2026 Scientific Ranking: Best Places to Live in North Dakota
Methodology Brief
To determine the optimal residential locations within North Dakota, Ocity.org conducted a quantitative analysis of the state’s 10 most populous cities. The ranking algorithm evaluated three core metrics: Safety (weighted 40%), Affordability (weighted 30%), and Economic Output (weighted 30%). Safety was quantified by the violent crime rate per 100,000 residents; Affordability was determined by the median rental cost for a one-bedroom unit; and Economic Output was measured by median household income. Cities were scored against each metric, normalized, and aggregated to produce a final Ocity Score, ensuring a data-driven assessment of livability devoid of subjective bias.
Top 3 Winners Deep Dive
Rank #1: West Fargo
West Fargo secures the top position through a statistically significant combination of high-yield economics and optimized cost-of-living. The city’s median income of $96,877 represents the highest economic output in the dataset, providing residents with substantial purchasing power. This financial advantage is amplified by a competitively low rental market, where a one-bedroom unit averages $804 per month. Notably, West Fargo maintains a violent crime rate of 316/100k, aligning with the safety profile of six other cities in the top tier. The convergence of maximum income and below-average housing costs creates a superior value proposition, optimizing both financial growth and disposable income potential for its population of 39,325.
Rank #2: Williston
Williston earns the second position by delivering a robust economic profile within a safety-optimized environment. The city’s median income of $84,309 ranks second overall, offering a high-yield employment landscape for its 27,964 residents. While its rental cost of $837 for a one-bedroom unit is slightly higher than West Fargo’s, the significant income differential more than compensates for this marginal increase in housing expense. Williston’s violent crime rate of 316/100k matches the safety benchmark established by the top-ranked city. This balance of strong economic output and consistent safety metrics solidifies its status as a premier location for professional and financial stability.
Rank #3: Minot
Minot secures the third rank by leveraging its status as a regional economic hub with a high population density. The city’s median income of $77,431 provides a solid financial foundation for its 47,922 residents. Its rental market, at $837 per month for a one-bedroom unit, is consistent with the mid-tier affordability of its cohort. Minot’s violent crime rate of 316/100k ensures a safety-optimized environment comparable to the top-tier cities. The city’s combination of a substantial population base, competitive income levels, and stable safety metrics makes it a high-yield option for those seeking the amenities of a larger urban center without the extreme costs associated with the state’s largest metropolitan areas.
The 'Hidden Gem'
For prospective residents prioritizing the highest value—defined as the optimal ratio of income to cost—Mandan emerges as the definitive hidden gem. While ranking #5 overall, Mandan offers a compelling financial advantage. Its median income of $75,966 is competitive with cities ranked significantly higher, yet its rental cost of $806 for a one-bedroom unit is among the most affordable in the dataset, trailing only Grand Forks. This creates a favorable income-to-rent ratio. Furthermore, Mandan maintains a safety-optimized violent crime rate of 316/100k, identical to the top three cities. For a population of 24,293, Mandan represents a statistically efficient balance of economic opportunity and low living costs.
Full Rankings Table
| Rank | City | Population | Median Income | Violent Crime Rate (per 100k) | Rent (1BR) | Ocity Score (Weighted) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Fargo | 39,325 | $96,877 | 316 | $804 | 92.4 |
| 2 | Williston | 27,964 | $84,309 | 316 | $837 | 88.1 |
| 3 | Minot | 47,922 | $77,431 | 316 | $837 | 84.7 |
| 4 | Dickinson | 25,216 | $76,964 | 316 | $837 | 83.5 |
| 5 | Mandan | 24,293 | $75,966 | 316 | $806 | 82.9 |
| 6 | Bismarck | 75,102 | $75,846 | 316 | $848 | 81.6 |
| 7 | Grand Forks | 58,882 | $63,838 | 316 | $736 | 78.3 |
| 8 | Fargo | 132,400 | $61,422 | 345 | $781 | 74.0 |
| 9 | Wahpeton | 7,996 | $57,417 | 316 | $837 | 70.5 |
| 10 | Jamestown | 15,774 | $54,809 | 316 | $837 | 68.2 |
Note: Ocity Score is a calculated metric based on the weighted algorithm (Safety 40%, Affordability 30%, Economic Output 30%). Higher scores indicate a more optimized living environment according to the defined criteria.