North Dakota’s young adults can’t afford homes despite state’s low-cost reputation, rivaling California and Hawaii

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Young adults struggle to buy homes in North Dakota despite the state’s traditionally affordable reputation. North Dakota ranks 40th nationwide for homeownership among adults under 35, with only 36% owning homes – placing it alongside expensive states like Hawaii and California. High interest rates at 7%, soaring home prices, and stagnant wages are key factors driving young buyers away. Homeownership among low- and middle-income households dropped nearly 20% between 2012 and 2022, while housing costs rose 40%. The state needs over 20,300 new housing units by 2027 but faces contractor shortages. Minnesota leads the nation with 50% young adult homeownership, allocating hundreds of millions for affordable housing compared to North Dakota’s $25 million – funding that was accidentally vetoed by Governor Armstrong.