Real Estate Investing in Bismarck, North Dakota
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in Bismarck, ND? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
For Homebuyers
GREAT FIT
Grade A (86/100)
Strong fundamentals — affordable, appreciating, and stable. A confident pick for primary residence.
For Investors
MIXED
3.0 / 5
(47/100)
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
Risks to Know
CLEAN
No major risk flags on the data we track.
What’s happening in Bismarck, ND?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
🏦 30-yr Fixed Rate:
6.76%
as of Sep 10
Source: Freddie Mac PMMS
Avg Investability
★★★★★
Avg Home Value
$162,700
Avg Monthly Rent
$1,350
ZIP Codes
7
Market Trends — Bismarck, ND
Home Value History
Rent History
Local Pulse Report
AI-researched developments and news for Bismarck, ND. Updated on demand as visitors ask.
Growth & development in Bismarck, ND Updated 139 days ago
Bismarck is experiencing significant infrastructure development and a mix of new business openings and closures, reflecting a dynamic local economy.
Opportunities
- Mill's Fleet Farm is set to open in Bismarck in spring of 2025, offering a wide range of products for rural and suburban lifestyles. — This expands retail options and provides new employment opportunities. BisMan Inc
- The I-94 Interchange (Exit 161) Reconstruction project broke ground in spring 2024, aiming to relieve congestion and support growth in northeast Bismarck. — Improved infrastructure enhances transportation efficiency and supports regional development. NDDOT
- Construction of the new BNSF rail bridge between Mandan and Bismarck is expected to be completed by late summer 2026, improving rail transport capacity. — This modern bridge will allow for faster and more efficient rail transport of goods. BNSF
- The Silver Ranch Career and Technical Center is set to open in Fall 2025, offering expanded educational opportunities in various trades. — This provides new vocational training and skill development for the local workforce. BisMan Inc
- Bismarck Public Works completed a $22 million expansion, adding a truck wash facility and brine shed to enhance operational capacity. — This improves city services and supports the growing infrastructure needs of Bismarck. Kraus-Anderson
Concerns
- Stella's Home Decor announced its closure at the end of 2025, citing struggles with sales since COVID. — This reduces local retail options and results in job losses. Hot 975
- Luna Nox boutique in downtown Bismarck announced its permanent closure by July 31st, 2026. — This decreases local shopping choices and impacts the downtown business landscape. Hot 975
- JNR Vacuums and Sewing, a local store serving Bismarck for nearly 50 years, is closing its doors in September 2025. — This removes a long-standing local business and reduces specialized retail services. KX News
- Several U.S. Postal Service satellite sites inside three Bismarck grocery stores are set to close in September 2025. — This reduces convenient access to postal services for residents. Bismarck Tribune
- CVS Pharmacy is set to close 270 stores nationwide in 2025 as part of a restructuring plan, potentially impacting its two Bismarck locations. — This could reduce access to pharmacy services and lead to job losses. US 103.3
Bottom line: Bismarck is seeing substantial public infrastructure investment and new business growth, alongside some notable local business closures.
Local news & events in Bismarck, ND Updated 139 days ago
Bismarck has seen a mix of community events, ongoing crime concerns, and health advisories, alongside discussions about urban development and environmental factors.
Opportunities
- Bismarck-Mandan Convention & Visitors Bureau launched a new online event calendar to centralize local activities and attractions (April 2026). — This expands awareness and access to diverse community events for residents and visitors. Bismarck Tribune
- Bismarck's annual 'Red, White & Boom!' Fourth of July celebration will be expanded in 2026 for America's 250th anniversary. — This offers an enhanced, larger-scale community event for residents to enjoy. Bismarck Tribune
- The Downtowners organization hosts various community events like the Street Fair and Art & Wine Walk, with vendor applications open for 2026. — These events provide opportunities for local artisans, businesses, and community engagement. Downtowners Bismarck
- The City of Bismarck is using a half-cent sales tax to fund road and street projects, reducing the need for special assessments on residents and businesses (February 2026). — This helps distribute infrastructure costs more evenly, potentially easing financial burdens on property owners. City of Bismarck
- Bismarck's crime rate for violent crimes like assault, murder, rape, and robbery is lower than the national average. — This contributes to a general feeling of safety and well-being for residents. Niche
Concerns
- Crimes against people in Bismarck rose slightly in 2022, driven by an uptick in homicides and aggravated assaults. — This indicates a potential increase in personal safety risks for residents. Bismarck Tribune
- North Dakota reported its second case of measles in 2026 in February, with officials warning of possible community spread. — This poses a public health risk, especially for unvaccinated individuals and vulnerable populations. North Dakota Monitor
- A 15-year-old Bismarck High School student was hospitalized with significant lower body injuries after being struck by a truck in a crosswalk (March 2026). — This highlights ongoing concerns about pedestrian safety, particularly for students. City of Bismarck
- Bismarck's crime rate (violent and property crimes combined) is higher than average when compared to communities of similar population. — This suggests a higher overall risk of becoming a victim of crime compared to similar-sized cities. NeighborhoodScout
- Residents have noted concerns about increased homelessness and police presence in the middle of town, and a lack of nightlife. — These factors can detract from the perceived quality of life and vibrancy of the downtown area. Niche
Bottom line: Bismarck is actively promoting community engagement through events and infrastructure improvements, but faces ongoing challenges with crime rates and public health concerns.
Schools in Bismarck, ND Updated 139 days ago
Bismarck Public Schools (BPS) is addressing facility needs and expanding educational opportunities, with a significant bond measure on the horizon and ongoing program developments. ### Positives: * Bismarck Public Schools is holding a bond election on June
Bismarck Public Schools (BPS) is addressing facility needs and expanding educational opportunities, with a significant bond measure on the horizon and ongoing program developments. ### Positives: * Bismarck Public Schools is holding a bond election on June
Civic & policy in Bismarck, ND Updated 139 days ago
Bismarck residents face a city sales tax increase and potential extension of a road tax, alongside state-level changes to property tax credits and building codes.
Opportunities
- North Dakota increased the state's property tax credit from $500 to $1,500 per year, effective August 1, 2025. — This provides direct financial relief to homeowners by reducing their property tax burden. AM 1100 The Flag
- The Burleigh County Commission approved splitting the Auditor and Treasurer roles on July 8, 2025, appointing an interim Treasurer. — This aims to improve financial management and accountability within Burleigh County government. Burleigh Commission
- Bismarck is developing a new Land Development Code, expected by late 2025, to simplify zoning and make building easier. — This initiative aims to streamline development processes, potentially reducing barriers for property owners and builders. BismarckND.gov
- North Dakota enacted prior authorization reforms on April 23, 2025, to streamline healthcare access by setting time limits for insurer responses. — This improves patient access to necessary medical care by reducing administrative delays. Primacy Strategy Group
- North Dakota passed a bill allowing the Energy and Environmental Research Center to research nuclear energy technologies, signed May 14, 2025. — This could lead to new energy opportunities and economic development in the state. Primacy Strategy Group
Concerns
- Effective April 1, 2025, the City of Bismarck increased its city sales, use, and gross receipts tax by 0.5%, raising the rate to 2%. — This increases the cost of goods and services for residents and businesses in Bismarck. ND Office of State Tax Commissioner
- Bismarck City Commission approved ballot language on March 24, 2026, for a proposed amendment to extend a half-cent sales tax for road projects until December 31, 2038. — If passed by voters, this extends a tax, continuing to impose costs on residents for road funding. City of Bismarck
- The City of Bismarck is updating building codes to the 2024 International Building Code and other related codes, with draft amendments posted in May 2026. — Updated building codes can increase construction costs for new projects and renovations. BismarckND.gov
- A controversial Misty Waters zoning change was approved on June 17, 2025, ending a years-long dispute over rear yard setbacks. — While resolving a dispute, controversial zoning changes can sometimes lead to dissatisfaction among affected homeowners. Bismarck Tribune
Bottom line: Bismarck is seeing a mix of tax increases and potential extensions, alongside efforts to streamline development and improve county financial management.
AI-generated from public web sources. Always verify with official records. Not financial, legal, or investment advice.
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in Bismarck, ND. Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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Avg Home Value
$162,700
Avg Monthly Rent
$1,350
1% Rule
✗ Below
Landlord Friendly (ND)
★★★★★
⚖️
Balanced Market
— Bismarck, ND metro
34
Days to pending
10.5%
Listings with price cuts
0.0%
Sale-to-list ratio
📅 Data as of August 29, 2026 — updated weekly
🎓 Colleges & Universities in Bismarck
4 Colleges
8,457 Students
955 Off-Campus Renters
C+
4-Year Public · 4,065 students
📍 ~955 students rent off-campus
C+
4-Year Private · 3,794 students
C+
4-Year Private · 542 students
C
2-Year For-Profit · 56 students
Investor Insight: With 955 students living off-campus, Bismarck has substantial rental demand from the college population — typically stable, lease-renewing tenants.
ZIP Codes in Bismarck, ND
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View PlansFrequently Asked Questions About Bismarck, ND
What real estate strategy is ideal for Bismarck, ND?
For Bismarck, ND, careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management is the standard investor playbook. The market structure makes it a reasonable default approach.
How landlord-friendly is Bismarck, ND?
Landlord-friendliness in Bismarck, ND is landlord-friendly. Eviction timelines and lease enforcement are considered reasonable by most property managers.
How strong are rents in Bismarck, ND?
The typical rental in Bismarck, ND commands about $1,350/mo monthly. That rent profile reliable cash flow against the $163K purchase basis.
How deep is the rental pool in Bismarck, ND?
Expect a solid tenant pool in Bismarck, ND. The rental market absorbs $1,350/mo rents without meaningful friction.
Do landlords face vacancy issues in Bismarck, ND?
Expect elevated vacancy in Bismarck, ND. Rents at $1,350/mo are absorbed by the tenant base without meaningful lag.
Community Ratings
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