Caring.com
Caring.com

(800) 558-0653

Independent Living in North Dakota

North Dakota is a unique and diverse retirement destination that extends from the highlands of the Missouri Plateau to the fertile farmlands along the Red River Valley. Residents can explore some of the state’s historic sites by visiting the Theodore Roosevelt National Park or the reconstructed Fort Union Trading Post. Although North Dakota has just 762,062 residents, it’s home to nearly 120,000 senior citizens who represent more than 15% of the population. The state’s three metropolitan centers and five micropolitan areas give residents access to cultural attractions, entertainment and high-quality medical care.

Independent living in private apartments or stand-alone cottages is an option at many continuing care retirement communities. This can be ideal for active seniors without care needs who don’t want to worry about maintenance and other responsibilities of homeownership. According to Genworth Financial, the median cost of independent living in North Dakota is $2,662 per month, which is slightly lower than the national average.

Seniors who want to learn more about independent living can find information about average prices and potential payment options in this guide. It also includes a directory of statewide programs that can help older adults maintain their independence.

The Cost of Independent Living in North Dakota

When trying to decide how to pay for independent living, one of the first questions that comes up is "How much does it cost?" With the impact of inflation, it's more important than ever to have up-to-date information when making a financial plan for senior living. To help shed light on real senior living prices, Caring.com has compiled proprietary cost data from its network of over 75,000 senior living providers to offer insight into the average cost of independent living in North Dakota and its 1 cities.

Note: Independent Living costs are generally 30%-40% lower than costs for Assisted Living, but there’s no definitive source for national Independent Living costs. This guide estimates Independent Living costs by subtracting 35% from the Assisted Living costs found in the Genworth Financial Cost of Care Survey.

North Dakota’s monthly estimated cost of $2,204 for Independent Living is relatively low when compared to national and regional averages. In general, seniors can expect to pay $2,925 a month for this level of care elsewhere in the nation. Independent Living is also relatively affordable in South Dakota, where the estimated monthly cost is $2,177. Prices are much closer to the national average in North Dakota’s other two border states: $2,893 in Montana and $2,930 in Minnesota.

The Cost of Independent Living in North Dakota's Top Cities

North Dakota averages $2,873 a month for independent living. This is the same figure as the state's capital city, Fargo, but exact prices in the area vary. Sioux Falls, SD, for instance, averages $2,117 a month for independent living, while Rapid City, SD, costs more at $2,403. Seniors in Helena, MT, pay an average of $2,920 a month, or $47 more than North Dakota's average cost.

North Dakota

$2,873

Fargo

$2,873

Sioux Falls, SD

$2,117

Rapid City, SD

$2,403

Helena, MT

$2,920

Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Independent Living in North Dakota

Inflation has driven up the cost of independent living in North Dakota. From 2022 to 2024, prices rose in North Dakota from $2,443 to a projected $3,060, a 25% increase. This is higher than the 13% national monthly increase from $2,810 to $3,162. Increases have occurred in many nearby states such as California with a nearly 10% rise from $3,481 to $3,823. Colorado saw a relatively modest hike of 8%, while costs in New Mexico rose by a dramatic 61%. In contrast, Wyoming saw a drop from $2,723 to $2,200.

Location2022 Cost (Historical)2023 Cost (Current)2024 Cost (Estimated)
North Dakota$2,443$2,873 $3,060
U.S. Average$2,810$2,955$3,162
Wyoming$2,723$2,065$2,200
Colorado$2,769 $2,802$2,984
New Mexico$1,962$2,961$3,154
California$3,481$3,556 $3,823

The Costs of Other Types of Senior Living

The $2,873 monthly cost of independent living is low relative to other types of senior care where seniors may need more attention and therapy. Assisted living costs $3,472 a month in North Dakota, while memory care averages $5,899.

Assisted Living

$3,472

Memory Care

$5,899

Independent Living

$2,873

Can You Use Medicare or Medicaid to Pay for Independent Living in North Dakota?

Unfortunately, you cannot use Medicaid and Medicare to help pay the monthly fee for residing in an Independent Living community. For seniors who need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), there may be financial assistance programs available to help cover the cost of care in Independent Living. For more information about financial assistance for those who need a higher level of care, read our guide to Assisted Living in North Dakota.

Read on for more information about using alternative means to make Independent Living more affordable, such as retirement funds, the sale of a home, etc.

Paying for Independent Living in North Dakota

Although independent living costs less than other long-term care options, there are fewer financial assistance programs available. Most seniors pay for independent living out of pocket using their retirement income, just as they would pay for their living expenses if they stayed in the community. Seniors who want to increase their monthly cash flow or need a lump sum for move-in expenses may consider selling real estate or applying for a reverse mortgage. Financial assistance may also be available through long-term care insurance, VA benefits and Medicaid, although these options only pay for medically necessary services, such as meal preparation, grocery shopping assistance and transportation. Our guide to independent living provides a more complete look at estimated costs and possible payment options.

Independent Living Resources in North Dakota

There are many resources in North Dakota that assist seniors in their retirement. Caring.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs and agencies and categorized them into care types for easy reference.

 

Area Agency on Aging

Retirees can find support and advice on various senior-related issues from their local Area Agency on Aging. The agency provides advice on topics such as financial assistance programs, in-home care and long-term care planning. It also connects seniors and caregivers with community-based resources.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services855-462-5465North Dakota's Area Agencies on Aging operates programs under the umbrella of the North Dakota Health and Human Services. The program offers specialized assistance to seniors based on an assessment of individual needs. These include services that help seniors stay in their homes instead of moving into long-term care. Examples include funding for in-home services, family home care and adult foster care. Other forms of practical assistance are homemaker services, such as chores, shopping, meal preparation and money management.

Cash Assistance Programs

Cash assistance programs in North Dakota provide financial support to help low-income retirees remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Seniors and caregivers can apply for tax rebates and reductions, discounts on vital services and help covering the cost of heating and cooling their home.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
North Dakota Lifeline Program800-234-9473The LifeLine Program offers a discount on landline or mobile telephone service, ensuring that participants can stay in contact with loved ones.

Financial Assistance for Senior Care and Senior Living

Whether living in their own home or in a senior living community, North Dakota seniors can find financial assistance from numerous local resources. These organizations help residents cover some of the costs associated with in-home or long-term care and connect them with other helpful community-based resources.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
North Dakota Medicaid Waiver for Home and Community Based Services855-462-5465The Medicaid Waiver for Home and Community Based Services is designed to help older adults and people with disabilities remain living in their homes with access to local community services. This waiver provides a wide range of services including personal care, transport, chore services and respite care. It can also pay for minor home modifications. Services can be provided at home, in adult daycare, adult foster care or memory care facilities.

Food Assistance Programs

Local organizations help ensure elderly citizens have a balanced diet and receive essential vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. Through nutrition programs, congregate meals, home-delivered meals and food pantries, these programs help North Dakota seniors afford the nutritious food they need.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
North Dakota Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)The North Dakota Community Supplemental Food Program is a government program targeted at improving the health of seniors. CSFP food packages distributed to eligible older North Dakotans contain USDA-approved supplementary food items suitable for inclusion in a diet that addresses the nutritional needs of older adults. All low-income North Dakota residents aged 60 and over are invited to apply. Packages are available through nominated community action agencies with location details accessible online.
North Dakota Meals on WheelsNorth Dakota Meals on Wheels provides nutritious, well-balanced meals and support services for eligible seniors statewide. Seniors must be 60 years old or over to qualify, and the program focuses on those who aren't mobile enough to prepare or shop for food. Depending on circumstances, meals are served on a sliding-scale basis in a congregate setting, such as the local senior center, or they're delivered directly to the senior's front door with an accompanying safety check.
North Dakota The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)The Emergency Food Assistance Program of North Dakota is a federal government program aimed at stemming food insecurity and nutritional deficiencies in older adults. North Dakota seniors aged 60 and over with limited financial means can access emergency food packages and attend free communal meals. TEFAP partners with local North Dakota agencies such as the Great Plains Food Bank in Fargo to distribute food to pantries statewide. Seniors can make inquiries through TEFAP or their local seniors' agency.

Free Used Medical Equipment

Due to the high cost of purchasing new medical equipment, several organizations in North Dakota collect lightly used medical devices such as wheelchairs, ramps and walkers and distribute them to local seniors and residents in need.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
North Dakota Healthcare Equipment Recycling Organization (HERO)701-212-1921Based in Fargo, this program provides donated durable medical equipment to people in need locally and worldwide. It also has a shopfront where anyone can purchase low-cost medical equipment and supplies.

Home Repair and Modifications

Seniors and those with disabilities can access a variety of local resources to help them pay for home repairs and modifications. Programs in North Dakota have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
North Dakota Rehab Accessibility Project800-292-8621North Dakota Housing Finance Agency is in Bismarck, ND. The agency operates diverse programs to assist homeowners, renters and homeless people. Low-income individuals with a physical disability may qualify for financial assistance through the Rehab Accessibility Program. Grants for home renovations may cover fitting accessibility features, such as grab rails, ramps and wheelchair-accessible showers, as well as widening doorways and installing door levers. To qualify, households must earn less than 80% of the county's median income.

Social Security Offices

Social Security offices in North Dakota help seniors and disabled people access the benefits they're entitled to. Older adults can contact their local office for information about receiving retirement benefits, disability allowance and Supplemental Security Income.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
North Dakota Social SecuritySocial Security is a source of income available to retirees and people who can no longer work because of a disability. The money for Social Security comes from a payroll tax levied on employers, employees and self-employed individuals. When you retire, you'll receive monthly payments based on how much you earned when you were working.

Tax Assistance

Seniors can apply for tax assistance from several North Dakota resources. Elderly residents and those with disabilities could be eligible for tax exemptions on medical expenses, reductions on property tax and other tax assistance programs.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
North Dakota Homestead Property Tax CreditThe Homestead Property Tax Credit reduces the taxable value of a person's home. The credit amount is variable, based on an individual's income.
North Dakota Renter's Refund701-328-7088The Renter's Refund provides a partial refund for the rent of a person's place of residence or mobile home lot. The benefit provides a refund if 20% of your rent is more than 4% of your annual income. The overpayment is refunded, up to $400.

Utility & Energy Bill Assistance

Low-income seniors who are struggling to meet the costs of maintaining their homes can find support from organizations that offer assistance with utility and energy bills. North Dakota retirees could also qualify for emergency funding programs if they're in danger of losing utility services due to unpaid invoices.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
North Dakota Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)866-614-6005LIHEAP partially pays for home heating costs, including natural gas, electricity, coal or other fuel sources. It can also help with weatherization, furnace cleaning and repair, chimney cleaning and emergency assistance.

Veteran's Services

North Dakota retirees who have served in the U.S. military can find support from local veteran services. These offices and organizations help vets access the benefits they're eligible for and provide advice and information on a variety of issues.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
North Dakota VA Benefits and Health CareNorth Dakota VA Benefits and Health Care helps seniors access long-term care and various in- and out-patient medical services throughout the state. Eligible veterans can receive treatment and nursing home care at clinics and veteran's centers in North Dakota, as well as utilize financial benefits such as Aid and Attendance. Typically, individuals must serve 24 months of active duty to be eligible for these benefits; however, this is sometimes waived for people discharged due to disability or hardship.

What you can do with Caring

  • Search the Caring database

    Quickly search the largest online senior living and senior care directory

  • Read reviews and expert guidance

    Read our authentic consumer reviews and content by experts

  • Speak to a Family Advisor for free

    Guided, expert advice to find the best community or agency for you

  • Take a tour to decide yourself

    We’ll help you book tours or get in touch with local agencies

Independent Living Facilities in North Dakota

4 Results

Filters

4 Results

Sort By

Didn't find what you were looking for?

Caring's Family Advisors are here to help you with questions about senior living and care options.

Call us at (855) 948-3865

Independent Living in North Dakota

Bismarck

Find Independent Living Options Near You

Search

Speak with a Caring Family Advisor

Who are you looking for?

Full Name

Phone

Email

By clicking "Get Started", I am providing express written consent to receive calls including automated/pre-recorded calls and automated texts for which I may incur a cost, as well as emails from Caring and its partners. I understand I am not obligated to provide this consent to utilize Caring’s service(s). I acknowledge I was able to review the Agreement to be Contacted, Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Caring.com

Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Caring.com

Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Our Services

  • Senior Living Directory

  • Senior Care Directory

  • Caregiving Resources

  • Sitemap

  • Terms of Use

  • Privacy Policy


© 2024 Caring, LLC. All rights reserved.