Grand Forks, ND, Is a Great Place for Military Families
A supportive community, ample education, accessible VA health care and plentiful outdoor recreation make Grand Forks the place to be.
Whether you are active military or a transitioning veteran, you’ll find endless opportunities and assistance in Grand Forks, North Dakota. And you’ll be in good company — 9% of North Dakota’s homes are occupied by veterans.
From its supportive community, affordable cost of living, great schools and access to veteran services throughout the state — and of course, world class fishing, hunting, and other outdoor recreation — Grand Forks might be just the place you’re looking for. Here’s why.
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Resources and a Supportive Community
Job Service North Dakota helps veterans find a job and assists with educational opportunities. Plus, other programs, like Veterans Incorporated, negate barriers to the workforce, like providing work boots or a winter coat.
But what might be the most valuable resource in Grand Forks is the community. In fact, Grand Forks was recognized as a Great American Defense Community for supporting and honoring service members and their families, and it twice received the Abilene Trophy, which is awarded annually to a community in the U.S. that is most supportive of its air base.
Kendra Henry, a veteran employment representative with Job Service North Dakota, was stationed in Grand Forks from 2009 to 2019. After separating from the Air Force, she chose to stay in the area because of accessibility to veteran resources but also her connection to the community.
“Being in the military is a unique culture. Whether you’d be friends with the people in a normal situation or not, you’re connected because of the work you do — you experience the same ups and downs and establish a tight-knit community. When you transition out, you don’t bring that with you,” says Henry. “And you’re not just leaving a job or friends, you’re likely losing your house at the same time. It can be overwhelming. But having a community to lean on helps with the transition — it deters loneliness.”
Henry also notes that it’s easy for veterans to get connected to the community through clubs and organizations.
“There is something for everyone to get out and engage,” she says.
Low Unemployment
Dustin Hillebrand, a workforce center manager at Job Service North Dakota, says North Dakota is one of the best places for veterans to find employment.
“Across the state, there is a network of veterans and agencies willing to help,” Hillebrand says. “Our veteran unemployment rate runs about 1% for the state of North Dakota.”
Low unemployment can be attributed in part to the favorable climate for new businesses. “Veterans make up some of the highest percentages of entrepreneurs,” Hillebrand says. “We have the Veterans Business Outreach Center of the Dakotas, which specializes in helping veterans and military spouses looking to start, purchase or grow a business.”
But low unemployment rates in North Dakota also reflect the willingness of companies and corporations to hire veterans. “Many industries understand the work ethic of veterans and are very happy to hire them — even with absolutely no background in their industry. It’s because they know veterans understand the importance of training, and those companies are willing to take a chance on them,” Hillebrand says.
Additionally, North Dakota promotes a favorable work environment for licensed professionals. “If a veteran or military spouse comes into the state and needs a license to do their occupation, the state works with those folks to help them transfer their license to North Dakota and get to work faster,” Hillebrand says.
Health Care and Education
Top health care is a concern among families. Across the state, Veterans Affairs (VA) clinics provide quality health care and support to address the unique stressors and experiences veterans may face. Specifically in Grand Forks, there is a VA community-based outpatient clinic and a vet center that provides counseling and referral services.
“We truly have one of the best VA health care systems in the country here in North Dakota,” Hillebrand says.
Beyond the VA system, Altru Health System is building a state-of-the-art hospital. This nonprofit hospital is known for providing exceptional care, and it became the first affiliate member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network in 2011.
As far as education, opportunities are plentiful in North Dakota. For example, the state’s higher education system comprises 20 colleges and universities, so veterans looking to further their education won’t have to go far.
And they won’t have to compromise on quality. North Dakota State University and the University of North Dakota (UND) offer various training for veterans. UND is increasingly regarded as one of the nation’s top academic and research institutions. The National Science Foundation ranks UND #151.
Additionally, community colleges collaborate with veteran programs to make the transition even easier.
“Northland Community and Technical College, Lake Region State College, and Park University are also on Job Service’s eligible training provider’s list for our Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act Program (WIOA),” Henry says. “Lake Region and Park both have campuses on the Grand Forks Air Force Base — I attended classes from both of them to complete my bachelor’s degree, as they have an AU-ABC program that allows Air Force and Space Force veterans with Community College of the Air Force associates degrees to transfer more of their credits toward their bachelor’s program.”
These schools as well as UND work closely with the VA’s VR&E program to provide education and training opportunities for disabled veterans.
“These are great places for veterans to start their transition into school and keep their professional development going,” Hillebrand says.
Outdoor Activities and National Parks
There’s a misnomer that North Dakota is a frigid and snowy state. While it gets its fair share of snow, summers are warm, and North Dakota is the place to be in all four seasons. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 4°F to 83°F and is rarely below -18°F or above 93°F.
These conditions offer an abundance of outdoor activities, including fishing, hunting, camping, ATV riding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, downhill and cross-country skiing, downhill mountain biking and hiking. “I enjoy going for walks along the greenway,” Henry says. “The Grand Forks Public Library has been my family’s go-to for year-round activities.”
Theodore Roosevelt National Park (open year-round) and the Badlands are among the most underrated and unique national parks systems in the U.S. From tiny shrews to 2,000-pound bison, the Badlands is home to many species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and butterflies. Equipped with picturesque hiking trails, countless awe-inspiring scenic overlooks, and a surprising abundance of wildlife, the Badlands are a huge reason to live in North Dakota.
Education, Careers & Opportunity
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Tax Benefits
While the state already offers one of the lowest state income taxes in the nation, in 2023, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum signed a bill exempting military pay from state income taxes for active duty, National Guard and Reserve members. For those who’ve already separated from service, there are tax perks, too. Retired military pay is not taxed in the state, making it a great place to set up shop when you’re ready to settle down.
Eager to learn more about Grand Forks? Start here.
This article was sponsored by the Grand Forks Region EDC.