Assisted Living in North Dakota: A Family Guide

Facts checked September 28, 2026 against official North Dakota sources

What assisted living is called in North Dakota, what it costs, how Medicaid can help, how to check a community’s license and inspections, and who to call if something goes wrong. Every fact links to the official source.

Licensed by

North Dakota Health and Human Services: assisted living is licensed by both Food and Lodging and the Health Response and Licensure Section; basic care facilities by the Health Facilities Unit¹

Licensed communities on Lilisity

127 assisted living

Typical cost

$4,729 a month (state median, CareScout 2025)

Long-term care ombudsman

(855) 462-5465, option 3, or (701) 328-4617²

What assisted living is called in North Dakota

• Assisted living facilityA building with at least five living units serving five or more people who are not related to the owner or manager, offering support services that help residents stay as independent as possible.¹
• Basic care facilityA separate state-licensed care setting. Basic care facilities are not certified to take part in Medicare or Medicaid, but a license makes the facility eligible for state funding for basic care services.³

What assisted living costs in North Dakota

The median cost of assisted living in North Dakota is $4,729 a month, below the national median of $6,200 (CareScout Cost of Care Survey 2025, collected July to November 2025). Prices vary with the apartment, the level of care and the community, so ask each one for its current rate sheet, including care-level fees.

Plan with our free tools: how long will the money last? and home care or assisted living?

Paying for assisted living in North Dakota

Medicare does not pay for assisted living. Families pay from savings and income, long-term care insurance, or benefits such as VA Aid and Attendance (estimate it). Who actually pays for long-term care.

Medicaid. Medicaid does not pay rent or meals in assisted living. Whether North Dakota Medicaid pays for care services in assisted living, and which communities accept it, is a question for the state Medicaid agency or your local Area Agency on Aging.

How to check a community in North Dakota

Look up a license. The state posts a PDF list of licensed assisted living facilities (last updated August 28, 2025). Basic care facilities have a separate list on the Health Facilities Unit page. Search North Dakota’s records.⁴

Always visit in person, at a mealtime or in the evening if you can. Bring the tour scorecard and the 8 tour questions.

If something goes wrong

Complaints about care or conditions. North Dakota Health and Human Services has an online Assisted Living Complaint Intake Form, linked from its assisted living page. The long-term care ombudsman also takes concerns from assisted living residents and families. file online.⁵

Abuse, neglect or exploitation. Call 1-855-462-5465, press 2. How to report.⁶ If someone is in danger, call 911.

The long-term care ombudsman is a free advocate for residents of assisted living and nursing homes: they help resolve problems with a community, including move-out notices. Call (855) 462-5465, option 3, or (701) 328-4617 or find your local ombudsman.²

Find assisted living in North Dakota

Assisted living by city

Every community and county in North Dakota · 2 with verified resident reviews

Sources

1. Licensing agency, license types (hhs.nd.gov)
2. Ombudsman (hhs.nd.gov)
3. License types (hhs.nd.gov)
4. License lookup (hhs.nd.gov)
5. Complaints (forms.nd.gov)
6. Reporting abuse (hhs.nd.gov)
7. CareScout Cost of Care Survey 2025 (state medians)

Facts checked against these official sources on September 28, 2026. Rules and programs change; confirm with the agency before making a decision. General information, not legal or financial advice.