety of housing options.
  • The median owner-occupied home value is $274,000, indicating a robust housing market.
  • 39.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, contributing to a well-educated community.
  • The poverty rate stands at 13.7%, reflecting some economic challenges.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.

Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say

In North Dakota, crime rates show a downward trend in recent years, with property crime decreasing by 26% from 2022 to 2025. The state has a violent crime rate of 236.7 per 100,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the national average.

  • Violent crime rate: 236.7 per 100,000 vs. national average of 325.3, showing a 17.7% decrease since 2022.
  • Property crime rate: 1507.5 per 100,000, slightly below the national average of 1546.9.
  • Notable trend: Homicide rate down 59.8% since 2022, currently at 1.5 per 100,000.

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for North Dakota).

Schools & Higher Ed

Grand Forks has access to several educational institutions, including both community colleges and universities in the surrounding area.

  • Postsecondary institutions: 3
  • University of North Dakota, a major regional university.
  • Josef's School of Hair, Skin & Body in Grand Forks.
  • Northland Community and Technical College located in nearby East Grand Forks, Minnesota.

Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.

Weather & Getting Outside

While specific climate data is unavailable, Grand Forks offers several parks and outdoor areas for residents to enjoy.

  • Lincoln Drive Park - 4.7 stars (658 reviews)
  • Sertoma Park - 4.6 stars (498 reviews)
  • Northern Air Action Park - 4.5 stars (481 reviews)
  • North Dakota Museum of Art - 4.7 stars (161 reviews)

Source: Google Places API (New).

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Who regulates Grand Forks interstate movers?

Grand Forks moving companies are required to be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) if they perform interstate moves. No matter if it is a moving company or a broker, they should have a valid DOT number. You can look up a mover here.

Agency: United States Department of Transportation
Address: 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE, Washington DC 20590
Phone: (855) 368-4200
Website: www.fmcsa.dot.gov

To see if a specific movers complies with regulations, simply select a company from the list.

Moving within vs moving out of North Dakota

Let's see how many people move within North Dakota versus those who moved from Peace Garden State to another state.

Moved Within ND
16%
Moved out of ND
84%

According to our statistical data, the home moves out of North Dakota (interstate moves: 84%) outnumber more than 4 times the household moves within the same state (local moves: 16%).

For reasons known only to North Dakotans, the majority of them have decided to leave the state and move to another town or city in the country. If you yourself are planning a home move anytime soon, keep in mind that the only way to organize a great move is to follow a detailed moving checklist.

Who regulates North Dakota local movers

All intrastate movers in North Dakota are regulated by the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT). If you’re planning to move to another home within the limits of the Peace Garden State, then use the quality services of a moving company that has a valid NDDOT number. Contact the Department of Transportation if you happen to have an issue with a mover which you can’t seem to resolve in a peaceful manner.

Agency: North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT)
Address: 608 East Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58505-0700
Phone: (701) 328-2500
Website: www.dot.nd.gov

What do people move within North Dakota?

Ever wondered which are the most popular move sizes when people move locally in ND?

Studio (6%)
1 Bedroom (18%)
2 Bedroom (29%)
3 Bedroom (35%)
4 Bedroom (0%)

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How much does it cost to hire movers

As it turns out, the cost to hire professional movers will effectively solve the ever-present dilemma of whether you should hire a mover or do it yourself. The cost depends on a number of important factors, including the type of the move itself (local move or a long distance). See the breakdown.

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