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Quality of Life in Lisbon, ND
Above-average quality of iife. The area offers a reasonable cost of living, decent mobility, and a mix of neighborhood amenities.
What does Quality of Life tell us?
Quality of Life blends cost of living, nearby amenities, socioeconomic signals, and neighborhood character. City-level scores represent the whole municipality; individual neighborhoods can differ.
What does this tell us?
Quality of Life blends cost of living, nearby amenities, socioeconomic signals, and neighborhood character. City-level scores represent the whole municipality; individual neighborhoods can differ.
Cost of Living
39% below national average
The Real Cost of Living in Lisbon, ND for 2026
| Tier | Individual | Family (4) |
|---|---|---|
| Survival | $11k | $20k |
| Comfortable | $36k | $53k |
| Luxury | $95k+ | $147k+ |
| Elite (Top 5%) | $112k+ | $173k+ |
117%
The Area Signal
A metric tracking the socioeconomic signals of the area.
Hobbies
Explore the areaGroceries
2 within 10 miles
Gas
0 within 10 miles
Hospital
0 within 20 miles
Airport
JFK — John F. Kennedy Memorial
Post Office
USPS — Lisbon, ND
Critical Amenities
Quality-of-Life Analysis
Lisbon, North Dakota, offers a quality of life defined by exceptional affordability and a quiet, family-oriented atmosphere, with a cost of living index of 61 (39% below the U.S. average) that attracts retirees, remote workers, and young families seeking financial breathing room. The town’s population of roughly 2,800 is predominantly white-collar and older, with a median age of 44.3, reflecting a stable community of long-term residents and newcomers drawn to the area’s low-stress pace and strong agricultural roots. Median household income hovers around $62,000, which, combined with rock-bottom housing costs, allows residents to stretch their dollars further than in most of the country.
Cost of living, housing affordability, and how Lisbon compares to nearby towns
Lisbon’s housing market is a standout bargain: the median home value of $185,700 is roughly half the national median, while the median rent of $671 is nearly 40% below the U.S. figure. This makes homeownership accessible even for entry-level earners, with a typical mortgage payment (at 2026 rates) consuming less than 20% of local median income. Compared to larger regional hubs like Fargo (median home value ~$290,000) or Wahpeton (~$210,000), Lisbon offers a clear affordability edge, though it lacks the same breadth of job opportunities. The average commute of just 18 minutes is a major quality-of-life perk, freeing up time for family and recreation that residents in congested metros would envy. Property taxes in Ransom County are moderate, averaging about 1.2% of assessed value, which keeps annual carrying costs low.
Local amenities, schools, and the daily rhythm of life in Lisbon
Daily life in Lisbon centers on a compact, walkable downtown with a grocery store, hardware shop, and a handful of locally owned restaurants and cafes. The Lisbon Public School District serves roughly 600 students across one elementary, one middle, and one high school, with a student-teacher ratio of about 12:1 and graduation rates consistently above 90%. For healthcare, residents rely on Lisbon Area Health Services, a critical-access hospital with a 24-hour emergency room, though specialists require a 45-minute drive to Fargo. Outdoor recreation is anchored by the Sheyenne River Valley, with the nearby Sheyenne National Grassland offering hiking, birding, and hunting. The town’s social calendar revolves around the annual Lisbon Corn Festival, high school sports, and church gatherings, reinforcing a tight-knit community where neighbors know each other by name. Internet access is adequate, with fiber-optic service from local providers reaching most homes, supporting remote work.
Lisbon is best suited for those who prioritize financial security, quiet living, and community connection over urban excitement. Retirees on fixed incomes will find their dollars go far, while remote workers and young families can enjoy a low-stress lifestyle with a short commute and strong schools. However, career opportunities are limited outside of agriculture, healthcare, and education, so job seekers should secure employment before relocating. For anyone seeking a safe, affordable, and unhurried place to put down roots, Lisbon delivers a quality of life that is both practical and deeply satisfying.
Crime in Lisbon, ND
Lower crime rates than 92% of comparable U.S. locations.
Violent CrimeViolent Crime Analysis
Property CrimeProperty Crime Analysis
Crime Analysis
Lisbon, North Dakota, presents a notably safe environment compared to national benchmarks, with violent crime rates far below the U.S. average. The town's crime statistics reflect its character as a small, tight-knit community in the rural Upper Midwest, though property crime rates warrant attention from prospective residents. Overall, Lisbon offers a low-risk setting for families and individuals seeking a quiet lifestyle.
Crime in context
Lisbon's violent crime rate stands at 46.1 incidents per 100,000 residents, a figure that is dramatically lower than the national average of roughly 380 per 100,000. This places Lisbon among the safest communities in the country for violent offenses such as assault, robbery, and homicide. Property crime, however, is reported at 599.1 per 100,000, which is slightly below the national average of approximately 1,950 per 100,000 but higher than the North Dakota state average of around 1,800 per 100,000. Theft and burglary are the primary drivers of this category, though rates remain manageable compared to larger urban centers. It is important to note that Lisbon is not part of a large metropolitan area with progressive prosecutorial policies; instead, it operates under a more traditional, conservative justice system typical of rural North Dakota, which tends to prioritize public safety and victim rights.
What residents experience
Daily life in Lisbon is characterized by a strong sense of security. Most residents report feeling safe walking alone at night, and neighborhood watch efforts are common. The town's police department maintains a visible presence, and community engagement is high. Property crimes, while present, are often opportunistic—such as unlocked vehicle entries or shed burglaries—rather than organized or violent. The local judicial system, reflecting the area's conservative values, generally imposes stricter sentences for repeat offenders, which helps deter more serious criminal activity. For families, the low violent crime rate is a significant draw, and schools benefit from a safe environment with minimal incidents.
Neighborhood-level variation in Lisbon is minimal. The town is compact, and crime is not concentrated in any specific area. Older homes near the downtown core may experience slightly higher rates of petty theft, while newer subdivisions on the outskirts report virtually no crime. Overall, Lisbon's safety profile is consistent across its residential zones, making it a reliable choice for those prioritizing security in a small-town setting.
* Values derived from national, state, county, city and local statistics and may differ in a specific area. Last updated: 2026-04-19T08:56:51.000Z
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