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City Report · ND

Bismarck

Pop. 75,556·2nd most expensive in North Dakota·Bismarck rents are up 8.0% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$1,372/mo
Year-over-Year
+8.0%
Month-over-Month
+2.4%
vs US Median
-$593
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Bismarck · $1,372
More affordable than 83% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
49/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are right about where Bismarck's 10-year trend predicts.

Actual rent
$1,372/mo
Expected by trend
$1,364/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Bismarck's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$850
1 BR
$943
2 BR
$1,050
3 BR
$1,470
4 BR+
$1,763
Research median
$1,050/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$16,464/yr
At $1,372/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 8.0% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+8.0% YoY, +2.4% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Bismarck, ND is majority owner-occupied, 39.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
75,556
Median income
$78,387
Median age
38.9
Renters
34.5%
Age distribution
21.5%
23.2%
23.8%
19.5%
Under 1821.5%
18–3423.2%
35–5423.8%
55–6412%
65+19.5%
Gender
49.8%
50.2%
Male49.8%
Female50.2%
Race & ethnicity
83.8%
White83.8%
Black2.6%
Hispanic3.5%
Asian1.2%
Other8.9%
Education (25+)
22.1%
33.2%
39.2%
No HS diploma5.5%
HS diploma22.1%
Some college33.2%
Bachelor's+39.2%
Housing tenure
65.5%
34.5%
Owner65.5%
Renter34.5%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2023 vs 2026

How Bismarck, ND has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,075 → $1,372
up 27.6%
Income
$70,125 → $78,387
up 11.8%
Population
73,321 → 75,556
up 3.0%
Renter share
35.2% → 34.5%
-0.7 pts
Bachelor's+
37.5% → 39.2%
+1.7 pts
Median age
37.6 → 38.9
+1.3 yrs

Since 2023, the typical rent in Bismarck, ND has climbed from $1,075 to $1,372, a 27.6% change over five years. Local incomes tracked alongside that move, going from a median of $70,125 in 2021 to $78,387 more recently. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. The population has grown by 3.0% since 2021, moving from about 73,321 residents to roughly 75,556. These shifts give renters and would-be renters a longer baseline for sizing up today's listings against the Bismarck, ND market of 2023.

Community

Discussions about Bismarck

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View Bismarck rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Bismarck on your salary?

At $1,372/mo, how Bismarck rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Bismarck rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Bismarck. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Bismarck

About renting in Bismarck, ND

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Bismarck is $1,372/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $850/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,050/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $943/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,470/mo.

At 21% of local median household income ($78,387/yr), Bismarck ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 8.0% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Bismarck an affordable city for renters?

Bismarck is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,372/mo, rent takes approximately 21% of the local median household income ($78,387/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Bismarck falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Bismarck?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $55,000/year (~$26/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,372/mo in Bismarck. The local median household income is $78,387/yr, meaning the typical Bismarck household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Bismarck?

Rent in Bismarck has increased 8.0% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Bismarck neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Bismarck are 58501 ($1,032/mo), 58504 ($1,524/mo), and 58503 ($1,538/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Bismarck is $1,372/mo.

How does Bismarck rent compare to other cities in North Dakota?

Bismarck is one of the pricier cities in North Dakota for rent, ranking #2 out of 11 tracked cities at $1,372/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Bismarck?

Minot is nearby and more affordable at $1,143/mo, which is $229 less than Bismarck.

What percentage of Bismarck residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 34.5% of Bismarck households are renters, while 65.5% are owner-occupied. Bismarck leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Bismarck rent compare to the national average?

Bismarck's median rent of $1,372/mo is $593 (30%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within North Dakota, it ranks #2 out of 11 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
21%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,372/mo, rent takes ~21% of Bismarck's median household income ($78,387/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Bismarck 21%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1.1–2.5%
Run the Bismarck affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Bismarck, ND

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