Living in Bismarck, ND
Bismarck is the 483rd-largest city in the US, home to about 78,000 people in 2025 and the capital of North Dakota. It has grown 5.9% since 2020. Prices across the metro area run below the national average (91.0 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 77,963+5.9% since 2020
- Median home value
- $300,3003.8 years of median income
- Median rent
- $999/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $78,387median, per year
- Price level
- 91.0US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 23° / 85°lows 2° / 58°
- Average commute
- 16 min8% work from home
- State income tax
- 2.5%top rate, graduated
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County: Burleigh County
Time zone: Central Time (UTC-6, UTC-5 in summer)
Elevation: about 1,686 ft
Metro area: Bismarck, ND
Cost of living in Bismarck
The median home in Bismarck is worth $300,300 and the median household earns $78,387 a year, so a typical home costs about 3.8 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $999 a month, about 15% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Bismarck, ND metro area at 91.0, with housing at 84.0 and goods at 95.7 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $68,300 here. North Dakota taxes wages at a top rate of 2.5%. The average combined state and local sales tax in North Dakota is 7.09%.
What would my salary be worth in Bismarck?
Bismarck weather
Average highs run from 23°F in January to 85°F in July, and January nights average 2°F. It gets 19 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 50 inches of snow. Nights drop below freezing about 184 times a year. The most comfortable months are May to September.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Bismarck
People and work
The median resident is 38.9 years old, and 39% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 66% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 16 minutes; 8% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 38.9420th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 39%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 66%of households
- People per sq mile
- 2,24834.7 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 0%2% walk, 0.3% bike
- Unemployment
- 2.5%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 9.3%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1985median year
Who moves to Bismarck, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Fargo (Cass County), Stark County, ND and Grand Forks County, ND. People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Fargo (Cass County), Phoenix (Maricopa County) and Stark County, ND. See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively Moderate
FEMA rating for Burleigh County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: winter weather, ice storm, hail, cold wave.
Home prices
+6.2% in a year
Up 34% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Bismarck, ND area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
77% good days
13 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Bismarck, ND area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Bismarck
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Bismarck State College 2 miles
- University of Mary 6 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Bismarck
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Bismarck Municipal Airport BIS | 3 mi | 295,900 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Bismarck
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bismarck State College | 2 mi | 2,839 | $9,531 | n/a |
| University of Mary | 6 mi | 2,416 | $23,020 | 66% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Bismarck
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before May 14, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around September 19 and the first frost comes around September 27.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Bismarck, ND, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Bismarck.
Wildfire smoke in Bismarck
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Bismarck on about 123 days a year, including about 45 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Bismarck
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 33,130 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Bismarck
Downtown Bismarck is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bismarck Public School District 1 | Pre-K to 12 | 14,098 | 29 | 14.6 |
Other districts within 10 miles: Mandan Public School District 1 (4,456 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Bismarck's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Bismarck's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Sioux Falls, SD75% matchCompare
- Rochester, MN68% matchCompare
- Appleton, WI67% matchCompare
- Green Bay, WI61% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Ski resorts near Bismarck
- Huff Hills 13 miles
- Bottineau Winter Park 149 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in Bismarck
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data Everyday prices in the metro run 9% below the US average (BEA).
- Data Commutes are short: 16 minutes each way on average.
Cons
- Data Winters are snowy: about 50 inches a year.
Bismarck report card from locals
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Cities near Bismarck
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fargo, ND | 189 mi | 136,275 | $281,900 | 90.9 | Compare |
| Rapid City, SD | 222 mi | 80,589 | $299,400 | 89.2 | Compare |
| Sioux Falls, SD | 297 mi | 213,748 | $292,400 | 90.6 | Compare |
| Sioux City, IA | 368 mi | 86,356 | $173,600 | 86.5 | Compare |
| Plymouth, MN | 373 mi | 78,942 | $491,200 | 104.8 | Compare |
| Billings, MT | 375 mi | 121,239 | $343,400 | 93.5 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Bismarck with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Bismarck a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show prices below the national average, homes that cost under four years of median income, a growing population, short commutes; the trade-offs are heavy snow. Compare Bismarck side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Bismarck?
The Census Bureau estimates Bismarck had 77,963 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 73,625 in April 2020 (+5.9%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Bismarck?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $68,300 in the Bismarck area. The median household here earns $78,387.
When is the best time to visit Bismarck?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, May to September are the most comfortable months. July averages 85°F and January 23°F for daytime highs.
What county is Bismarck in?
Bismarck is in Burleigh County, North Dakota. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Bismarck in?
Bismarck is on Central Time (UTC-6, or UTC-5 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Bismarck?
About 1,686 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does North Dakota have a state income tax?
Yes. North Dakota has a graduated income tax with a top rate of 2.5% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Bismarck. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Bismarck, ND metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Bismarck, ND station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.