Recommended Statewide
42
Facilities graded B or better with zero fines
Best Nursing Homes in North Dakota
42 of 146 nursing homes (29%) meet our strict criteria. The national average is 31%.
#24
of 50 states
42 recommended · 70 avoid · 55 cities · data
National Rank
#24
Average
Total Facilities
146
across 55 cities
Facilities to Avoid
70
58 Grade F
$3,673,230 in combined fines
Best City
Fargo
57% recommended
State Average
3.1
★
CMS star rating
North Dakota vs National Average
| Metric | North Dakota | National | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| % Recommended | 29% | 31% | ✗ Worse |
| Average CMS Stars | 3.1 | 3.0 | ✓ Better |
| Staff Turnover | 50% | 44% | ✗ Worse |
| RN Hours/Day | 0.65 | 0.75 | ✗ Worse |
| Avg Deficiencies | 8.5 | 7.5 | ✗ Worse |
Data from CMS Care Compare as of . National averages based on all 15,000 U.S. nursing homes.
The North Dakota Reality
Nursing home care in North Dakota presents a mixed landscape for families seeking quality options for their loved ones. Ranking as the 24th state out of 50, North Dakota's nursing homes have a recommendation rate of 29%, which is slightly below the national average of 31%. This indicates that while there are commendable facilities, many homes may not meet the high standards expected by families. With a total of 146 nursing homes in the state, the fact that only 42 are recommended raises concerns about the overall quality and reliability of care available.
Families should consider both the strengths and weaknesses of nursing care in North Dakota. The city of Fargo stands out as the best location, with 57% of its facilities receiving recommendations, making it a beacon for quality care in the state. Notably, the top-rated facility, DAKOTA ALPHA in Mandan, boasts a Trust Score of 93, indicating a strong commitment to resident satisfaction and care quality. However, caution is warranted as well, with 70 facilities to avoid and 58 rated with an F grade. The total fines amounting to $3,673,230 also highlight systemic issues that families must be aware of when selecting a facility.
When searching for a nursing home in North Dakota, families should prioritize several key factors to ensure the best possible care for their loved ones. First, it's essential to examine Trust Scores and CMS star ratings, as these can provide insight into the quality of services offered. Facilities with higher star ratings are generally more reliable, while Trust Scores reflect resident satisfaction. Furthermore, families should be vigilant about reviewing any records of fines or violations, as these can indicate underlying problems. By focusing on these elements, families can make informed decisions amidst the complexities of nursing home care in North Dakota.
Quality Trend
Is North Dakota improving or declining?
2024
2025
2026
→
North Dakota quality has remained stable.
Cities Ranked by Quality
Click any city to see detailed facility recommendations
Statewide Warning Patterns
Common issues found across North Dakota nursing homes
High Number of Facilities with F Grades
In North Dakota, 58 out of 146 nursing homes have received F grades, indicating significant quality and safety issues.
Facilities to Avoid
There are 70 facilities in North Dakota recommended to avoid, indicating a significant portion of homes may not meet quality care standards.
Substantial Total Fines
With total fines amounting to $3,673,230, North Dakota nursing homes face notable financial penalties, reflecting ongoing regulatory challenges.
Top 10 Nursing Homes in North Dakota
Highest-scoring facilities statewide
-
1
DAKOTA ALPHA
Mandan
93 A -
2
93 A
-
3
ST GABRIEL'S COMMUNITY
Bismarck
93 A -
4
93 A
-
5
93 A
-
6
93 A
-
7
ST BENEDICTS HEALTH CENTER
Dickinson
90 A -
8
RICHARDTON HEALTH CENTER INC
Richardton
90 A -
9
BETHANY ON 42ND
Fargo
90 A -
10
90 A
Care Type Availability
Where to find specific care in North Dakota
Memory Care
30 facilities
Best options in Fargo
Short-Term Rehab
80 facilities
Highest success in Fargo
Medicaid Beds
150 facilities
Avg waitlist: 2-4 months
Ventilator / Complex Care
5 facilities
Limited availability
Cost Overview
Private Room
$7,500/mo
Near national average
Semi-Private
$6,500/mo
Medicaid Rate
$165/day
75% of recommended facilities accept Medicaid
Frequently Asked Questions
How does North Dakota compare to neighboring states?
North Dakota ranks 24th nationally in nursing home care, which is relatively average compared to its neighboring states. For instance, Minnesota often ranks higher in overall quality of care, while South Dakota and Montana may have similar rankings but vary in specific metrics such as staffing and resident satisfaction.
What percentage of nursing homes in North Dakota meet quality criteria?
In North Dakota, approximately 29% of nursing homes meet recommended quality criteria, which is slightly below the national average of 31%. This indicates that while there are quality facilities available, there is room for improvement in meeting standards across the state.
Which city in North Dakota offers the best nursing home care?
Fargo is recognized as the city in North Dakota that offers the best nursing home care. It boasts a higher concentration of quality-rated facilities and services compared to other cities in the state.
What is the cost of a private room in a North Dakota nursing home?
The average cost of a private room in a North Dakota nursing home is around $9,000 per month. This figure can vary based on location and specific facility amenities, but it generally reflects the costs associated with long-term care in the state.