Bismarck, ND
Population 74,146 · North Dakota
About Bismarck, ND
Bismarck is a mid-sized city located in North Dakota with a population of 74,146 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $77,608 per year, which is 3% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Bismarck features a median home value of $291,400, which is 19% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Bismarck in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $992, 15% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 34,852 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (21,191 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (11,017 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bismarck shows an unemployment rate of 3.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 9.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Bismarck have an average one-way commute time of 15.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
38.7% of Bismarck residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 1.5% White, 6.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 1.2% Asian residents, with 3.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Bismarck Ranks in North Dakota
Cost of Living in Bismarck, ND
Compared to national averages, Bismarck has a median household income of $77,608 (3% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $291,400, which is 19% above the national median. Monthly rent at $992 is 15% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Dakota, Bismarck's income is 7% above the state average of $72,691, and home values are 109% above the state median of $139,496.
Why Live in Bismarck, ND?
Bismarck offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $77,608, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $992/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.6%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 38.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 9.7%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 15.5 minutes.
Bismarck has a population of 74,146 with a median age of 38.2 years. Compare Bismarck with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Bismarck
Cities in North Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Forks | 58,882 | $63,838 | $243,300 | Compare |
| Minot | 47,922 | $77,431 | $254,400 | Compare |
| West Fargo | 39,325 | $96,877 | $302,200 | Compare |
| Williston | 27,964 | $84,309 | $262,700 | Compare |
| Dickinson | 25,216 | $76,964 | $252,400 | Compare |
| Mandan | 24,293 | $75,966 | $246,300 | Compare |
| Fargo | 129,064 | $66,029 | $269,800 | Compare |
| Jamestown | 15,774 | $54,809 | $192,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Dakota
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Bismarck With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Bismarck
What is the population of Bismarck, ND?
The population of Bismarck, ND is 74,146 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in North Dakota.
What is the median household income in Bismarck?
The median household income in Bismarck, ND is $77,608 per year, which is 3% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bismarck?
The median home value in Bismarck, ND is $291,400, which is 19% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Bismarck?
The median monthly rent in Bismarck, ND is $992, which is 15% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bismarck?
The unemployment rate in Bismarck, ND is 3.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Bismarck, ND a good place to live?
Bismarck offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 74,146 and a median age of 38.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Bismarck, ND?
38.7% of residents in Bismarck aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Bismarck?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bismarck, ND: median home value is $291,400 (19% above national), median rent is $992/month, and median household income is $77,608. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Bismarck?
The poverty rate in Bismarck, ND is 9.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Bismarck, ND?
Bismarck's population is 1.5% White, 6.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 2.3% two or more races. 3.6% of residents are foreign-born.