We stroke black gold when it comes to finding the best places to live in North Dakota.
The cities we found can have their lutefisk and eat it, too.
How did we determine the best places to live in North Dakota? We used Saturday Night Science to compare the latest Census, FBI, and Zillow data on factors like income, crime, and home prices for the 24 places with 2,000 or more residents.
Several new cities moved into the top ten places in North Dakota this year. These places are booming thanks to the oil found in recent years.
Table Of Contents: Top Ten | Table | Map | Methodology | Summary
The 10 Best Places To Live In North Dakota For 2025
What’s the best place to live in North Dakota for 2025? The best place to live in North Dakota is West Fargo based on the most recent data.
To see how your city compares, look at the list below. And if you are still looking for your favorite place, head down to the bottom for a complete ranking of the best places to live in North Dakota.
For more reading, check out:
The 10 Best Places To Live In North Dakota For 2025
| Stat | West Fargo | North Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 39,325 | 779,361 |
| Rank Last Year | 2 | – |
| Median Home Value | $302,200 | $241,100 |
| Median Income | $96,877 | $75,949 |
| Unemployment Rate | 1.1% | 2.8% |
| Crime Per Capita | 0.0155 | 0.0198 |
More on West Fargo: Data
Will you find the best place to live in North Dakota in West Fargo? You betcha! More than just the movie and its (possibly) tired cliches, West Fargo is a city that encapsulates the can-do frontier spirit of the past while looking to the future. href=”https://www.bonanzaville.org/”>Bonanzaville, part pioneer village and part history museum, is dedicated to honoring the past, while the Red River Valley Fair celebrates the present with exhibitions, live entertainment, attractions, and the best food on a stick you’ve ever had.
The unemployment, poverty, and crime rates in West Fargo all rank within the top ten statewide, so you know the city has all the essentials for a good life sorted out. Schools here consistently outperform the statewide average in test scores and graduation rates. In fact, the city has the lowest high school dropout rate in North Dakota.
It’s not hard to see why West Fargo is one of North Dakota’s fastest-growing cities. The city has the 3rd highest median household income at $96,877/year and the 2nd priciest homes statewide at $302,200. All things considered, though, the cost of living in West Fargo is still pretty much on par with the rest of North Dakota.
2. Lincoln
| Stat | Lincoln | North Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 4,309 | 779,361 |
| Rank Last Year | 1 | – |
| Median Home Value | $259,400 | $241,100 |
| Median Income | $83,387 | $75,949 |
| Unemployment Rate | 1.8% | 2.8% |
| Crime Per Capita | 0.0058 | 0.0198 |
More on Lincoln:
Kudos to Lincoln for holding onto the title of HomeSnacks best place to live in North Dakota for the second year running. Located just southeast of Bismarck, Lincoln has access to all the big-city amenities while retaining its small-town charm. A top spot for locals is nearby Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, a diverse landscape where you can camp or fish beside the Missouri and Heart Rivers.
Don’t let people tell you that Millennials don’t know how to run a successful city, because Lincoln is the youngest city on this list with a median age of 30. The poverty rate is at its 4th lowest level statewide, sitting at 6.4%. A whopping 96.8% of residents have health insurance, the 2nd highest rate in North Dakota. It’s unlikely you’ll need help with medical bills because of criminal activity, though, seeing as Lincoln has the 3rd lowest crime rate statewide, a rate about 85% below the national average.
The increased demand to live in Lincoln has driven up property values by 10% over the last year. Home prices are already the 7th highest in the state at $259,400. Luckily, Lincoln locals also enjoy the 6th highest median household income statewide at $83,387/year.
3. Beulah
| Stat | Beulah | North Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,058 | 779,361 |
| Rank Last Year | 7 | – |
| Median Home Value | $194,300 | $241,100 |
| Median Income | $84,417 | $75,949 |
| Unemployment Rate | 0.7% | 2.8% |
| Crime Per Capita | 0.0088 | 0.0198 |
More on Beulah:
Beulah is a city of 3,058 located an hour and some change northwest of Bismarck. If you’re looking for small-town appeal with big city looks, you’ve found it in Beulah. From museums, community events, and outdoor recreation like you can find at nearby Lake Sakakawea, there’s always plenty to do in Beulah.
Beulah has the 6th lowest crime rate in North Dakota, so safety will never be a concern here. Neither will the local economy, seeing as the poverty rate in Beulah is the 5th lowest statewide at 8.3% and unemployment sits at an incredibly low 0.7%. For all these super qualities, housing in Beulah is fairly affordable, with a typical home selling for $194,300 and your average rental costing about $1,092/month. That’s especially low when you consider that Beulah’s residents also enjoy the 4th highest median household income in the state at $84,417/year. Even better, both income and property values went up by around 10% in the last year.
| Stat | Bismarck | North Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 74,146 | 779,361 |
| Rank Last Year | 4 | – |
| Median Home Value | $291,400 | $241,100 |
| Median Income | $77,608 | $75,949 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.6% | 2.8% |
| Crime Per Capita | 0.0346 | 0.0198 |
More on Bismarck: Data
North Dakota’s capital city of Bismarck comes in as the 4th best place to call home in the whole state. The economic, cultural, and historical hub of the region, Bismarck has eclectic dining and entertainment options, as well as fun things to do outdoors. Between fishing or cruising down the Missouri River that runs along Bismarck’s west side, catching a view of the city from its highest point at the State Capitol Building, and getting in touch with your inner-child at the Superslide Amusement Park, there’s something for everyone in Bismarck.
All these awesome amenities contributed to HomeSnacks naming Bismarck one of the best cities for singles in North Dakota. People are copping on to how great Bismarck is, which helps explain why the city has grown by nearly 20% since 2010. That increased demand has led to an increased price in housing, with a nearly 10% spike just last year up to a median home price of $291,400. The job market can handle all these new arrivals though, seeing as the unemployment rate here is under 2%. And besides housing and health care costs, the cost of living in Bismarck is in line with the national average.
5. Carrington
| Stat | Carrington | North Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,171 | 779,361 |
| Rank Last Year | 3 | – |
| Median Home Value | $141,800 | $241,100 |
| Median Income | $65,469 | $75,949 |
| Unemployment Rate | 0.1% | 2.8% |
| Crime Per Capita | 0.0051 | 0.0198 |
More on Carrington:
Carrington is a city of 2,171 and the county seat of Foster County in central North Dakota. Home to some of the best hunting, fishing, birding, hiking, and biking options in the state, Carrington is a non-stop thrill ride for outdoor enthusiasts. For those trying to stop and smell the roses while sipping on some fine wine, the Dakota Sun Gardens and Winery is a must-visit. If hitting the links is your idea of a good time, the local CrossRoads Golf Club won’t disappoint.
With a median age of 40, Carrington is the oldest city we’ll be covering here. The city has the 12th highest rate of residents with health insurance in North Dakota. Older folks in Carrington haven’t forgotten about the next generation, either; GreatSchools gave Carrington High a 9/10 rating with a College Success Award to boot.
The unemployment rate in Carrington is the lowest in the state at 0.1%. As a bonus, Carrington residents enjoy the 4th shortest commute time in North Dakota at just 13 minutes.
6. Horace
| Stat | Horace | North Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,964 | 779,361 |
| Rank Last Year | 5 | – |
| Median Home Value | $444,600 | $241,100 |
| Median Income | $145,801 | $75,949 |
| Unemployment Rate | 0.6% | 2.8% |
| Crime Per Capita | 0.0457 | 0.0198 |
More on Horace:
Life’s pretty good in Horace, a southern suburb of Fargo and North Dakota’s 6th best city. While Horace’s population is pretty small at 3,964 people, having North Dakota’s biggest city right up the road means you don’t have to sacrifice key amenities to have a small-town vibe. In just twenty minutes, you can find yourself learning about the history of aviation at the Fargo Air Museum or be watching a pack of wolves frolic at the Red River Zoo.
We just hope you’re comfortable rubbing shoulders with the state’s elite because Horace ranks as the richest place in North Dakota. The median household income is the highest in the state by about 40%, with your typical home bringing in around $145,801/year. Homes in Horace are also the 1st costliest in North Dakota at $444,600, but rent here is only $963/month, which is actually less expensive than the statewide median. Poverty, unemployment, and health insurance rates all rank in the top five in North Dakota.
7. Bottineau
| Stat | Bottineau | North Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,063 | 779,361 |
| Rank Last Year | 16 | – |
| Median Home Value | $165,300 | $241,100 |
| Median Income | $70,882 | $75,949 |
| Unemployment Rate | 1.6% | 2.8% |
| Crime Per Capita | 0.0293 | 0.0198 |
More on Bottineau:
| Stat | Minot | North Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 47,922 | 779,361 |
| Rank Last Year | 13 | – |
| Median Home Value | $254,400 | $241,100 |
| Median Income | $77,431 | $75,949 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.4% | 2.8% |
| Crime Per Capita | 0.0181 | 0.0198 |
More on Minot: Data
| Stat | Grand Forks | North Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 58,882 | 779,361 |
| Rank Last Year | 14 | – |
| Median Home Value | $243,300 | $241,100 |
| Median Income | $63,838 | $75,949 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.9% | 2.8% |
| Crime Per Capita | 0.0279 | 0.0198 |
More on Grand Forks: Data
Grand Forks is widely recognized as one of the best places to live in North Dakota. With a population of 58,882 and a median income of $63,838, Grand Forks offers its residents a high quality of life at a relatively low cost. The median home price in this city is $243,300, making it an affordable option for those looking to settle down.
Situated on the western banks of the Red River of the North, Grand Forks offers a picturesque location within North Dakota. While flooding has historically been a concern in the Red River Valley, the city has taken significant measures to protect against future inundation.
Grand Forks has an abundance of activities and attractions available. Residents can enjoy exploring the vibrant downtown area while outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the city’s proximity to beautiful natural landscapes in the Red River Valley.
10. Rugby
| Stat | Rugby | North Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,555 | 779,361 |
| Rank Last Year | 6 | – |
| Median Home Value | $147,800 | $241,100 |
| Median Income | $50,580 | $75,949 |
| Unemployment Rate | 0.8% | 2.8% |
| Crime Per Capita | 0.0070 | 0.0198 |
More on Rugby:
Rugby ranks as the 10th best place to call home in North Dakota. Often billed as the Geographical Center of North America, Rugby is truly smack dab in the middle of the American heartland.
A small city of 2,555, Rugby residents like to reminisce about its heritage and history at the Prairie Village Museum. Some of those wholesome qualities remain today.
For example, Rugby is among the safest places in North Dakota, with an overall crime rate about half the national average.
Additionally, Rugby has the 15th highest rate of residents with health insurance in the state. Unemployment ranks as the 4th lowest in North Dakota, and those with jobs enjoy the 1st shortest average commute time statewide at just 11 minutes.
Homes in Rugby are quite affordable, with a median price of $147,800 (that’s up 7% since last year). Residents of Rugby enjoy a median household income of $50,580.
Mapping The Best And Worst Places To Live in North Dakota
Best Places To Live In North Dakota Size Requirement
Before we even started to collect data on the best places to live in North Dakota, we had to answer a tough question: Is it fair to pit Bismarck, with a population of 74,146, against places with a population of 18?
We firmly decided no, that just isn’t fair.
So, to create our ranking, we broke the best places to live into three tiers:
- Cities — Populations over 2,000
- Towns — Populations between 1,000 and 2,000
- Small Towns — Populations below 1,000
This filter left 24 cities, 27 towns, and 261 small towns.
We then decided no matter how much anyone loves their town, the best cities to live in North Dakota have more of everything, and therefore, you need over 2,000 people to truly be ‘the best.’
Methodology: How We Calculated The Best Cities To Live In North Dakota
Now that we had our set of the best possible cities, it was time to rank them using Saturday Night Science.
We ranked each place in North Dakota across a number of criteria from one to 24, with one being the best.
We then took the average rank across all criteria, crowning the city posting the lowest overall score, the “Best Place To Live In North Dakota.”
The criteria we looked to determine the best places were:
- Median Home Values
- Median Income
- Population Density (Higher is better)
- Unemployment Rate
- Commute Time
- Crime
- Education Levels
- Health Insurance Coverage
- Poverty rates
Sources of criteria include the New Census Data, FBI Crime Data, and Zillow. We updated this article for 2025. This report is our tenth time ranking North Dakota’s best places to live.
If your city or town isn’t among the top 10, jump down to the bottom of the post to see a detailed chart of the best places in North Dakota. Otherwise, buckle up for a ride down good living lane with West Fargo at the end of the cul-de-sac.
Summary: The Best Places In North Dakota
If you’re looking at areas in North Dakota with the best economic situations, where there’s lower than average crime, and a lot to do, this is an accurate list.
The best places to live in North Dakota are West Fargo, Lincoln, Beulah, Bismarck, Carrington, Horace, Bottineau, Minot, Grand Forks, and Rugby.
West Fargo made a strong showing to take in the overall number one spot for the best place to live in North Dakota for 2025.
If you’re curious enough, here are the worst places to live in North Dakota according to the data:
- Wahpeton (Pop. 7,996)
- Devils Lake (Pop. 7,170)
- Mayville (Pop. 2,050)
For more North Dakota reading, check out:
- Cheapest Places To Live In North Dakota
- Most Dangerous Cities In North Dakota
- Best Places To Raise A Family In North Dakota
- Best Places To Retire In North Dakota
- Richest Cities In North Dakota
- Safest Places In North Dakota
- Worst Places To Live In North Dakota
Best Places To Live In North Dakota Table
| Rank | City | Population | Unemployment Rate | Home Value | Median Income | Rent | Crime Per Capita |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Fargo | 39,325 | 1.1% | $302,200 | $96,877 | $1,075 | 0.0155 |
| 2 | Lincoln | 4,309 | 1.8% | $259,400 | $83,387 | $1,222 | 0.0058 |
| 3 | Beulah | 3,058 | 0.7% | $194,300 | $84,417 | $1,092 | 0.0088 |
| 4 | Bismarck | 74,146 | 3.6% | $291,400 | $77,608 | $992 | 0.0346 |
| 5 | Carrington | 2,171 | 0.1% | $141,800 | $65,469 | $743 | 0.0051 |
| 6 | Horace | 3,964 | 0.6% | $444,600 | $145,801 | $963 | 0.0457 |
| 7 | Bottineau | 2,063 | 1.6% | $165,300 | $70,882 | $770 | 0.0293 |
| 8 | Minot | 47,922 | 3.4% | $254,400 | $77,431 | $928 | 0.0181 |
| 9 | Grand Forks | 58,882 | 2.9% | $243,300 | $63,838 | $958 | 0.0279 |
| 10 | Rugby | 2,555 | 0.8% | $147,800 | $50,580 | $829 | 0.0070 |
| 11 | Mandan | 24,293 | 1.4% | $246,300 | $75,966 | $1,044 | 0.0400 |
| 12 | Williston | 27,964 | 2.6% | $262,700 | $84,309 | $1,106 | 0.0283 |
| 13 | Lisbon | 2,262 | 3.6% | $185,700 | $61,953 | $671 | 0.0075 |
| 14 | Fargo | 129,064 | 3.9% | $269,800 | $66,029 | $916 | 0.0457 |
| 15 | Dickinson | 25,216 | 3.2% | $252,400 | $76,964 | $963 | 0.0207 |
| 16 | Casselton | 2,640 | 1.2% | $297,500 | $68,472 | $764 | 0.0457 |
| 17 | Hazen | 2,509 | 2.9% | $189,300 | $72,094 | $989 | 0.0088 |
| 18 | Stanley | 2,089 | 3.9% | $241,300 | $105,893 | $1,120 | 0.0153 |
| 19 | Jamestown | 15,774 | 4.5% | $192,500 | $54,809 | $741 | 0.0206 |
| 20 | Oakes | 2,046 | 3.2% | $160,100 | $64,750 | $740 | 0.0005 |
| 21 | Grafton | 4,128 | 2.7% | $153,800 | $60,184 | $715 | 0.0182 |
| 22 | Wahpeton | 7,996 | 1.6% | $164,600 | $57,417 | $753 | 0.0219 |
| 23 | Devils Lake | 7,170 | 2.7% | $171,000 | $42,755 | $678 | 0.0293 |
| 24 | Mayville | 2,050 | 3.3% | $196,200 | $64,044 | $828 | 0.0293 |