I’ve been diving into the Zillow Home Value Index data to uncover North Dakota’s property market winners. What stands out is how these 25 towns have quietly built substantial wealth for homeowners during a nine-year period that saw national market turbulence.
My analysis reveals a compelling pattern—communities near Fargo dominate the top performers, with appreciation rates exceeding 50% in the leading towns. This demonstrates how secondary markets adjacent to regional hubs can outperform their anchor cities in percentage growth.
Below, I’ve ranked these communities from modest growth to exceptional performers, highlighting the financial journey of each market through annual valuations and investment implications that matter to buyers and sellers.
25. New Salem
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 14.47%
- Home value in 2016: $186,062
- Home value in 2017: $185,459
- Home value in 2018: $189,362
- Home value in 2019: $192,093
- Home value in 2020: $191,728
- Home value in 2021: $202,322
- Home value in 2022: $219,269
- Home value in 2023: $217,561
- Home value in 2024: $199,662
- Home value in 2025: $212,978
Your investment in New Salem would have yielded nearly $27,000 in equity growth since 2016, representing a modest but reliable 1.6% annual appreciation rate. The market shows resilience with values rebounding 6.7% in the past year after a brief dip. Located in west-central North Dakota, this small community offers stability with less volatility than higher-growth markets.
24. Carrington
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 14.71%
- Home value in 2016: $153,580
- Home value in 2017: $152,524
- Home value in 2018: $148,281
- Home value in 2019: $150,153
- Home value in 2020: $156,233
- Home value in 2021: $169,838
- Home value in 2022: $171,738
- Home value in 2023: $175,340
- Home value in 2024: $163,034
- Home value in 2025: $176,167
Investing in Carrington would have turned your $153,580 into $176,167, delivering a respectable 14.7% return over nine years. The market experienced a strong 8% rebound in 2025 after a temporary setback, suggesting renewed buyer confidence. This agricultural hub located in Foster County offers entry-level prices with growing equity potential, making it attractive for first-time buyers seeking affordability with steady appreciation.
23. Washburn
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 16.23%
- Home value in 2016: $202,260
- Home value in 2017: $197,682
- Home value in 2018: $197,026
- Home value in 2019: $193,916
- Home value in 2020: $198,533
- Home value in 2021: $206,694
- Home value in 2022: $212,318
- Home value in 2023: $217,800
- Home value in 2024: $219,748
- Home value in 2025: $235,095
Your Washburn property investment would have accumulated nearly $33,000 in wealth since 2016, with an impressive 7% surge in the past year alone. The market shows accelerating momentum after initial stagnation, suggesting timing the market now could maximize returns. Situated along the Missouri River northwest of Bismarck, Washburn’s stable economy and proximity to the state capital contribute to its sustained growth trajectory.
22. Mayville
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 16.85%
- Home value in 2016: $150,027
- Home value in 2017: $155,029
- Home value in 2018: $158,786
- Home value in 2019: $160,029
- Home value in 2020: $167,313
- Home value in 2021: $181,493
- Home value in 2022: $192,978
- Home value in 2023: $198,573
- Home value in 2024: $174,171
- Home value in 2025: $175,310
Mayville’s market has generated $25,284 in property wealth since 2016, though recent volatility suggests a buyer’s opportunity emerging. The 12.1% drop from 2023-2024 followed by modest recovery indicates potential undervaluation in this college town. Located in eastern North Dakota near the Minnesota border, Mayville State University provides economic stability while keeping prices accessible for investors seeking value purchases.
21. South Heart
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 18.01%
- Home value in 2016: $244,793
- Home value in 2017: $234,223
- Home value in 2018: $233,644
- Home value in 2019: $236,217
- Home value in 2020: $242,180
- Home value in 2021: $250,564
- Home value in 2022: $263,324
- Home value in 2023: $268,258
- Home value in 2024: $266,815
- Home value in 2025: $288,869
Your investment in South Heart would have appreciated by $44,076 since 2016, with an impressive 8.3% jump in the past year signaling accelerating growth. The market demonstrates resilience tied to regional energy production, weathering industry fluctuations while maintaining upward momentum. Situated just minutes from Dickinson in western North Dakota, South Heart offers higher-than-average property values with increasing demand driving recent price surges.
20. Larimore
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 20.06%
- Home value in 2016: $154,436
- Home value in 2017: $143,165
- Home value in 2018: $149,572
- Home value in 2019: $154,080
- Home value in 2020: $164,897
- Home value in 2021: $179,824
- Home value in 2022: $183,808
- Home value in 2023: $191,372
- Home value in 2024: $179,197
- Home value in 2025: $185,414
Larimore has built approximately $31,000 in equity over nine years, translating to a healthy 20% total return on investment. The market demonstrates cyclical patterns with recovery following temporary dips, suggesting strategic buying opportunities during downturns. This small community northeast of Grand Forks combines affordability with growth potential, making it attractive for investors seeking value with lower entry points than metropolitan areas.
19. Thompson
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 20.37%
- Home value in 2016: $270,283
- Home value in 2017: $265,202
- Home value in 2018: $271,053
- Home value in 2019: $277,620
- Home value in 2020: $290,662
- Home value in 2021: $318,406
- Home value in 2022: $337,360
- Home value in 2023: $339,870
- Home value in 2024: $314,247
- Home value in 2025: $325,343
A Thompson property purchase in 2016 would have netted you $55,060 in equity growth despite recent market corrections from peak values. The substantial appreciation during 2020-2023 followed by moderation suggests a maturing market with potential for renewed growth. Located just south of Grand Forks, Thompson offers premium housing inventory with values reflecting its desirability as a commuter community with strong school systems.
18. Garrison
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 22.25%
- Home value in 2016: $179,622
- Home value in 2017: $169,831
- Home value in 2018: $169,736
- Home value in 2019: $171,281
- Home value in 2020: $177,622
- Home value in 2021: $188,350
- Home value in 2022: $196,317
- Home value in 2023: $201,622
- Home value in 2024: $202,877
- Home value in 2025: $219,596
Your Garrison investment would have appreciated by nearly $40,000 since 2016, with an impressive 8.2% jump in the last year indicating accelerating growth. The market shows steady, consistent gains particularly since 2020, suggesting increasing demand and limited inventory. This lakeside community near Lake Sakakawea offers recreational appeal with investment-grade returns, creating an attractive combination of lifestyle benefits and financial performance.
17. Mandan
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 23.36%
- Home value in 2016: $259,855
- Home value in 2017: $248,097
- Home value in 2018: $245,063
- Home value in 2019: $245,985
- Home value in 2020: $245,486
- Home value in 2021: $255,624
- Home value in 2022: $282,291
- Home value in 2023: $292,738
- Home value in 2024: $307,668
- Home value in 2025: $320,560
Mandan property values have surged $60,705 since 2016, with remarkable acceleration of 25.4% in just the last three years. The market shows consistent year-over-year gains since 2021, suggesting strong fundamentals and sustainable momentum. Situated directly across the Missouri River from Bismarck, Mandan benefits from capital city employment while offering slightly more affordable options for buyers seeking proximity to government and healthcare sectors.
16. Grand Forks
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 23.73%
- Home value in 2016: $218,330
- Home value in 2017: $218,745
- Home value in 2018: $220,722
- Home value in 2019: $218,517
- Home value in 2020: $222,706
- Home value in 2021: $230,015
- Home value in 2022: $245,051
- Home value in 2023: $249,116
- Home value in 2024: $254,365
- Home value in 2025: $270,142
Your Grand Forks investment would have gained approximately $51,800 in equity since 2016, with a significant 6.2% jump in the past year indicating accelerating demand. The steady upward trajectory since 2020 suggests institutional confidence in this university city’s economic foundation. Positioned along the Red River bordering Minnesota, Grand Forks combines higher education influence from UND with healthcare and aerospace sectors driving consistent housing appreciation.
15. Lincoln
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 23.82%
- Home value in 2016: $238,559
- Home value in 2017: $233,596
- Home value in 2018: $236,919
- Home value in 2019: $234,119
- Home value in 2020: $242,680
- Home value in 2021: $246,126
- Home value in 2022: $263,647
- Home value in 2023: $268,861
- Home value in 2024: $278,504
- Home value in 2025: $295,383
Lincoln has delivered nearly $57,000 in property appreciation since 2016, with values climbing consistently year-over-year since 2020. The accelerating 6.1% growth in the past year indicates strengthening market fundamentals and increasing buyer demand. This rapidly growing suburb southeast of Bismarck offers new construction opportunities with appreciation rates outpacing many established neighborhoods, making it attractive for both primary residence and investment purposes.
14. Casselton
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 24.19%
- Home value in 2016: $237,676
- Home value in 2017: $240,687
- Home value in 2018: $241,553
- Home value in 2019: $251,619
- Home value in 2020: $277,361
- Home value in 2021: $288,764
- Home value in 2022: $303,829
- Home value in 2023: $313,088
- Home value in 2024: $283,937
- Home value in 2025: $295,177
Your Casselton property would have gained $57,500 in value since 2016, though recent data shows a correction from peak 2023 prices. The 9.3% drop and subsequent partial recovery suggests a market recalibration rather than fundamental weakness. Located just 20 minutes west of Fargo, Casselton offers small-town atmosphere with convenient commuter access to metropolitan amenities, attracting buyers seeking value relative to Fargo’s higher-priced neighborhoods.
13. Richardton
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 25.01%
- Home value in 2016: $173,527
- Home value in 2017: $163,366
- Home value in 2018: $162,062
- Home value in 2019: $163,630
- Home value in 2020: $168,872
- Home value in 2021: $175,342
- Home value in 2022: $188,117
- Home value in 2023: $194,438
- Home value in 2024: $194,159
- Home value in 2025: $216,918
Richardton has generated over $43,000 in property wealth since 2016, with an impressive 11.7% surge in the past year suggesting accelerating market momentum. The initial decline followed by steady growth demonstrates market resilience and ability to overcome economic headwinds. Situated along Interstate 94 west of Bismarck, this small community combines agricultural heritage with energy sector influence, creating multiple economic drivers supporting housing demand.
12. Bismarck
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 29.62%
- Home value in 2016: $269,686
- Home value in 2017: $263,621
- Home value in 2018: $264,975
- Home value in 2019: $263,889
- Home value in 2020: $272,175
- Home value in 2021: $282,483
- Home value in 2022: $309,909
- Home value in 2023: $322,960
- Home value in 2024: $333,856
- Home value in 2025: $349,567
Your Bismarck investment would have accumulated nearly $80,000 in equity since 2016, with consistent year-over-year growth since 2020 demonstrating solid market fundamentals. The capital city’s 4.7% appreciation in the past year outpaces inflation, preserving purchasing power while building wealth. As North Dakota’s government center with diversified healthcare and energy sectors, Bismarck offers investors recession-resistant property values with institutional-grade stability and consistent demand.
11. Devils Lake
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 30.16%
- Home value in 2016: $171,529
- Home value in 2017: $175,222
- Home value in 2018: $181,403
- Home value in 2019: $183,480
- Home value in 2020: $186,484
- Home value in 2021: $196,399
- Home value in 2022: $213,622
- Home value in 2023: $215,325
- Home value in 2024: $211,688
- Home value in 2025: $223,257
Devils Lake has delivered impressive financial returns with property values increasing by $51,728 since 2016, representing a 30.2% total appreciation. The market shows resilience with a strong 5.5% rebound in 2025 following a minor correction. This recreation-friendly community centered around North Dakota’s largest natural lake combines tourism appeal with infrastructure investments, creating multiple demand drivers for continued property value growth.
10. Grafton
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 31.36%
- Home value in 2016: $116,896
- Home value in 2017: $114,715
- Home value in 2018: $113,220
- Home value in 2019: $114,740
- Home value in 2020: $116,965
- Home value in 2021: $124,481
- Home value in 2022: $133,966
- Home value in 2023: $147,752
- Home value in 2024: $142,953
- Home value in 2025: $153,550
Your Grafton investment would have yielded $36,654 in wealth creation since 2016, with particularly strong growth of 31.3% despite having the lowest entry price on this list. The market demonstrates excellent momentum with a 7.4% increase in the past year following a brief correction. Located in northeastern North Dakota near the Canadian border, Grafton offers exceptional value with the highest percentage returns relative to initial investment among these top performers.
9. Mapleton
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 31.55%
- Home value in 2016: $236,182
- Home value in 2017: $244,874
- Home value in 2018: $249,127
- Home value in 2019: $252,484
- Home value in 2020: $261,055
- Home value in 2021: $276,211
- Home value in 2022: $303,088
- Home value in 2023: $308,251
- Home value in 2024: $294,491
- Home value in 2025: $310,709
Mapleton property values have increased by $74,527 since 2016, delivering a 31.6% return despite recent market fluctuations. The 5.5% recovery in 2025 following a 4.5% correction indicates resilient demand and stable fundamentals in this growing community. Positioned just northwest of Fargo along I-94, Mapleton benefits from metropolitan proximity while maintaining lower property taxes and larger lot sizes, creating compelling value for buyers seeking space with appreciation potential.
8. Horace
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 33.65%
- Home value in 2016: $290,701
- Home value in 2017: $305,604
- Home value in 2018: $304,628
- Home value in 2019: $306,174
- Home value in 2020: $336,788
- Home value in 2021: $356,315
- Home value in 2022: $400,249
- Home value in 2023: $416,194
- Home value in 2024: $368,721
- Home value in 2025: $388,508
Your Horace investment would have generated nearly $98,000 in equity since 2016, though recent data shows a market correction from peak 2023 valuations. The 5.4% rebound in 2025 following an 11.4% drop indicates buyer confidence returning to this premium suburb. Located directly south of Fargo, Horace offers newer housing stock and larger parcels that command premium prices, with values that have shown historical resilience after periodic market adjustments.
7. Harwood
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 34.90%
- Home value in 2016: $269,641
- Home value in 2017: $275,014
- Home value in 2018: $273,921
- Home value in 2019: $282,431
- Home value in 2020: $306,661
- Home value in 2021: $319,732
- Home value in 2022: $343,854
- Home value in 2023: $353,676
- Home value in 2024: $331,520
- Home value in 2025: $363,738
Harwood has delivered exceptional financial performance with $94,097 in property appreciation since 2016, representing a 34.9% total return on investment. The impressive 9.7% rebound in 2025 following a temporary dip signals strong underlying demand in this premium market. Situated north of Fargo along the Red River, Harwood’s larger lots and upscale homes attract affluent buyers seeking country atmosphere with metropolitan access, creating sustained appreciation potential.
6. Fargo
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 36.19%
- Home value in 2016: $221,985
- Home value in 2017: $230,891
- Home value in 2018: $232,289
- Home value in 2019: $233,919
- Home value in 2020: $250,122
- Home value in 2021: $248,158
- Home value in 2022: $270,055
- Home value in 2023: $281,498
- Home value in 2024: $287,991
- Home value in 2025: $302,321
A Fargo property purchased in 2016 would have appreciated by $80,336, delivering a 36.2% return that significantly outpaces national averages. The consistent year-over-year growth since 2021 demonstrates the strong fundamentals driving this regional economic hub. As North Dakota’s largest city with diverse employment sectors including healthcare, education, and technology, Fargo offers investors institutional-grade stability with metropolitan amenities at fraction of coastal market prices.
5. Wilton
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 38.03%
- Home value in 2016: $175,044
- Home value in 2017: $182,292
- Home value in 2018: $182,341
- Home value in 2019: $183,000
- Home value in 2020: $188,242
- Home value in 2021: $198,800
- Home value in 2022: $215,807
- Home value in 2023: $222,644
- Home value in 2024: $223,999
- Home value in 2025: $241,611
Your Wilton investment would have yielded $66,567 in wealth creation since 2016, with an impressive 7.9% surge in the past year indicating accelerating demand. The steady, consistent appreciation pattern shows no significant corrections, suggesting fundamental soundness in this growing market. Located north of Bismarck along Highway 83, Wilton combines small-town affordability with proximity to capital city employment, creating an attractive value proposition for commuters and remote workers.
4. West Fargo
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 42.50%
- Home value in 2016: $237,356
- Home value in 2017: $253,150
- Home value in 2018: $253,910
- Home value in 2019: $250,660
- Home value in 2020: $263,396
- Home value in 2021: $274,984
- Home value in 2022: $300,332
- Home value in 2023: $316,314
- Home value in 2024: $322,589
- Home value in 2025: $338,222
West Fargo has generated an impressive $100,865 in property wealth since 2016, with values climbing 4.8% in just the past year alone. The consistent appreciation without significant corrections points to sustainable growth fundamentals rather than speculative activity. As Fargo’s fastest-growing suburb with extensive new development, West Fargo offers buyers newer housing stock with modern amenities, creating strong demand that continues to drive values upward.
3. Hankinson
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 48.90%
- Home value in 2016: $99,602
- Home value in 2017: $99,860
- Home value in 2018: $106,045
- Home value in 2019: $115,049
- Home value in 2020: $120,611
- Home value in 2021: $134,629
- Home value in 2022: $142,272
- Home value in 2023: $144,638
- Home value in 2024: $139,310
- Home value in 2025: $148,311
Hankinson offers exceptional financial performance with nearly 49% appreciation since 2016, turning a modest $99,602 investment into $148,311. The market demonstrates resilience with a strong 6.5% rebound in 2025 following a temporary correction, indicating renewed buyer confidence. This southeastern community near the South Dakota border combines ultra-affordable entry prices with percentage returns that rival much larger markets, creating excellent opportunities for value investors.
2. Kindred
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 50.97%
- Home value in 2016: $250,188
- Home value in 2017: $252,011
- Home value in 2018: $254,879
- Home value in 2019: $263,675
- Home value in 2020: $292,891
- Home value in 2021: $311,332
- Home value in 2022: $347,114
- Home value in 2023: $360,009
- Home value in 2024: $350,061
- Home value in 2025: $377,711
A Kindred property would have gained an exceptional $127,523 in equity since 2016, representing an impressive 51% return on investment. The 7.9% surge in 2025 following a modest correction signals strong market fundamentals and continued buyer demand. Located southwest of Fargo in Cass County, Kindred attracts families seeking excellent schools and newer housing, with values continuing to benefit from limited inventory and strong demographic trends.
1. Wahpeton
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 53.22%
- Home value in 2016: $140,240
- Home value in 2017: $145,435
- Home value in 2018: $146,133
- Home value in 2019: $151,433
- Home value in 2020: $159,500
- Home value in 2021: $170,376
- Home value in 2022: $192,022
- Home value in 2023: $200,087
- Home value in 2024: $201,156
- Home value in 2025: $214,880
Wahpeton leads North Dakota with remarkable 53.2% appreciation since 2016, turning a $140,240 investment into $214,880 and building $74,640 in household wealth. The consistent upward trajectory without significant corrections indicates sustainable fundamentals rather than speculative activity. Situated in the southeastern corner along the Minnesota border, Wahpeton’s affordability combined with educational institutions and manufacturing base creates multiple demand drivers supporting this market-leading performance.
