What’s the average mortgage payment in North Dakota?

According to data collected from Redfin and Rocket Mortgage, the average monthly mortgage payment in North Dakota is around $1,670 before property taxes and insurance. This puts North Dakota below the national average of $2,010 per month. 

Set against the backdrop of prairies and small, fast-growing cities, North Dakota is a state where affordability meets opportunity. Like much of the Midwest, its housing market tends to favor steady price growth and accessible entry points for buyers, making it an appealing option for many.

A closer look at the North Dakota housing market

The median sale price in North Dakota is $305,300 as of October 2025, up almost 7% year-over-year. 

Here’s a snapshot of recent median sale prices from Redfin:

What influences mortgage payments in North Dakota?

Monthly mortgage payments generally consist of principal, interest, taxes, and insurance (PITI). These can all vary in cost and affect your average monthly payment. The Rocket Mortgage^® mortgage calculator helps you see how each factor changes your payment by breaking them down clearly.

Home price and down payment

Because home prices in North Dakota are generally lower than the national average, the base mortgage balance tends to be smaller. For example, if you made a 20% down payment on a $305,300 home in North Dakota with a 30-year fixed loan at 6.5%, you could expect to pay about $1,544 per month before taxes and insurance.

Choosing to put less than 20% down might save you on upfront costs, but be prepared for higher monthly payments and added insurance fees. Most lenders will require private mortgage insurance for a down payment less than 20%. 

Mortgage rate

Your mortgage interest rate determines how much interest you pay on your home loan over time and is influenced by your credit score, down payment amount, loan type, and current market rates. Other factors, like debt-to-income ratio (DTI), home type, and location can also have an impact on your mortgage rate. Be sure to check rates regularly , as even slight changes can significantly change your monthly payment. 

Loan term

The length of your payoff period, or loan term, also affects your monthly payment rate. The longer the length, the lower the monthly payment. For example, a 30-year fixed mortgage spreads the loan balance over a longer period than a 15-year fixed mortgage, allowing you to pay less per month. However, paying over a longer timeframe could mean you’ll pay more in total interest over the lifetime of the loan. A shorter loan costs more each month but accrues less interest overall. 

Property taxes and insurance

Property taxes are calculated based on your home’s value. North Dakota generally sees lower home values and more moderate property taxes compared to other states at a rate of 0.99%, which helps keep the non-principal components of your mortgage lower. A median-value home in North Dakota at $241,100 will add about $200 per month in property taxes to your average monthly mortgage payment.

North Dakota’s homeowners insurance costs are a little higher than the national average, and homeowners can expect to add around $325 per month to monthly payments to cover those costs. 

Mortgage payments in North Dakota compared to other states

Because home values are lower in North Dakota, average mortgage payments are typically below national and high-cost-state averages. Even with similar interest rates, monthly mortgage payments in North Dakota tend to be much lower simply because home prices are lower.

Among neighboring Midwest states, North Dakota is on the lower end with average payments across the region varying by only about $160:

Highest monthly payments in North Dakota

According to Q1 2025 median sale prices from the National Association of REALTORS^®, only a few counties in North Dakota see average monthly mortgage payments higher than the national average of $2,010. Here are the five highest in the state:

Lowest monthly payments in North Dakota

The counties with the lowest estimated monthly payments, on the other hand, fall well below the average, with all coming in at under $700 per month: 

How to calculate your mortgage payment

Mortgage payments are calculated using a standard formula that considers your loan balance, rate, and the number of years you plan to repay the loan. If you want to run the numbers yourself, the Rocket Mortgage online mortgage calculator is an easy way to visualize how changes in these inputs affect your monthly cost. Additional calculators and resources from Rocket Mortgage can provide even deeper insight.

Mortgage resources for North Dakota home buyers

Here are a few resources you can find from the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) to help with down payments, closing costs, and mortgage payment assistance: 

• FirstHome: Low-cost mortgage financing with favorable rates for first-time home buyers meeting income and purchase price limits.

• HomeAccess: Affordable mortgage financing for homeowners in a household as a single parent, with veterans or active military members, or with dependents or spouses who are disabled or elderly.

• North Dakota Roots: Mortgage and down payment assistance for moderate-income buyers or those who don’t qualify for other NDHFA programs.

• DCA (Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance): Credit toward down payment, closing costs, and prepaid items for eligible low-income buyers.

• Start Program: 3% credit toward upfront costs for low- to moderate-income buyers, helping make down payment and closing costs more manageable.

North Dakota average monthly mortgage FAQ

Still have questions about buying a home in North Dakota? We have answers!

What is a good mortgage payment in North Dakota right now?

A “good” payment rate is one that will work best for you. It’s largely dependent on your income, loan type, and home price. Monthly mortgage payments directly correlate with home price, and since North Dakota home prices are relatively low, your estimated monthly payment could be lower than the national average. You can use the Rocket Mortgage home affordability calculator to see price points in your range and understand what you could be prequalified for. 

What’s the difference between a 15-year vs. 30-year mortgage in North Dakota?

In North Dakota, a 30-year mortgage will have a lower monthly payment than a 15-year mortgage due to a longer amount of time to pay it off. A 15-year loan costs more each month, but it can save you money in interest over the life of the loan.

How much income is needed to afford a home in North Dakota?

Considering the 28/36 rule when determining how much house you can afford, an ideal annual household income to afford a home in North Dakota is around $89,159 based on data from Rocket and Redfin.  

The bottom line on North Dakota mortgage payments 

Thanks to more affordable home prices and moderate taxes, North Dakota can offer substantial savings for home buyers compared with many coastal and high-cost states. For many buyers, this could mean easier monthly budgets and potentially more buying power.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced homeowner, get prequalified for a loan with Rocket Mortgage to understand your buying power and begin the process with confidence. 

*Methodology: Average monthly mortgage payment in a region, calculated based on average home purchase price for a fixed 30-year loan and a 52-week average interest rate of 6.68% from Freddie Mac as of August 2025.