Mandan, ND: A 2026 Relocation Deep Dive

Mandan: The Data Profile (2026)

Mandan represents a specific archetype in the 2026 post-remote economy: the "Anchor City." With a population of 24,293, it operates as a satellite to Bismarck, offering a distinct cost advantage while maintaining economic gravity. The median income sits at $75,966, which is 1.9% higher than the US average of $74,580. However, the education level is slightly below the national curve at 30.6% college-educated versus a US average of 33.1%.

The statistical target demographic is the "Hybrid Utilizer." This is a worker earning roughly $70k–$90k who works remotely 2–3 days a week and requires a low-cost, high-stability environment for the remaining work week. The data suggests Mandan is optimized for those prioritizing housing square footage over urban density.

Cost of Living Analysis

The cost of living (COL) in Mandan is significantly deflated compared to national averages, driven largely by aggressive discounts in service and utility sectors. The "Healthcare" and "Restaurants" indices are both at 74.5, representing a 25.5% savings over the US baseline.

Electricity costs are a massive outlier; at 11.51 cents/kWh versus a US average of 16.0 cents/kWh, a standard monthly usage of 886 kWh results in a bill of roughly $102, compared to $142 nationally—a $40 monthly savings.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis: A single earner making the median $75,966 takes home approximately $4,700/month (after taxes). With a total COL of $2,160, the disposable income is $2,540/month (54%). This is $800/month higher than the national average disposable income for this bracket, providing significant liquidity for savings or debt repayment.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the primary value proposition of Mandan. The Housing Index of 75.8 indicates a market that is 24.2% cheaper than the US average. While the city is smaller, the price-per-square-foot allows for luxury-sized homes at entry-level prices.

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

Buying vs. Renting Analysis: The rent-to-price ratio in Mandan heavily favors buying. The median home price of $235,000 carries a monthly mortgage (at 6.5% and 20% down) of roughly $1,485. Comparing this to the $1,150 rent for a 3BR unit, the "buying premium" is only $335/month. Given the low housing index and high appreciation potential of a sub-$250k asset, buying is the mathematically superior long-term wealth builder in Mandan.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

In 2026, Mandan’s economy is defined by stability rather than volatility. The unemployment rate stands at a razor-tight 2.6%, significantly lower than the US average of 4.0%. This indicates a seller's market for labor, forcing local employers to compete for talent.

RTO Impact: With a median commute time likely under 15 minutes due to low traffic density, the friction of "Return to Office" (RTO) mandates is minimized. For those hybrid workers commuting to nearby Bismarck, the drive is manageable without the congestion found in larger metros. The local industry is anchored in agriculture, energy, and government services, sectors historically resistant to recession.

Quality of Life Audit

Mandan presents a complex QoL profile. While the economic metrics are stellar, health risk factors require attention. The 38.2% obesity rate is notably higher than the 31.9% US average. However, the mental health infrastructure and general community stability contribute to a Health Score of 80.9/100.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics (Health, Air Quality, Unemployment)

Safety & Environment:

• Air Quality: Mandan boasts exceptional air quality with an AQI of 25 (Good) and PM2.5 levels at 4.0 µg/m³, well below the US average. This is a major health offset to the obesity statistics.
• Safety: Violent crime rates in Mandan are approximately 1.5 per 1,000 residents, roughly 60% lower than the national average. Property crime exists at 18.0 per 1,000 residents, still below the US average of 22.0.
• Weather & Schools: Schools in the Mandan Public School District generally score above state averages in testing. Weather is the primary lifestyle adjustment; today’s low of 25°F and snow showers are standard for 5–6 months of the year.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Housing Value: At $135/sqft, housing is half the national cost.
• Labor Market: 2.6% unemployment means job security is high.
• Disposable Income: High income relative to COL yields ~$2,500/month in free cash flow.
• Environment: Top-tier air quality (AQI 25) and very low crime.

Cons:

• Health Risks: Above-average obesity (38.2%) suggests a culture that may not prioritize active lifestyles.
• Education Gap: College education rates (30.6%) are slightly below the national median.
• Climate: The "Slight Chance Snow Showers" forecast is a year-round reality for a significant portion of the year.

Final Recommendation:
Mandan is a "Buy" for the financial accumulator. If you can tolerate the harsh winters and are disciplined enough to manage health risks independently, the financial runway provided by the $235,000 median home price and low utility costs is nearly unbeatable in the 2026 market.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Mandan?
To live comfortably (defined as the median income + 20% savings), a single earner needs approximately $65,000. This covers a mortgage on a $250k home and allows for $1,000/month in savings.

2. How does the value compare to larger cities like Bismarck?
Mandan offers a ~15% discount on housing compared to Bismarck proper, with a nearly identical job market due to the short commute distance (<15 mins).

3. Are the safety statistics reliable given the small population?
Yes. With a population over 24,000, the sample size is large enough to be statistically significant. The 60% reduction in violent crime compared to national averages is consistent year-over-year.

4. When is the best time to move to Mandan?
The optimal window is May through September. Moving during the current 25°F conditions introduces logistical risks due to ice and snow, and utility costs for heating spike during the winter months.