The 5 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Bismarck, ND for 2023

North Dakota’s capital city, Bismarck, is the second largest city in the state and is known for its historic neighborhoods and rich heritage. Of the city’s approximately 74,000 residents, 17.2% or nearly 13,000 are seniors ages 65 and up. Seniors appreciate Bismarck’s low cost of living and relatively low crime rates, and although the climate is harsh in the winter, it is comfortable in the summer. Bismark’s residents have many medical care options, including CHI St. Alexius Health Bismarck Medical Center and the Sanford Medical Center.

When Bismarck’s seniors struggle to remain independent in their own homes, they have many options for senior care, including assisted living, which provides help with daily living activities, medication and housekeeping. Activities and socialization in a community setting are also appealing to many seniors. Assisted living communities in Bismarck charge about $3,710 per month for care, a figure that comes in well under the national average of $4,500 but over the North Dakota state average of $3,391.

Using this guide, seniors can learn more about the costs of assisted living in Bismarck, as well as the city’s benefits and disadvantages and options to help pay for assisted living care.

Assisted living facilities in North Dakota are licensed through the state’s Department of Health & Human Services. This department carefully regulates assisted living and works with communities to help them provide the highest quality of care and safety for residents. A list of licensed assisted living facilities is available online.

• Bismarck’s cost of living comes in at 94.5 on a 100-point scale, with 100 standing as the U.S. average. Transportation, utilities and health care are all below the national average, although grocery costs and housing prices come in just above. These reasonable rates help seniors balance their budgets better, especially if they live on a fixed income.
• In terms of crime rates, Bismarck is a relatively safe city. Violent crime rates are low, standing at 13.7 on a scale of 100, with the national average at 22.7. Property crime rates are higher at 38.6, a bit above the U.S. average of 35.4. The city’s police force is well aware of this trend and working to counteract it.
• Bismarck’s climate is mixed. Winters are cold and snowy, with an average January low of about 2 degrees. Summers, however, are beautiful, and the city’s summer comfort index stands at 9.1 on a 10-point scale. The city averages 202 sunny days per year, which is nearly on par with the U.S. average of 205 sunny days.
• Health statistics for Bismarck are largely positive. The health cost index, for instance, shows that Bismarck’s health care expenses are 24.5% lower than the national average. Both water quality and air quality rate higher than the U.S. average. The city’s percentage of physicians is also higher than average.
• Bismarck residents have plenty of health care options. The city is served by two major hospitals. CHI St. Alexius Health Bismarck Medical Center offers a wide variety of services and specialties. Sanford Medical Center also provides a full range of care and specializes in surgery, including robotic surgery.

Bismarck residents can expect to pay about $3,710 per month for assisted living services. However, costs may vary according to the level of care required and the amenities and living arrangements chosen.

Bismarck’s assisted living costs are generally on the lower end of the cost spectrum. Prices in the city come in under the U.S. average by $790. Bismarck’s rates are higher than the North Dakota average of $3,391 and prices in Grand Forks, which stand at $2,200. Fargo’s costs, however, are higher than Bismarck’s by $130. Rates in neighboring states also tend to be higher, with Rapid City, SD, at $3,914 and Minneapolis, MN, at $5,163.

Assisted living is actually the lowest-priced option for senior care in Bismarck. Seniors who wish to remain in their own homes might choose an adult day health care program, but they will pay over $1,500 more per month for it. In-home care and home health care are higher yet, with a price of $7,823. Nursing home care comes in highest at over $6,600 more than assisted living.

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

• Veterans Benefits 
• Life Insurance Policy
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in North Dakota page.