Can A Paramedic Afford Rent in Bismarck, ND?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 31.9% of gross income.
Bismarck rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (North Dakota state estimate).
About rent and a paramedic salary
Paramedic and EMT base pay sits modestly below the US median household income and is often supplemented by overtime. At the national-average paramedic salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,330 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These North Dakota cities have lower median rent than Bismarck, which improves the affordability math on a paramedic salary:
Compare with full rent data for Bismarck
View full rent data for Bismarck, ND →Frequently asked questions
Can a paramedic afford rent in Bismarck, ND?
Median rent in Bismarck is $1,372 a month. A typical paramedic in North Dakota earns about $51,585 a year, which makes that rent 31.9% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a paramedic afford in Bismarck?
Using the 30% rule, a paramedic salary in North Dakota (~$51,585/yr) supports up to $1,290 a month in rent. Bismarck's current median rent is $1,372/mo, which is $82/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a paramedic work to cover rent in Bismarck?
At an hourly equivalent of about $25 an hour, a paramedic in North Dakota works roughly 55.3 hours a month to cover Bismarck's median rent of $1,372.
Where is rent cheaper than Bismarck for a paramedic?
Nearby North Dakota cities with lower median rent include Williston ($1,353/mo), West Fargo ($1,350/mo), West Fargo ($1,336/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a paramedic salary.