Firstly why Bismarck, North-Dakota?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Bismarck
• State: North-Dakota
• Population: 72,504 people
• Bismarck’s quick summary would be The state capital, recognized for its historic landmarks like the North Dakota State Capitol and the scenic Missouri River.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 2,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 2,000 annually
• Net Migration: 0 no real change annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 200
• Number of Homeless people: 100

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it as the state capital offers government job opportunities attracting professionals

Perk #1: Bismarck Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 39%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 68%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly Native American
• The median income is (and growing)  $60,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Bismarck is $61,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $1000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Bismarck’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 85 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $1,500
• Property Tax %: 1.48%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,000
• Rent for an average house: $1,500
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: North Ridge
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Bismarck, Mandan, Lincoln, Washburn, and probably could include Stanley
• Avg. Age of Homes in Bismarck: 48 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Bismarck’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Bismarck are  Government, Energy, and Healthcare
• Bismarck Job Scene: stable job market primarily in government and healthcare
• The General Tech Scene: limited tech presence focused on local services and government , ,
• Bismarck Resident’s pay $900 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Bismarck: 5%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 95 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 4

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Bismarck

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $85 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-94 runs through Bismarck providing east-west connectivity
• Commute Time: 22 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic slowing on I-94
• Transportation Score: 20 out of 100 described as Minimal Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Bismarck: 20,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.3
• No. of Car Washes: 3 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Bismarck: vip.nd.gov/
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 55 of 100
• Local Airport: Bismarck Municipal

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Bismarck’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Winter storms
• General Weather in Bismarck is best described as experiences long cold winters and warm summers with moderate precipitation
• Winter Weather in Bismarck i’d describe as very cold with snow
• Spring Weather in Bismarck can be described as cool with potential rain
• Summer’s in Bismarck are mostly warm and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Bismarck is usually cool and windy
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 105 days in summer
• Days in a row in Bismarck below Freezing: 56
• Average Annual Rainfall: 15 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality generally unpolluted by industry
• Bismarck Winter Air generally good air quality limited pollution sources

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Bismarck Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Bismarck 3
• While the number of trade schools inside Bismarcks’s city limits are 1
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Bismarck Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 10 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Bismarck only Doctors is about 20
• Local Hospitals here is  2
• Full-time Bismarck only Police Officers is about 60
• Crime Rate Index: 20/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Bismarck’s Monthly utility bill average is $85
• Bismarck’s Monthly Gym Membership: $35
• Bismarck’s Water Quality Score: 80

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Bismarck

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 4 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: state capital with a focus on local activities and community events
• You might enjoy concerts at the Bismarck Event Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Bismarck  has a casual nightlife with local bars and restaurants that provide a friendly atmosphere for gatherings

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Bismarck

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes local cafes and American-style diners
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 15 scattered around Bismarck
• The Popular Sports Team is Bismarck Bobcats
• Top Level Political Climate in Bismarck can be described as state capital with a conservative political climate
• Bismarck’s Longer standing religious establishment is First Lutheran Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Bismarck Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Bismarck has 10 Parks?
• Lincoln Park is Bismarck’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Bismarck Farmers Market normally open Wednesday 4pm-7pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, fishing, and biking

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Bismarck Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Bismarck can be described as steady pace with a strong community focus and government influence
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Bismarck hiking nature trails exploring parks picnics at lakes
• The Cities people commute to from Bismarck are Grand-Forks 80 miles away Moorhead 7 miles away West-Fargo 10 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Bismarck or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: traffic slowing on I-94. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Bismarck’s Winter storms risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If North Ridge is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Bismarck are Grand-Forks 80 miles away Moorhead 7 miles away West-Fargo 10 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 20 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Bismarck has 56 days in a row below freezing and 105 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Bismarck people have an average (positive or negative) $1000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   100 homeless people living in Bismarck. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general state capital with a conservative political climate could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Bismarck.

Retiree & Senior Life in Bismarck

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may have access to property tax exemptions that support housing affordability
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Edgewood Bismarck
• Bismarck Senior Center provides a variety of programs resources and activities for seniors

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Bismarck, North-Dakota?

If Bismarck, North-Dakota ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Bismarck, North-Dakota, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!