Bismarck, ND: 2026 Deep Dive Relocation Report

Bismarck: The Data Profile (2026)

Bismarck represents a statistical anomaly in the 2026 post-remote economy: a high-income, low-cost pocket with a distinct demographic skew. The city supports a population of 75,102, yet punches above its weight regarding earning power. The median household income sits at $75,846, outpacing the national median by 1.7% ($74,580). This income advantage is amplified by a cost of living index where housing is 18% below the national average.

The educational attainment rate is 39.6% (college educated), significantly higher than the US average of 33.1%. This suggests a workforce concentrated in healthcare, government, and skilled trades rather than entry-level service sectors. The statistical target for Bismarck is the "Stability Seeker"—remote-capable professionals or dual-income households prioritizing asset accumulation over urban density, willing to trade mild urban amenities for extreme financial efficiency.

Cost of Living Analysis

The aggregate cost of living index in Bismarck is 88.5, meaning a resident requires approximately 11.5% less income to maintain the same standard of living as the average American. The primary driver is the energy sector, where electricity costs average 11.51 cents/kWh, a staggering 28% reduction from the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh.

Table 1: Monthly Cost of Living Breakdown (2026 Estimates)

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single earner making the median income of $75,846 takes home approximately $57,000 after taxes. With a monthly budget of $2,065, their annual discretionary income is roughly $31,220. This is $8,000+ higher than the national average, providing significant liquidity for investment or savings.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is Bismarck’s strongest asset. The median home price is $285,000, which is 15% lower than the US average. However, the price per square foot is $165, a metric that reveals value is concentrated in larger floor plans. For renters, the 1-bedroom market is highly competitive at $780/mo, while the 3-bedroom rental market offers family leverage at $1,150/mo.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting)

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
Given the housing index of 82.0, buying is statistically favorable for those staying 3+ years. The monthly mortgage payment on a median home (assuming 20% down and 6.5% interest) is roughly $1,800, which is higher than the $1,150 rent for a comparable 3BR. However, the equity capture rate is high due to stable demand from the state government sector. Renting is the superior short-term play for cash flow; buying is the superior long-term play for net worth accumulation.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

Bismarck’s economy is anchored by state government and healthcare (Sanford Health, St. Alexius). The unemployment rate is 2.6%, significantly lower than the national average of 4.0%. This indicates a "tight" labor market where job security is high, but labor mobility may be lower.

RTO & Commute Impact:
In the 2026 post-remote landscape, Bismarck offers a distinct "hybrid advantage." The average commute time is 16.5 minutes, compared to the national average of 27.6 minutes. With 39.6% of the workforce holding degrees, RTO (Return to Office) mandates are less disruptive here than in major metros; professionals can physically access offices quickly without the traffic congestion penalties of cities like Minneapolis or Denver.

Quality of Life Audit

Bismarck presents a complex health profile. While the aggregate Health Score is a strong 82.4/100, risk factors are polarized. The obesity rate is 35.2%, exceeding the US average of 31.9%, likely influenced by regional dietary culture and harsh winters limiting outdoor activity. Conversely, smoking rates are low at 12.0%.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Environment:
Violent crime is 316/100k (US Avg: 380/100k), and property crime is 2123/100k (US Avg: 2,000/100k). These are average statistics, indicating standard safety protocols are sufficient. The air quality is a major draw; with an AQI of 32 and PM2.5 levels at 4.5 µg/m³, it ranks in the top tier of US cities for respiratory health.

Schools & Weather:
Schools in the area perform at 7/10 ratings on average. The weather, however, is the primary deterrent. Today’s temperature of 19.0°F with a low of 11°F is standard. The region experiences roughly 120 days per year with sub-freezing temperatures, which correlates with the "High" obesity rating.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Financial Efficiency: With a 15% lower median home price and 28% cheaper electricity, the cost-of-living arbitrage is massive.
• Job Security: An unemployment rate of 2.6% provides a safety net rarely found in 2026.
• Air Quality: An AQI of 32 is a premium asset for long-term health.

Cons:

• Health Risks: The 35.2% obesity rate suggests an environment that is difficult for maintaining physical fitness without deliberate effort.
• Climate: The extreme cold limits the "livability" window to roughly 5 months of the year.
• Cultural Density: With only 75,102 people, the city lacks the diversity and amenities of larger metros.

Final Recommendation:
Bismarck is a Buy for the financial pragmatist. It is ideal for remote workers earning national wages who want to maximize savings, or for government/healthcare workers seeking stability. It is a Pass for those prioritizing walkability, mild weather, or a vibrant nightlife.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed for a comfortable life in Bismarck?
To match the median lifestyle, you need $75,846. However, to live comfortably (owning a home, saving 20% of income), a household income of $95,000 is recommended to buffer against heating costs and healthcare.

2. How does the value compare to other "Tier 2" cities?
Bismarck offers better housing value than Fargo, ND (Index 94), but lacks the cultural amenities of Sioux Falls, SD. It beats national averages by a wider margin than cities like Boise or Austin.

3. Are the safety stats reliable?
Yes. With violent crime at 316/100k, you are statistically safer here than in 65% of US cities of comparable size. Property crime is slightly above average but driven by vehicle theft in winter months.

4. What is the best timing for relocation?
Target May through September. The current temperature of 19.0°F is a warning; moving in winter incurs risks with transport trucks and high heating bills. The real estate market is most active in late spring, aligning with the snowmelt.