Retiring in North Dakota (2026)

North Dakota ranks #41 of 51 nationally for retirement friendliness (62/100 vs national avg 73/100). Housing costs are #16 of 51 cheapest, and cost of living overall is slightly below the US average.

Retirement Score

Median Home

$265k

Nat'l avg $358k

Cost of Living

92(US=100)

Nat'l avg 103

Climate

cold arctic

Healthcare

68/100

Reasons to Retire Here

✓Very safe
✓Reasonable cost of living
✓Good state services
✓Homestead credit for seniors

Trade-Offs to Know

•Extreme cold winters
•SS partially taxed
•Rural isolation

Climate for Older Adults

North Dakota's climate is cold-arctic with long harsh winters and short summers. Not for retirees who dislike cold or need to reduce fall risk.

Total Financial Picture

The key financial factors for a North Dakota retirement:

• Housing: Median home value $265,000. That's about $93k cheaper than the national median.
• Cost of living index: 92 vs 100 US baseline — everyday goods like groceries, gas, and services run slightly below the US average.
• Tax friendliness: 68/100 — Social Security is partially or fully taxed; pensions are fully taxed. See the full North Dakota tax guide.
• Healthcare access: 68/100 — good in metro areas, thinner in rural regions.
• Safety: 75/100 — well above average safety statewide.

North Dakota scores below average for retirement primarily on cost or tax friendliness. It can still be right if family, cultural amenities, or specific health-care access matter more than the financial factors.

Safety & Crime

75/100

Above-average safety compared to other states. Property crime and violent crime both below national norms.

Common Questions — Retiring in North Dakota

Is North Dakota a tax-friendly state for retirees?

North Dakota scores 68/100 on our tax friendliness scale. It taxes at least some Social Security or retirement income — plan for this in your budget. See the full state tax breakdown.

What's the median home price in North Dakota?

About $265,000 statewide, though costs vary significantly by city. Popular retirement communities and coastal areas tend to run above the state median; rural areas run below.

Is healthcare access good in North Dakota?

Healthcare access scores 68/100. Good in urban and suburban areas; rural regions have fewer specialists. Consider proximity to a major medical center if you have chronic conditions.

Are there active senior communities in North Dakota?

Yes, but concentration varies by region. Look at MSAs (metropolitan statistical areas) that skew older; North Dakota has plenty of 55+ communities in metro suburbs.