Median Income
$41,550
45% lower than US avg
Home Value
$108,000
62% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.6%
60% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$683
41% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.5%
36% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.2%
44% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.4%
0% lower than US avg
How Bismarck Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,560
Median Age33.7 yrs
Density1,560/mi²
Male / Female40% / 60%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans6.9%
Economy
B
Median Income$41,550
Per Capita$19,214
Unemployment5.2%
Poverty12.4%
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$108,000
Rent$683
Ownership62.5%
Zillow$147,663
Housing Units736
Rent Burden28.3%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property1,532/100K
Health
Obesity43.5%
Uninsured12.9%
Smoking27.8%
Depression30.0%
Heart Disease8.1%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
Rain46.2 in/yr
Elevation1,024 ft (312 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.6%
High School+79.6%
Graduate+4.7%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute30 min
Broadband85.9%
EV Stations1
Is Bismarck a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bismarck receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Bismarck offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bismarck is $41,550, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.2% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 12.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bismarck is $108,000, 62% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $683 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x 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 1,532 per 100,000, 22% below the national average.
Education
13.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Bismarck enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 46.2 inches, including 8.7 inches of snow.
Bismarck has a population of 1,560 with a density of 1,560 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 33.7 years, 13% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 60% female and 40% male. The city is predominantly White (94.4%), with 1.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.5% of residents. 6.9% of the population are veterans. 21.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 87.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,560
Total Population
2023 Census
33.7yrs
Median Age
13% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.5%
24% above US avg
Spanish
3.5%
74% below US avg
The median household income in Bismarck is $41,550, which is 45% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,214 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 5.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 12.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 8.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $41,550 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $19,214 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.2% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.4% |
| 0% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.2% |
The median home value in Bismarck is $108,000, 62% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $147,663, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $132,000 with homes selling in an average of 124 days. Homes sell for 88.6% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $683 (41% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 62.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 736 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. 28.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $108,000 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $147,663 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $132,000 |
| Median List Price | $98,500 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $132,000 |
| Median List Price | $98,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $67 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Days on Market | 124 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 88.6% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 2 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $683 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 62.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 62.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 37.5% |
| Housing Units | 736 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
In Bismarck, 43.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.1% of residents, above the national average. 38.9% have high blood pressure. 27.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.5% report binge drinking. 40.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 30.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 23.5% experience frequent mental distress. 12.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: Bismarck vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.5% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.6% |
| Heart Disease | 8.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.9% |
| Asthma | 12.2% |
| COPD | 13.0% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 4.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 27.8% |
| 99% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 40.8% |
| Depression | 30.0% |
| Mental Distress | 23.5% |
| Physical Distress | 19.8% |
| Short Sleep | 42.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.1% |
| Uninsured | 12.9% |
| 50% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 75.0% |
| Dental Visits | 45.4% |
Food & Exercise
Bismarck has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,532 per 100,000, 22% below the U.S. average. Overall, Bismarck receives a safety grade of C+.
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 | 1,532.3/100K |
| 22% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Bismarck enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 46.2 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 8.7 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 1,024 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (0°C)
78°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 56.1°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,024 ft (312 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,560/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.7692°N, 90.6248°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Farmington Regional (FAM)
12 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
46.2"
22% above US avg
Wettest Month (Apr)
5.42"
Earthquake History
90 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M2.9 on Jun 27, 2025.
| Sep 26, 1990 |
4 km SE of Chaffee, Missouri |
M4.8 |
113 km |
| Feb 5, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Dongola, Illinois |
M4.2 |
134 km |
| Jul 7, 1991 |
11 km ENE of Brandsville, Missouri |
M3.9 |
147 km |
| Feb 21, 2012 |
4 km SSE of Bertrand, Missouri |
M3.9 |
146 km |
| Jun 7, 2011 |
18 km NNW of Potosi, Missouri |
M3.9 |
42 km |
| Aug 22, 2000 |
19 km WNW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
150 km |
| Oct 21, 1999 |
9 km NW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
146 km |
| Aug 16, 2003 |
5 km W of Thomasville, Missouri |
M3.7 |
139 km |
| Sep 22, 2011 |
6 km E of Grandin, Missouri |
M3.6 |
106 km |
| Jun 15, 2004 |
3 km S of Canalou, Missouri |
M3.5 |
143 km |
| Feb 6, 1993 |
6 km NNW of Catron, Missouri |
M3.3 |
146 km |
| Aug 27, 1993 |
5 km SSE of Olympian Village, Missouri |
M3.3 |
39 km |
| Dec 27, 1992 |
2 km E of Pocahontas, Missouri |
M3.2 |
94 km |
| Apr 6, 1994 |
2 km NE of Tamaroa, Illinois |
M3.2 |
131 km |
| Oct 21, 1999 |
10 km NW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.1 |
146 km |
| May 15, 2014 |
4 km W of Malden, Missouri |
M3.1 |
145 km |
| Mar 12, 2002 |
6 km S of Marble Hill, Missouri |
M3.1 |
82 km |
| Mar 1, 2006 |
2 km N of Buncombe, Illinois |
M3.0 |
148 km |
| Feb 28, 1994 |
5 km NW of Harrison, Illinois |
M3.0 |
110 km |
| Jun 27, 2005 |
6 km E of Grand Tower, Illinois |
M3.0 |
107 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
478 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 71 fatalities, 865 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF4 |
55 km |
1 |
| Sep 22, 2006 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 2002 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1969 |
EF4 |
46 km |
2 |
| Jun 22, 1969 |
EF4 |
8 km |
4 |
| Dec 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
46 km |
3 |
| Feb 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
85 km |
21 |
| Feb 24, 1956 |
EF4 |
80 km |
6 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
95 km |
1 |
| Oct 24, 2021 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2021 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
82 km |
1 |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
EF3 |
55 km |
2 |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2003 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2002 |
EF3 |
78 km |
1 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 29, 1982 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1981 |
EF3 |
47 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: STEGALL MOUNTAIN (6,979 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
STEGALL MOUNTAIN |
6,979 |
91 km |
| 2010 |
WYLIE KING 1 |
6,077 |
97 km |
| 2015 |
15 STEGAL MOUNTAIN |
5,112 |
92 km |
| 2011 |
MINNINGHAW |
4,792 |
72 km |
| 2009 |
STEGAL MTN. COMPLEX |
4,717 |
92 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
4,602 |
73 km |
| 2021 |
MILLER KING |
4,130 |
95 km |
| 2022 |
SMITH MILL HOLLOW |
3,978 |
39 km |
| 1999 |
STEGALL99 |
3,415 |
92 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
3,313 |
93 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
3,252 |
74 km |
| 2021 |
VICTORY 1-7 |
3,237 |
100 km |
| 2021 |
COUNCIL BLUFF |
3,035 |
28 km |
| 2022 |
LITTLE CREEK |
3,004 |
74 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,963 |
86 km |
| 2021 |
HODGE HOLLOW |
2,922 |
74 km |
| 2024 |
COUNCIL BLUFF WEST RX |
2,846 |
28 km |
| 2004 |
04 RX CAMPBELL/BEAVER |
2,772 |
89 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,751 |
30 km |
| 2005 |
MCKENZIE HILL |
2,722 |
64 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (0°C) |
2.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| March |
46°F (8°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
5.4 in |
Wettest |
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| July |
78°F (25°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (25°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
69°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
3.0 in |
|
Bismarck has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 33°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 46.2 inches, with April being the wettest month (5.4") and January the driest (2.7").
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) |
$227 ($136-$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182-$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91-$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726-$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68-$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136-$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23-$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45-$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136-$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363-$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91-$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54-$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45-$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136-$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632-$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363-$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994-$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454-$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540-$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816-$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726-$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182-$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908-$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27-$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68-$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23-$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45-$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72-$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27-$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27-$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72-$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63-$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54-$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73-$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27-$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36-$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36-$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27-$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45-$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68-$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090-$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27-$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27-$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14-$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545-$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454-$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182-$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23-$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363-$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540-$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27-$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45-$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27-$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136-$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91-$363) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Bismarck
What is the population of Bismarck?
Bismarck has a population of 1,560 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,560 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 60% female and 40% male.
Is Bismarck expensive to live in?
Bismarck is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $41,550, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $108,000 (62% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $683 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, 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 1,532 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Bismarck receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bismarck?
Bismarck enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 46.2 inches, with 8.7 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Bismarck?
The unemployment rate in Bismarck is 5.2%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 8.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bismarck?
The median home value in Bismarck is $108,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $147,663. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $132,000, with homes typically selling within 124 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $683. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 62.5%.
How are the schools in Bismarck?
Schools in Bismarck score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.6% of adults in Bismarck hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.6% have completed high school. 4.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bismarck?
The obesity rate in Bismarck is 43.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 27.8% of adults are smokers. 40.8% are physically inactive. 30.0% of residents report depression. 12.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Bismarck?
The average commute in Bismarck is 30 minutes. 82.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bismarck?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bismarck is 94.4% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino. 97.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.5% speak Spanish. 6.9% of the population are military veterans. 21.9% of residents have a disability. 87.1% have health insurance coverage.