With Canada across its northern border, North Dakota is one of the great plains states, known for its energy production, agriculture and wide-open country. The state capital is located in Bismarck, and North Dakota remains a predominantly rural state with a small population relative to the rest of the country. That seclusion suits many residents just fine, especially those who like open sky, hunting, ranching and country life. A good portion of North Dakota residents claim either a German or Scandinavian background, which contributes to the distinctive accent the locals are known for. Major cities besides the capital include Fargo, Grand Forks, West Fargo, Minot and Dickinson.
As of 2025, North Dakota's population is just under 800,000, making it one of the least-populous states in the country. Even so, those who live in the Roughrider State tend to do well: North Dakota consistently posts one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation, anchored by its energy, agriculture and technology sectors.
Places to Live in ND
As of 2025, the typical home value in North Dakota is around $290,000 (per Zillow), having risen modestly over the past year. Prices vary considerably by community, and in a smaller state like ND the statewide figure can shift more than you'd expect, so it's worth looking at values in the specific city or county you're considering.
Fargo
Fargo is North Dakota's largest city, home to roughly 136,000 residents as of the mid-2020s. Perhaps best known from the Coen Brothers film of the same name, Fargo regularly ranks highly on lists of the best cities for business and careers. Major local employers include Sanford Health, North Dakota State University, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota, the public school system and Microsoft.
Bismarck
Bismarck is the capital of North Dakota, and its metro area is home to well over 100,000 people, with the city itself around 78,000 as of the mid-2020s. Major employers include state and local government, MDU Resources, CHI St. Alexius Health and Sanford Health.
Find Your Bank!
Though it's a small state, ND residents enjoy a wealth of banking options. There are local and community banks dedicated to the small towns of the Roughrider State, along with branches from large national banks like U.S. Bank and Wells Fargo. Below, we've collected a sampling of the choices available to residents.
Local and community banks:
- Alerus Financial
- Bank Forward
- BNC National Bank
- Dakota Community Bank & Trust
- First United Bank
- Unison Bank
- Western State Bank
Credit unions:
- First Community Credit Union
- Capital Credit Union
- Town and Country Credit Union
- Dakota West Credit Union
- Western Cooperative Credit Union
- North Star Community Credit Union
National banks:
- U.S. Bank
- Wells Fargo
- Armed Forces Bank
Ready to see how these institutions compare on CD rates, auto loans, checking accounts and more? At RateZip, you can quickly compare offers side by side from many of the nation's top banks and banks right here in ND. Get started now!
North Dakota Mortgage Rates
For those considering relocation or buying in these communities, RateZip.com can help you get a sense of which lenders to work with for competitive mortgage rates in the area. Homebuyers and those looking to refinance in North Dakota can take advantage of the usual options, like the fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) or adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). First-time buyers may also want to look at the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA), whose FirstHome program offers affordable conventional, FHA, VA and USDA financing to eligible low- and moderate-income buyers, with down payment and closing-cost help available through its Start program. There's another option worth considering, too: although it's a bit lesser known, the United States Department of Agriculture sponsors a mortgage loan program designed to help buyers purchase in less-populated areas, generally towns with fewer than 25,000 people. You can learn all about USDA home loans in North Dakota on RateZip!