Skip to main content
The Ultimate Senior Resource

North Dakota Senior Living Options & Resources

Senior Living in North Dakota: What You Need to Know

North Dakota is home to 126,120 seniors aged 65 and older, representing 16.2% of the state's total population of 779,361. While the median age of 35.7 reflects a relatively young demographic, the state's senior population continues to grow steadily, creating demand for quality senior living options. With a median household income of $75,949, North Dakota residents enjoy strong financial stability that supports retirement planning and senior care needs.

The senior living landscape in North Dakota currently includes 5 communities spread across 2 cities, with the capital city of Bismarck leading with 3 communities and Minot offering 2 communities. These facilities provide a range of care options including assisted living, memory care, independent living, and skilled nursing services. The geographic concentration in these two urban centers reflects the state's rural character and the clustering of healthcare resources in larger population hubs.

North Dakota offers significant cost advantages for senior care compared to national averages. Assisted living costs average $5,605 monthly, notably below the national average of $5,900. Nursing home care is similarly affordable, with semi-private rooms averaging $8,813 compared to the national average of $9,277. These competitive costs, combined with the state's strong healthcare infrastructure anchored by institutions like Sanford Health and CHI St. Alexius Health, make North Dakota an attractive option for seniors seeking quality care without premium pricing.

The state's healthcare system is robust despite its rural nature, with major medical centers in Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, and Minot providing specialized geriatric care and support services. North Dakota's Medicaid program offers several waiver programs that help eligible seniors access home and community-based services, enabling many to age in place or receive care in less restrictive settings. The state's commitment to senior wellness is evident in its network of aging services and support for family caregivers throughout North Dakota's communities.

Types of Senior Living Care in North Dakota

Average Cost of Senior Care in North Dakota

North Dakota offers exceptional value for senior care, with costs consistently below national averages across all care types. Assisted living averages $5,605 monthly, approximately 5% below the national average of $5,900, while nursing home semi-private rooms cost $8,813 compared to the national $9,277. Private nursing home rooms average $10,114, and home health aide services run about $5,938 monthly. Regional variation within the state is minimal due to the limited number of communities, though Bismarck and Minot maintain competitive pricing. North Dakota's Medicaid waiver programs and veteran benefits provide financial assistance options for eligible seniors, making quality care accessible to more families throughout the Peace Garden State.

Assisted Living

Community-based residential care

$5,335

per month

$64,020/yr

15% below national avg

Nursing Home (Private Room)

24/7 skilled nursing care

$9,673

per month

$116,070/yr

19% below national avg

Nursing Home (Semi-Private)

Shared room nursing care

$8,882

per month

$106,580/yr

16% below national avg

Home Health Aide

In-home personal care

$7,627

per month

$91,520/yr

14% above national avg

Homemaker Services

In-home housekeeping & meals

$7,627

per month

$91,520/yr

18% above national avg

Adult Day Health Care

Daytime supervision & activities

$5,092

per month

$61,100/yr

84% above national avg

5% below national average

Frequently Asked Questions About Senior Living in North Dakota

How much does senior living cost in North Dakota?
Senior living in North Dakota is notably affordable compared to national averages. Assisted living costs average $5,605 per month, about 5% below the national average of $5,900. Nursing home care averages $8,813 for a semi-private room and $10,114 for a private room, both significantly below national rates. In-home care services run approximately $5,938 monthly, making North Dakota one of the more cost-effective states for senior care across all levels of service.
How many senior living communities are in North Dakota?
North Dakota currently has 5 senior living communities spread across 2 cities. Bismarck, the state capital, is home to 3 communities, while Minot hosts 2 communities. This concentration reflects the state's rural character and the clustering of healthcare resources in larger urban centers where comprehensive medical support and services are more readily available.
Does North Dakota Medicaid cover assisted living?
Yes, North Dakota Medicaid covers assisted living services through its Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs, specifically the Aged and Disabled (A&D) Waiver and Community Alternative (CA) Waiver. These programs help eligible seniors pay for assisted living and other long-term care services when they meet medical necessity and financial criteria. The waivers enable seniors to receive care in assisted living facilities rather than nursing homes, supporting aging in less restrictive community settings.
What are the best cities for senior living in North Dakota?
Bismarck leads with 3 senior living communities and offers excellent healthcare through CHI St. Alexius and Sanford Health, plus cultural attractions and Missouri River recreation. Minot, with 2 communities, provides strong healthcare via Trinity Health and a tight-knit community atmosphere. Fargo, while not currently in the data, is the state's largest city with top-tier medical facilities and abundant amenities. Grand Forks offers a university-town environment with Altru Health System and educational opportunities. Mandan provides small-town charm with easy access to Bismarck's resources and services.
What is the climate like for seniors in North Dakota?
North Dakota experiences a continental climate with cold, snowy winters (temperatures often below zero) and warm summers. The harsh winter weather can be challenging for seniors with mobility issues, making senior living communities with indoor amenities and transportation services particularly valuable. However, the state's four distinct seasons offer beautiful summers and autumns with outdoor recreation opportunities, and many residents appreciate the tight-knit communities that develop when people support each other through challenging weather conditions.
What healthcare options are available for seniors in North Dakota?
North Dakota seniors have access to excellent healthcare through major systems including Sanford Health (with locations in Bismarck, Fargo, and other cities), CHI St. Alexius Health in Bismarck, Trinity Health in Minot, Altru Health System in Grand Forks, and Essentia Health in Fargo. Despite the state's rural nature, these institutions provide comprehensive geriatric services, specialized memory care programs, and coordinated care with senior living facilities, ensuring quality medical support throughout the state.

Major Cities with Senior Living Options in North Dakota

Cities ranked by number of communities.

Bismarck

Population 73,694
Seniors (65+) 18.5 %
Communities 3
Explore Bismarck Senior Living

Minot

Population 48,038
Seniors (65+) 13.7 %
Communities 2
Explore Minot Senior Living

Dickinson

Population 25,116
Seniors (65+) 12.1 %
Communities 1
Explore Dickinson Senior Living

West Fargo

Population 38,653
Seniors (65+) 10.4 %
Communities 1
Explore West Fargo Senior Living
View all 2 cities

Cities in North Dakota

Bismarck
3 communities
Dickinson
1 community
Minot
2 communities
West Fargo
1 community

All Communities in North Dakota

Showing 1-7 of 7 communities

Search Communities Near You in North Dakota

Find Senior Living in North Dakota

Need help choosing the right community? Contact us for personalized guidance.

Get Help Today