Bismarck, ND demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
75,556
1.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$78,387/yr
1.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
35,361
1.5% year-over-year change

Bismarck population

How many people live in Bismarck

Bismarck is home to 75,556 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.8% of Bismarck locals are male, and 50.2% are female.

Total population
75,556
1.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.8%
37,632
Female
50.2%
37,924
Value Percent YoY change
Male 37,632 49.8% 2.2%
Female 37,924 50.2% 1.6%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Bismarck is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.8% are children under 15, then 12.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.7% of the population, while another 22.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.8%
15 to 24
12.8%
25 to 44
27.7%
45 to 64
22.2%
Over 65
19.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 13,469 17.8% -1.1%
15 to 24 9,690 12.8% 3.8%
25 to 44 20,925 27.7% 2.7%
45 to 64 16,734 22.2% -1.2%
Over 65 14,738 19.5% 6.1%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Bismarck, 95.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 83.8% of locals are Caucasian, 2.6% are African American and 1.2% have Asian roots. Another 4.3% are Indigenous American, 0.7% are Pacific Islanders, while 0.8% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 6.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.3%
Non-citizens
2.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 71,851 95.1% 1.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,748 2.3% 13.3%
Non-citizens 1,957 2.6% 16.1%
Racial breakdown
White
83.8%
Black or African American
2.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
4.3%
Asian
1.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.7%
Two or more races
6.5%
Other
0.8%
Value Percent
White 63,296 83.8%
Black or African American 1,974 2.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 3,263 4.3%
Asian 938 1.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 508 0.7%
Two or more races 4,941 6.5%
Other 636 0.8%

Households in Bismarck

A peek inside Bismarck households

Bismarck has 33,130 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 54.6% are families, while the remaining 45.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
33,130
2.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
15,035
Family households
18,095
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 15,035 45.4% 5.4%
Family households 18,095 54.6% 0.8%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Bismarck

The housing landscape of Bismarck

Bismarck's housing consists of 35,361 units, with 47.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 10.7% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 7.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
35,361
1.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 16,699 47.2%
1 unit, attached 3,785 10.7%
2 units 1,404 4%
3 or 4 units 1,170 3.3%
5 to 9 units 1,751 5%
10 to 19 units 1,919 5.4%
20 to 49 units 3,075 8.7%
50 or more units 3,001 8.5%
Mobile home 2,557 7.2%
Homes built since 2020
686
159.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Bismarck

In Bismarck, the median construction year is 1985. About 5.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 12.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 19.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,012 5.7% -0.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 987 2.8% -0.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 3,089 8.7% 0.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,259 9.2% 10.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 6,328 17.9% -7.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 3,815 10.8% 5.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 4,038 11.4% -6.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 4,356 12.3% 3.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 6,791 19.2% 3.1%
Built in 2020 or later 686 1.9% 159.8%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Bismarck occupancy rates

Out of the 33,130 occupied housing units in Bismarck, 65.5% are owner-occupied, while 34.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
33,130
2.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
11,438
Owner occupied
21,692
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 11,438 34.5% 3.8%
Owner occupied 21,692 65.5% 2.4%
Unoccupied housing units
6.3%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Bismarck housing costs

Housing costs in Bismarck come to a median of $1,057 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $999.

Median housing costs per month
$1,057/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Bismarck
$999/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Bismarck

Bismarck education at a glance

About 26.9% of the population in Bismarck went to high school, while 20.3% pursued college studies. Another 13.7% earned an associate degree and 26% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,287 2.2% 19.5%
High school diploma 15,940 26.9% 0.3%
College diploma 12,056 20.3% 2.0%
Associate degree 8,131 13.7% 0.8%
Bachelor's degree 15,425 26% 4.0%
Graduate degree 6,465 10.9% 4.3%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Bismarck

How much people earn in Bismarck

The average annual household income in Bismarck was $101,767 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $78,387, reflecting a +1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Bismarck
$101,767/year
2.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Bismarck
$78,387/year
1.0% year-over-year change

Bismarck income by age

In Bismarck, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $93,249. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $93,020 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $52,162, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $58,780 in earnings. Overall, 90.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $52,162 27.6%
25 - 44 $93,249 -0.4%
45 - 64 $93,020 0.7%
Over 65 $58,780 -0.1%
Above poverty level
65,626
Below poverty level
6,567
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 65,626 90.9% 2.5%
Below poverty level 6,567 9.1% -2.5%

Average renter income in Bismarck

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Bismarck, their median household income was $46,617 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 25.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$46,617
Rent-to-income ratio
25.7%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Bismarck

Workforce and job types in Bismarck

The job market in Bismarck is powered by 38,597 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 80.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 19.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.4% run their own businesses, 57% are employed by private companies, and 20.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
38,597
3.2% year-over-year change
White collar
31,048
Blue collar
7,549
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 31,048 80.4% 3.2%
Blue collar 7,549 19.6% 3.3%
Employer type
Self employees
8.4%
Private companies
57%
Governmental workers
20.3%
Not for profit companies
14.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 3,245 8.4% -6.6%
Private companies 22,012 57% 4.2%
Governmental workers 7,826 20.3% 3.4%
Not for profit companies 5,514 14.3% 5.6%
Unemployment rate
2.6%
-26.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Bismarck stands at 2.6%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Bismarck

How people get around in Bismarck

In Bismarck, the average commute time is 16 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 89% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
16 min
0.7% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 34,259 89% 2.6%
Taxicab 46 0.1% -55.3%
Bus or trolleybus 59 0.2% -11.9%
Motorcycle 35 0.1% 9.4%
Bicycle 130 0.3% -11.6%
Walk 738 1.9% -3.0%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Bismarck by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
58501 29,405 12,519 $68,755 $91,864
58503 37,683 15,358 $102,333 $131,194
58504 30,212 12,121 $85,637 $103,042
58505 22 10 $0 $0

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FAQs about Bismarck demographics 

What is the total population of Bismarck?

Bismarck has a total population of 75,556 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +1.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Bismarck?

The gender ratio in Bismarck is as follows:
  • 49.8% males (37,632 residents)
  • 50.2% females (37,924 residents)

What is the median age in Bismarck?

The median age in Bismarck is 38.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Bismarck?

The age distribution in Bismarck is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.8% (13,469 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.8% (9,690 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.7% (20,925 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.2% (16,734 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.5% (14,738 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Bismarck?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Bismarck is as follows:
  • White: 83.8% (63,296 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.6% (1,974 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 4.3% (3,263 residents)
  • Asian: 1.2% (938 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.7% (508 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.5% (4,941 residents)
  • Other: 0.8% (636 residents)

What percentage of the population in Bismarck are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.1% of the population in Bismarck.

How many housing units are there in Bismarck?

There are 35,361 housing units in Bismarck, reflecting a +1.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Bismarck and what is the average household size?

Bismarck has a total of 33,130 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Bismarck?

Bismarck has a median household income of $78,387, representing a +1.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Bismarck?

The employment rate is 97.4% in Bismarck, with a workforce of 38,597 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 80.4% (31,048 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 19.6% (7,549 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.4% (3,245 residents)
  • Private companies: 57% (22,012 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 20.3% (7,826 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 14.3% (5,514 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025