Moving to North Dakota statistics (2025 data)

How many people move to North Dakota?

An estimated 34,415 people moved to North Dakota in 2023, while 20,814 moved out. This represents a net gain of 13,601 residents. The state was able to gain population from both natural births and international and domestic migration. Though, the former was much higher than the latter.

Despite being among the top 10 best states to move to, North Dakota is not particularly popular with domestic migrants. According to a recent ConsumerAffairs study based on a sample of 143,506 ConsumerAffairs.com users who expressed an interest in moving between January 2023 and March 2024, it ranked as the 34th most desired state for relocation.

Top 4 cities that people moved to in North Dakota

With the second highest affordability score based on data collected from several sources and accounting for weighted factors, North Dakota ranks as the seventh best U.S. state to move to in 2024. The state ranks among the top 20 for most metrics, though a weak quality of life score is the primary factor preventing it from ranking higher.

Of those moving to the Peace Garden State, the majority are relocating to one of the few cities in the state. Fargo — the largest city in North Dakota — attracted the most new residents, adding 7,236 (5.7% growth) between 2020 and 2023. Other smaller cities and towns that gained population include Bismarck and Mandan, which grew by 2% and 1.7%, respectively.

The top four cities and towns people moved to in North Dakota between 2020 and 2023 were as follows:

Why do people move to North Dakota?

With the seventh lowest tax burden and median home sale prices nearly 30% below the national median, North Dakota offers some of the most affordable living in the country. Many young families and professionals choose to relocate here for the combination of affordability and high-paying job opportunities in major cities.

The largest industries in the state are trade, transportation, and utilities, government, and education and health services. Collectively, these industries employ over 56% of nonfarm workers. The fastest-growing industry in the state is also government, growing by 5.8% between July 2023 and July 2024.

North Dakota housing statistics

With a median rent price of roughly $1,065 and a median home sale price of $294,900, North Dakota renters and homeowners can expect to pay up to 30% less than the national median for housing.

North Dakota also has slightly below average property taxes (0.98%), ranking 23rd in the nation. The tax rate here is less than half that of the two most expensive states — Illinois and New Jersey.

In 2021, the average property owner in Cass County — where Fargo is located — paid $2,974 in annual property taxes. In general, the average property tax paid in the Peace Garden State is lower than in other states but varies greatly by county. Residents in Cass County paid the most, while those in Sioux County paid substantially less in 2021 ($223).

Cost-of-living statistics in North Dakota

North Dakota’s cost-of-living index is 94.6, making it the sixth most affordable state in the nation. The median household income here is $71,901 — just slightly below the national average — but affordable homes and a low tax burden make this income more appealing. The unemployment rate of 2.1% is also one of the lowest in the country and far below the national average of 4.2%.

Despite The Peace Garden State’s impressive oil and gas production, the cost of gas per gallon ($3.26) is equivalent to the national average. Unlike South Dakota, North Dakota struggles with green initiatives, ranking as only the 43rd most green state in the country. This is the case despite impressive renewable energy generation from windmills.

For would-be movers, North Dakota offers affordable housing and a respectable median household income, making it relatively easy to transition from most other states.

Who lives in North Dakota?

An estimated 783,926 people live in North Dakota as of 2023, making it the fourth smallest state in terms of population. This represents a population increase of 5,014 people compared to 2022.

North Dakota’s population skews male, with men accounting for 51.3% of the population and women accounting for 48.7%. In 2023, 402,088 North Dakota residents were male, and 381,838 were female.

On average, North Dakota’s population is also slightly younger (36 years old) than the U.S. average of 38.9 years. The largest age demographic in the state is those between 25 and 44 years old, accounting for 212,121 residents, or 27.1% of the population.

White residents account for the largest share of North Dakotans, approximating 86.4% of the population (677,695 residents). This is followed by American Indian and Hispanic residents, who account for 5.3% and 4.9% of the population, respectively.

Tips for moving to North Dakota

Not sure how to start your move to North Dakota? Consider these step-by-step moving tips:

1. Understand the cost of living

While North Dakota ranks as the second best state for affordability, offering low housing costs and living expenses, costs will still vary by region. The state’s few urban centers — including Fargo and Bismarck — tend to have higher costs, while the state’s rural housing is some of the most affordable in the country. However, do keep in mind that the state’s low population can equate to limited housing. Before relocating, check the ND Tax website for local insights.

2. Explore the job market

North Dakota’s economy leans heavily on energy and agriculture, but major cities are also booming hubs of health care and education. Fargo and Bismarck offer diverse opportunities for young professionals, while the oil-rich region of Williston provides guaranteed employment for those in the energy industry. Regardless of your personal career goals, you can explore job openings through Job Service North Dakota.

3. Prepare for harsh winters

With the coldest average winter temperatures in the contiguous United States, those who relocate to North Dakota should prepare for several frigid, windy months out of the year. Temperatures often drop well below freezing, making it vital to invest in warm winter clothing (coats, boots, gloves, etc.). Homeowners should also stock up on shovels, ice melt and emergency supplies. You can stay updated on local weather patterns through the National Weather Service.

4. Be aware of natural hazards

While the average North Dakota resident will never need to worry about hurricanes, blizzards, flooding and the occasional summer tornado pose risks. Flooding in the Red River Valley is especially common during springtime, while peak tornado season runs between June and July. Visit the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services website for resources and disaster preparedness tips.

5. Research transportation options

While North Dakota offers free, well-maintained highways for personal vehicles, public transportation is generally lacking. Some bus services are available in major cities like Fargo and Bismarck but shouldn’t be solely relied upon. Driving for long stretches without seeing a gas station is also common, so we recommend keeping an emergency kit in your vehicle — including blankets, food and a snow shovel. Check the ND Department of Transportation website for road conditions and travel updates.

6. Embrace the outdoor lifestyle

North Dakota’s wide-open landscapes offer more than just cornfields. The state is home to breathtaking scenic beauty, including Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s stunning rock formations and the wide blue expanse of Devil’s Lake. Hike, fish, bike and explore the welcoming small-town atmosphere year-round. Visit NDTourism.com for more information.

7. Understand mover quotes and tipping

When moving to North Dakota, carefully review and compare moving company quotes. Be sure to account for potential additional fees depending on where you’re relocating to. Tipping movers is customary; a tip of 10% to 20% of the total cost is standard based on the quality of service.