The Top 9 Most Affordable Cities in North Dakota

North Dakota is known for its rich Native American culture and heritage, oil and agriculture production, and buffalo. From the rolling prairies to the rushing rivers, North Dakota is also a sight to behold. If you’re interested in moving to “the breadbasket of the country”, NewHomeSource has compiled a list of the top nine most affordable cities.

9 Most Affordable Cities

1. Jamestown

Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.80

Average Property Tax: $1,723

Median Household Income: $51,789

Jamestown ranks as the most affordable city in North Dakota. Folks can learn about local history at the Stutsman County Memorial Museum. To discover more about Native American history, check out the National Buffalo Museum, complete with the world’s largest buffalo statue!

2. Grand Forks

Home Price to Income Ratio: 4.20

Average Property Tax: $2,587

Median Household Income: $50,076

Grand Forks is located in east-central North Dakota, along the border it shares with Minnesota. The Red River comprises the city’s eastern border, and you can find multiple parks and notable sites like Grand Forks County Historical Society, along the river. For entertainment, check out the newest gallery at the North Dakota Museum of Art, or catch a live performance at the Fire Hall Theater or Empire Arts Center.

3. Mandan

Home Price to Income Ratio: 3.12

Average Property Tax: $2,239

Median Household Income: $69,014

Just west of Bismarck, the capital, lies the city of Mandan which has just over 22,000 residents. Located along the Missouri River, Mandan provides access to great riverside green spaces and trails such as the Missouri River State Natural Area. Mandan is also home to the North Dakota State Railroad Museum, golf courses, and a livestock auction house.

4. Fargo

Home Price to Income Ratio: 3.82

Average Property Tax: $2,672

Median Household Income: $55,551

With over 125,000 residents calling it home, Fargo is the largest city in North Dakota. As you’d expect from a bustling city, Fargo is packed with attractions and all kinds of amenities, including museums, a zoo, and an international airport. Whether you prefer family outings at the local amusement park or catching a live show at the multipurpose Fargodome, you’ll never run out of fun things to do in Fargo.

5. West Fargo

Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.83

Average Property Tax: $3,037

Median Household Income: $85,120

As you’d expect from its name, West Fargo is located just west of Fargo. With a population of 38,000 and counting, West Fargo is the fifth largest city in the state. Be sure to check out Bonanzaville, an area dedicated to 41 historic buildings and galleries containing 400,000 artifacts.

6. Bismarck

Home Price to Income Ratio: 3.81

Average Property Tax: $2,208

Median Household Income: $64,444

North Dakota’s capital city lands in sixth place on our list of most affordable cities. Museum aficionados will love Camp Hancock State Historic Site and North Dakota’s Gateway to Science. Other notable attractions include the Dakota Zoo, North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum, and Bismarck Art Alley.

7. Dickinson

Home Price to Income Ratio: 3.46

Average Property Tax: $1,928

Median Household Income: $68,718

Dickinson is a west-central city and the county seat of Stark County. The city host parks and sports centers, and is also home to the Dickinson Museum Center & Badlands Dinosaur Museum, Dickinson State University, and North Park Campground.

8. Minot

Home Price to Income Ratio: 3.15

Average Property Tax: $1,962

Median Household Income: $66,194

This northern city has a long history in aviation, which is on display at the Dakota Territory Air Museum. Further south, you can find the Roosevelt Park Zoo, North Dakota State Fair Center, and Taube Art Museum. The Minot International Airport, located near Minot State University, makes travel a breeze.

9. Williston

Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.82

Average Property Tax: $1,671

Median Household Income: $84,710

Last but certainly not least is Williston, the county seat of Williams County. Williston has all the urban amenities you could want, including parks, grocery stores, and restaurants.

Cities with the Best Home Price to Income Ratio

While the list above is sorted by the lowest overall cost of living index, the following cities have the lowest home price to income ratio, meaning you can get more home for your money.

• Jamestown
• Williston
• West Fargo