Rising Population and Housing Costs Drive Increase in Homelessness in North Dakota

North Dakota Faces Rising Homelessness Amid Population Growth and Housing Shortages

Bismarck, ND – A surge in homelessness is being reported across North Dakota,mirroring a national trend as growing populations and a scarcity of affordable housing create notable challenges for residents and support services. The state is grappling with an increasing demand for shelter and assistance programs, prompting legislative action to explore potential remedies.

Legislative Response and Data Reveal Scope of the Problem

During the 2025 legislative session, state lawmakers allocated funding for a thorough study, integrated into the Industrial Commission’s budget, aimed at identifying viable solutions to address the homelessness crisis. A preliminary hearing on this matter took place last Thursday during a meeting of the interim Human Services Committee.

Data presented indicates a stark increase in the number of individuals experiencing homelessness.The Missouri Slope Areawide United Way in Bismarck reported serving 531 homeless individuals last year, a substantial 78% jump from the 2020 figures. Despite having only 42 beds, the shelter consistently accommodates approximately 100 people nightly, with many traveling from outside Bismarck-Mandan due to limited shelter options in surrounding areas.

Demographic Disparities and Regional Impact

Jena Gullo, executive director of the Missouri Slope Areawide United Way, highlighted that approximately 32% of those seeking shelter identify as Native American, a disproportionately high figure considering this group represents roughly 5% of North Dakota’s overall population. This disparity underscores the complex intersection of ancient and systemic factors contributing to homelessness within Indigenous communities.

The situation is equally pressing in other parts of the state. Chandler Esslinger, executive director of the Fargo-Moorhead Coalition to End Homelessness, stated that shelters are “overwhelmed” by the number of people unable to secure permanent housing. He emphasized the critical shortage of both housing and supportive services, factors that contribute to individuals remaining trapped in cycles of homelessness.

statistical Overview of Homelessness in north Dakota

Recent surveys paint a concerning picture. A Legislative Council memo revealed 784 people were counted as homeless during a point-in-time survey in January 2023. This number rose to 865 in 2024, remaining relatively stable at 861 in 2025, according to data compiled by the North Dakota Continuum of Care. Though, experts caution that accurately gauging the extent of homelessness remains challenging due to varying definitions, population mobility, inadequate rural data, and the fluctuating nature of the crisis.

Year	Point-in-Time count
2023	784
2024	865
2025	861

Jessica Thomasson, executive director for human services at the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, explained that every county in North Dakota has seen residents at risk of housing loss or experiencing homelessness. This demonstrates that the crisis is not confined to urban centers.

Rental Assistance and Housing Affordability

Over the past three years, nearly 21,000 North Dakotans have applied for assistance through ND Rent Help, an emergency rental assistance program. these applications represent over 13,000 households, with roughly 31% including families with children. Approximately 48% of these households were temporarily staying with friends or family, while 25% utilized emergency shelters or transitional housing units, and 19% were unsheltered.

Officials caution that access to affordable rental units is increasingly competitive. Jennifer Henderson,director of planning and housing development for the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency,noted that federal guidelines recommend housing costs not exceed 30% of income,a benchmark becoming increasingly arduous to meet as rents rise. Currently, over 106,000 North Dakota households earn less than $23 per hour, a number projected to increase by 2027.

Did You Know? Approximately 39% of renter households in north Dakota are spending more than 30% of their income on housing,compared to 15% of homeowners,according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

Looking Ahead: Prevention and Long-Term Solutions

Senator kyle Davison, chair of the interim Human Services Committee, emphasized the need for improved data collection and a proactive approach to homelessness prevention. He suggested that investing in preventative measures could be a more effective use of taxpayer funds than solely focusing on expanding shelter capacity.

understanding the Root Causes of Homelessness

Homelessness is a multifaceted issue driven by a combination of factors, including poverty, lack of affordable housing, mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and domestic violence. Economic downturns and systemic inequalities can also exacerbate the problem. Addressing homelessness requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach that tackles these underlying causes.

According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness (https://endhomelessness.org/),effective solutions include increasing the supply of affordable housing,providing supportive services like mental health care and job training,and implementing prevention programs to help people avoid losing their homes in the first place.

frequently Asked Questions About Homelessness in North Dakota

What role do you think community involvement should play in addressing homelessness in North Dakota? Should the focus be on immediate shelter or long-term affordable housing solutions?

Share your thoughts in the comments below!

What specific programs does the North Dakota Housing Finance agency (NDHFA) offer to address housing affordability?

The Growing Crisis of Homelessness in north Dakota

North Dakota, traditionally known for its affordability and strong communities, is facing a growing crisis of homelessness.while often overlooked in national conversations, the state has seen a concerning rise in individuals and families experiencing housing instability. This isn’t a sudden shift; it’s a complex issue fueled by a confluence of factors, primarily rising population, escalating housing costs, and a shortage of affordable housing options. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing effective solutions.

Population Growth and its Impact on Housing

North Dakota experienced significant population growth in the early 2010s, largely driven by the Bakken oil boom. This influx of workers strained existing infrastructure, including housing. While the boom has subsided, the population hasn’t significantly decreased, and demand for housing remains high, notably in western North Dakota.

Increased Demand: More people needing housing naturally drives up prices.

Limited Supply: Construction hasn’t kept pace with population growth, creating a significant housing shortage.

Rural Challenges: Many rural communities struggle to attract developers and build new housing due to limited resources and infrastructure.

This combination has led to a competitive rental market and soaring home prices, pushing affordable housing out of reach for many North Dakotans. Affordable housing crisis is a key term to understand the situation.

The Escalating Cost of Housing in North Dakota

The cost of housing in north Dakota has risen dramatically in recent years. According to Zillow data (as of September 2025), the median home price in North Dakota is $285,000, a 15% increase over the past five years. Rental rates have also seen a substantial increase, with the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment now exceeding $1,200 per month in many cities.

Factors Contributing to Higher Housing Costs

Construction Costs: The price of building materials (lumber, steel, etc.) has fluctuated but generally trended upwards.

Labor Shortages: A shortage of skilled construction workers drives up labor costs.

Land Availability: Limited availability of suitable land for development, especially in urban areas.

Property Taxes: Increasing property taxes contribute to the overall cost of homeownership and can impact rental rates.

Investment Properties: Increased investment in rental properties can drive up prices and reduce availability for owner-occupancy.

These factors create a challenging habitat for low- and moderate-income families, making it increasingly challenging to secure stable housing. Housing affordability is a critical issue.

Homelessness Statistics in North Dakota: A Closer Look

The latest Point-in-Time (PIT) count, conducted in January 2025, revealed that North dakota had 1,487 people experiencing homelessness on a single night. This represents a 7% increase from the previous year.

Unsheltered Homelessness: A significant portion of the homeless population (approximately 60%) is unsheltered,meaning they are living on the streets,in cars,or in other places not meant for human habitation.

families with Children: the number of families with children experiencing homelessness is also on the rise, highlighting the impact of the housing crisis on vulnerable populations.

Veterans: While efforts have been made to reduce veteran homelessness,it remains a concern,with approximately 8% of the homeless population identifying as veterans.

Chronic Homelessness: Individuals experiencing chronic homelessness (long-term or repeated homelessness) represent a significant portion of the population and require specialized support services.

These statistics underscore the urgency of addressing the root causes of homelessness in North Dakota. homeless population North Dakota is a key search term.

Available Resources and Support Services

Several organizations across North Dakota are working to address homelessness and provide support services to those in need.

North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA): Offers programs to increase affordable housing options and provide rental assistance. (https://www.ndhfa.org/)

Homeward Alliance: Provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, and supportive services in Fargo. ([https://homewardallianceorg/[https://homewardallianceorg/