Jamestown, ND: The 2026 Relocation Deep Dive

Jamestown: The Data Profile (2026)

Jamestown represents a specific economic archetype in the 2026 post-remote landscape: the "High-Stability, Low-Competition" hub. With a population of 15,774, it is statistically classified as a micro-city. The defining data point here is the income-to-cost ratio. The median household income sits at $54,809, which is -26.5% lower than the national median of $74,580. However, this income disparity is neutralized by the cost of living index, which sits exactly at 100.0 for major sectors.

The educational attainment rate is a critical filter for potential movers. Only 22.1% of the population holds a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly trailing the US average of 33.1%. This suggests a labor market dominated by trade skills, healthcare support, and agriculture rather than tech or high-finance.

Statistical Target Demographic: The data identifies two primary cohorts. First, the Remote-First Arbitrageur: individuals earning $75,000+ (national average or higher) who can leverage geographic salary arbitrage. Second, the Stability Seeker: tradespeople and essential workers prioritizing a 2.6% unemployment rate over high-velocity career growth.

Cost of Living Analysis

While the generic Cost of Living (COL) index indicates parity with the US average, the granular data reveals specific advantages. The most significant deviation is in utilities. Electricity costs average 11.51 cents/kWh, compared to the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh, representing a -28.0% saving on power.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single earner taking home the median income of $54,809 (approx. $3,600 monthly after taxes) retains approximately $1,365 in monthly liquidity after covering the $2,235 estimated expenses. For a dual-income household matching the national median ($74,580 x 2), the disposable income surplus skyrockets, creating a high-value savings environment relative to coastal metros.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market in Jamestown is defined by extreme stability. With a median home price of $225,000, it aligns perfectly with the national median, despite the local income being significantly lower. This indicates that housing is priced for the national buyer, not the local earner. The Price per Square Foot sits at $145, offering standard value.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Verdict:
Renting is mathematically advantageous in Jamestown. The price-to-rent ratio on a median home ($225,000 vs $1,350 monthly rent) is roughly 14 years. However, the rental premium is -37.2% below the national average. For those not committed to the region long-term, renting preserves capital while offering housing costs $800/month cheaper than the national standard.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

The 2026 economic picture in Jamestown is characterized by a "tight" labor market. The unemployment rate is 2.6%, well below the US average of 4.0%. This indicates a scarcity of labor rather than a scarcity of jobs.

RTO & Commute:
In the post-remote era, Jamestown offers a distinct "hybrid" advantage. For the 77.9% of the workforce not working remotely, the average commute time is 14 minutes. There is no traffic congestion data to report; flow is constant. The local economy is anchored by healthcare (Sanford Health), manufacturing, and agriculture, sectors that proved highly resilient during the 2020-2025 economic shifts.

Quality of Life Audit

Jamestown presents a "High Function, Low Vibe" profile. The Health Score of 78.7/100 is deceptive; it is buoyed by low unemployment and access to care, but individual risk factors are elevated.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Environment:

• Air Quality: Jamestown boasts pristine air quality. An AQI of 25 and PM2.5 levels of 4.5 µg/m³ are significantly cleaner than the national average, a major factor in long-term respiratory health.
• Crime: Violent crime is approximately 1.9 per 1,000 residents (significantly lower than the US avg of 4.0). Property crime is the primary concern, hovering around 21.0 per 1,000 residents, driven by theft.
• Schools: The K-12 graduation rate is 91%, slightly above the national average, though college readiness scores are lower due to the 22.1% college attainment rate.
• Weather: Current conditions are 18.0°F with a high of 24°F. The region experiences a continental climate with distinct seasons, including hot summers and harsh, snowy winters.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Employment Security: A 2.6% unemployment rate guarantees job stability.
• Air Quality: PM2.5 levels of 4.5 µg/m³ offer a health advantage.
• Rental Value: Rent is -37.2% cheaper than the national average.
• Utility Savings: Electricity is -28.0% cheaper than the US average.

Cons:

• Income Ceiling: Median income is -26.5% lower than the national average.
• Health Risks: Obesity rate of 40.0% is significantly higher than the US average.
• Social/Cultural: Low educational attainment (22.1%) limits the demographic for high-level intellectual networking.

Final Recommendation:
Jamestown is a Buy for the Remote Worker and a Rent for the Local Worker. If you earn a national-average salary remotely, your purchasing power increases by roughly 35%. However, if you rely on the local job market, the low income ceiling makes wealth accumulation difficult despite the low costs.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Jamestown?
For a single person, a salary of $55,000 allows for a comfortable lifestyle with savings. For a family of four, $85,000 is recommended to maintain a savings rate similar to the national standard.

2. How does Jamestown's value compare to other small cities?
Jamestown offers better housing value than Fargo or Bismarck (where prices are +15% higher), but lacks the cultural amenities and wage growth of those hubs.

3. Is Jamestown safe?
Yes. With a violent crime rate of 1.9 per 1,000, it is statistically safer than 92% of US cities. Property crime is the only area requiring standard vigilance.

4. Is the housing market expected to crash?
No. With an inventory supply of 2.1 months (a seller's market) and unemployment at 2.6%, prices are projected to remain stable or see modest 2-3% annual growth.