AI-Scored Rankings • Updated 2026-04-03

Best Apartments in Bismarck, ND — Scored by AI

ListWise scores every Bismarck neighborhood on safety, walkability, schools, commute time, and rental value. See which areas actually match your lifestyle — not just what's cheapest.

$950/mo
Median Rent
73,622
Population
8
Neighborhoods Scored
Sanford Health
Top Employer
Local Insights

Why Bismarck? What Renters Need to Know

Average rent in Bismarck is approximately $950 per month, higher than one might expect for a small Plains city, reflecting North Dakota's energy-sector wealth and low supply of rental inventory. South Bismarck's newer developments command the highest rents.

Quick Facts

Population 73,622
Median Rent $950/mo
Top Employer Sanford Health
Neighborhoods 8 scored by AI
Rent vs. National$950 vs $1,500 national median

Rent Comparison

Bismarck median rent is $550 below the national median of $1,500/mo — an affordable market.

Largest Employer

The largest employer in Bismarck is Sanford Health, making the Downtown Bismarck area and nearby neighborhoods popular for commuters looking to minimize travel time.

Top Neighborhoods

Top Neighborhoods in Bismarck

Ranked by ListWise's composite AI score. Top 3 shown free — unlock all 8 for the full picture.

#1

Downtown Bismarck

Score: 76/100
Safety B
Walk Score 62
Avg Rent $1,000
Schools 6/10
#2

South Bismarck

Score: 80/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 38
Avg Rent $1,050
Schools 8/10
#3

North Bismarck

Score: 74/100
Safety B
Walk Score 32
Avg Rent $950
Schools 7/10

Ready to find your perfect neighborhood?

Get Your Full Report — $19
#4

Mandan

Score: 76/100
Safety B
Walk Score 30
Avg Rent $920
Schools 7/10
Unlock full rankings
#5

Sertoma Park Area

Score: 78/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 44
Avg Rent $975
Schools 7/10
Unlock full rankings
#6

Missouri Valley Area

Score: 72/100
Safety B
Walk Score 40
Avg Rent $940
Schools 7/10
Unlock full rankings
#7

Hillside (South End)

Score: 74/100
Safety B
Walk Score 28
Avg Rent $960
Schools 7/10
Unlock full rankings
#8

Lincoln

Score: 70/100
Safety B-
Walk Score 18
Avg Rent $900
Schools 6/10
Unlock full rankings

See All 8 Bismarck Neighborhoods Ranked

Get the full report with detailed scores, rent comparisons, commute maps, and personalized recommendations.

How It Works

How ListWise Scores Bismarck Apartments

1

Tell Us Your Priorities

Rank what matters: safety, schools, walkability, commute, budget, nightlife. Every Bismarck renter is different.

2

AI Scores Every Listing

We pull real-time data from MLS, crime stats, school ratings, transit APIs, and walk score databases for Bismarck.

3

Get Your Ranked List

Receive a PDF + Excel report with Bismarck properties ranked by YOUR priorities. Delivered within 24 hours.

FAQ

Frequently Asked About Bismarck

What is the average rent in Bismarck, ND?

Average rent in Bismarck is approximately $950 per month, higher than one might expect for a small Plains city, reflecting North Dakota's energy-sector wealth and low supply of rental inventory. South Bismarck's newer developments command the highest rents.

Is Bismarck a good place to live?

Bismarck offers very low crime rates, excellent schools, strong government and healthcare employment, and a tight-knit community. The trade-off is harsh winters, limited cultural amenities compared to larger metros, and geographic isolation on the northern Great Plains.

How cold does it get in Bismarck?

Bismarck is one of the coldest state capitals in the US, with average January temperatures around 10°F and wind chills that can drop to -40°F or colder. Residents adapt with warm vehicles, insulated homes, and year-round outdoor winter activities.

What is the job market like in Bismarck?

State government (as state capital), healthcare (Sanford and CHI St. Alexius), banking, and energy-sector services anchor the economy. North Dakota's low unemployment rate extends to Bismarck, making it a relatively easy city to find employment.

What outdoor activities are available in Bismarck?

Bismarck offers access to the Missouri River, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park (Custer's last posting), and the North Dakota Heritage Center. In winter, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are popular. The city has an active trail system along the river.

Ready to Find Your Bismarck Apartment?

Stop scrolling 47 Zillow tabs. Tell us what matters and get a ranked list of Bismarck apartments that actually fit your life.

Data is for informational purposes only. Verify all information independently before making housing decisions.