Median Income
$76,875
2% higher than US avg
Home Value
$110,300
61% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.1%
34% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$817
30% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.7%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.6%
0% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.9%
36% lower than US avg
How Bismarck Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population510
Median Age42.5 yrs
Density689/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans11.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$76,875
Per Capita$31,782
Unemployment3.6%
Poverty7.9%
County GDP$4,180M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$110,300
Rent$817
Ownership86.2%
Zillow$165,338
Housing Units218
Rent Burden21.8%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity40.7%
Uninsured7.4%
Smoking14.8%
Depression25.3%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain43.2 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation679 ft (207 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.1%
High School+98.6%
Graduate+9.3%
School Score4.45
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 31%
Commute24 min
Broadband85.3%
EV Stations7
Libraries10
Is Bismarck a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bismarck receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Bismarck stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bismarck is $76,875, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.6%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 7.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bismarck is $110,300, 61% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $817 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Bismarck is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
22.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Bismarck experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 43.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Bismarck has a population of 510 with a density of 689 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 42.5 years, 9% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.7% female and 46.3% male. The city is predominantly White (95.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.4% of residents. 11.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 97.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.5yrs
Median Age
9% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.4%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.6%
96% below US avg
The median household income in Bismarck is $76,875, which is 2% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,782 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,050, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,313 business establishments, including 146 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 7.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $76,875 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,782 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,050 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,745 |
| Gini Index | 0.435 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.9% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,313 |
| County GDP | $4,180M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 146 |
| Healthcare | 150 |
| Retail | 212 |
| Manufacturing | 72 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,912 |
| 40% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.45% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.7% |
The median home value in Bismarck is $110,300, 61% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $165,338, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $817 (30% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 86.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 218 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1969. The average annual property tax is $4,912 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 21.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $110,300 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $165,338 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $817 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 86.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 13.8% |
| Housing Units | 218 |
| Median Year Built | 1969 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,912 |
| 40% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.45% |
In Bismarck, 40.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 32.7% have high blood pressure. 14.8% are current smokers. 20.7% report binge drinking. 22.4% are physically inactive. 25.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.2% experience frequent mental distress. 7.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,811. The dentist ratio is 1:2,679. 68.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bismarck vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.7% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.7% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.4% |
| Depression | 25.3% |
| Mental Distress | 19.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 35.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.4% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,811 |
| Dentists | 1:2,679 |
| Mental Health | 1:245 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.7% |
| Dental Visits | 62.7% |
| Premature Death | 12,430/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 68.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 150 |
Bismarck has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 15 fatal traffic crashes.
Crime Rates: Bismarck vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 15 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Bismarck experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 43.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 679 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 53.1°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 679 ft (207 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 689/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.2594°N, 87.6113°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Vermilion County County |
| Nearest Airport | Vermilion Regional (DNV)
4 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
43.2"
14% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 78.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 70.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.3 on May 13, 2025.
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
55 km |
| Dec 20, 1990 |
5 km S of Stilesville, Indiana |
M3.7 |
112 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
92 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
117 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
53 km |
| Dec 16, 1996 |
3 km NNE of Terre Haute, Indiana |
M3.1 |
86 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
119 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
627 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 62 fatalities, 859 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 1994 |
EF4 |
61 km |
3 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
49 km |
18 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
68 km |
28 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
33 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF3 |
50 km |
1 |
| Jun 25, 1978 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
83 km |
1 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
61 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
11 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,602 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,602 |
81 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
42°F (5°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.7 in |
|
Bismarck has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 27°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (1.8").
Average costs for common services in Bismarck. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $768 |
| Toddler | $657 |
| Preschool | $541 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $781 |
| Toddler | $711 |
| Preschool | $636 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bismarck
What is the population of Bismarck?
Bismarck has a population of 510 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 689 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.7% female and 46.3% male.
Is Bismarck expensive to live in?
Bismarck has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $76,875, 2% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $110,300 (61% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $817 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Bismarck safe?
Bismarck is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Bismarck?
Bismarck has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 43.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Bismarck?
Bismarck has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.6%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,050. There are 1,313 business establishments in the area, including 146 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 7.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bismarck?
The median home value in Bismarck is $110,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $165,338. For renters, the median monthly rent is $817. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 86.2%. The average annual property tax is $4,912.
How are the schools in Bismarck?
Schools in Bismarck have an average test score of 4.4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 22.1% of adults in Bismarck hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.6% have completed high school. 9.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bismarck?
The obesity rate in Bismarck is 40.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.8% of adults are smokers. 22.4% are physically inactive. 25.3% of residents report depression. 7.4% lack health insurance. 68.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,811.
What is transportation like in Bismarck?
The average commute in Bismarck is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 87.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bismarck?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bismarck is 95.7% White. 99.4% of residents speak only English at home. 11.9% of the population are military veterans. 10.0% of residents have a disability. 97.0% have health insurance coverage.
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