North Dakota Mortgage and Refinance Rates

Written by

Jeff Ostrowski,

Edited by

Maggie Kempken

Updated on May 01, 2026

On Friday, May 01, 2026, the national average 30-year fixed mortgage APR is 6.45%. The national average 30-year fixed refinance APR is 6.73%, according to Bankrate's latest survey of the nation's largest mortgage lenders.

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Current mortgage rates in North Dakota

As of Friday, May 01, 2026, current mortgage interest rates in North Dakota are 6.38% for a 30-year fixed mortgage and 6.00% for a 15-year fixed mortgage.

While North Dakota mortgage rates generally align with the national average, the cost of living here is significantly cheaper than much of the country. The median home price in North Dakota was $312,00 as of March 2026, according to Redfin – a 12.4% year-over-year increase but still over $100,000 less than the national median price of $436,412 in the same time period.

Refinance rates in North Dakota

ND refinance rates are hovering slightly above purchase mortgage rates, although if you got your mortgage in the last year or two, you might be able to get a lower rate today. Use Bankrate’s mortgage refinance calculator to run the numbers. If you’re not ready now, be sure to keep an eye on rates throughout the rest of 2026. Bankrate’s latest mortgage rate forecast indicates that rates may continue to rise, but it’s always worth it to keep your eye out for a dip.

Bankrate’s mortgage rates include national rate and APR averages; Bankrate Monitor (BRM) National Index rate averages; and “top offers”:
- National rate and APR averages: Displayed as daily and weekly averages, these rates and APRs are primarily collected from the 5 largest banks and thrifts across hundreds of markets in the U.S.
- Bankrate Monitor (BRM) National Index rate averages: Reported weekly, this long-standing survey collects rates from banks and thrifts across hundreds of markets in the U.S.
- “Top offers”: Displayed daily and weekly, these are an average of the rates listed first on our rate tables as advertised by our partners. The averages shown are based on the loan type and term selected.
You can compare national average mortgage rates to top offers to see how much you could save when shopping on Bankrate.

Learn more about how we collect, display and report mortgage rates.

How to find the best mortgage rate in North Dakota for you

Whether you’re comparing mortgage rates in Fargo, ND or mortgage rates in Bismarck, ND (or any other town across the Peace Garden State), one piece of advice is the same: Look at loan offers from a few different lenders – including online lenders that aren’t located in North Dakota. This could help you uncover a lower rate, potentially saving you thousands in interest over time. Bankrate can also help you find the best mortgage deal in today’s volatile rate environment. As you shop around, keep these tips in mind:

Step 1: Strengthen your credit score

Long before you start looking for a mortgage lender and applying for a loan, give your finances a checkup, and improve your standing if needed. This means pulling your credit score and credit reports. You’re entitled to a free credit report from each of the three main reporting bureaus (Experian, Equifax and TransUnion), which you can get through AnnualCreditReport.com.

Step 2: Determine your budget

Get a handle on how much house you can afford. One rule of thumb many buyers use to figure out their price range is the 28/36 rule. Keep in mind that a mortgage lender could qualify you for a loan over your budget, but that would leave no room for unexpected expenses.

Step 3: Know your mortgage options

There are different types of mortgages, including conventional loans with as little as 3% down and government-backed loans. If you’re in the market for a larger loan, North Dakota’s loan limits are the same across every county: If you need to borrow any amount above $806,500, you’ll need to look for a jumbo loan.

Step 4: Compare rates and terms from multiple lenders

Don’t settle on the first lender you talk to. Rate-shop with different lenders — banks, credit unions, online lenders and local independents — to ensure you’re getting the best deal on rates, fees and terms.

Step 5: Get preapproved for a mortgage

Get a mortgage preapproval with three or four different lenders. This’ll help you understand exactly what loan amount you’d qualify for if you were to apply, and prepare you to make offers on homes.

Mortgage options in North Dakota

If you’re looking to get a mortgage in North Dakota, consider these loan options:

North Dakota conventional mortgages: To qualify for a conventional loan, you’ll need a credit score of at least 620 and a debt-to-income (DTI) ratio of no more than 45%. If you make a down payment of less than 20% you’ll need to pay for private mortgage insurance (PMI), as well.
North Dakota FHA loans: If your credit history disqualifies you from a conventional loan, you might be eligible for a loan insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). For this type of mortgage, you’ll need a credit score of at least 580 with a 3.5% down payment. As with a conventional loan, if you put down less than 20% on an FHA loan, you’ll be on the hook for mortgage insurance.
North Dakota VA loans: If you’re an eligible veteran or active-duty member of the military, you might qualify for a mortgage backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). A VA loan doesn’t require a down payment or mortgage insurance, but you do need to pay a funding fee.

First-time homebuyer programs in North Dakota

The North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) offers programs which can help first-time homebuyers, including those living with a disability, veterans and low- to moderate-income residents. Eligible first-time homebuyers also have access to down payment assistance programs through the organization.

FirstHome Program

The FirstHome program through the NDHFA helps first-time homebuyers with a low to moderate income obtain a more affordable mortgage. Depending on the lender you work with, you might not need to make as much of a down payment, either. To be eligible, you must be a North Dakota resident; the property in question must be your primary residence; and you must make a minimum upfront $500 cash payment. You’ll also need to meet income requirements, which vary based on your household size and county, and home price purchase limits.

DCA Program

NDHFA’s DCA program offers down payment and closing cost assistance, up to 3%, along with an affordable mortgage. You’ll need to have an NDHFA mortgage to qualify. To be eligible for the DCA program, you must use it exclusively (that is, you can’t apply for any other forms of assistance), purchase a home that you’ll live in (versus an investment property) and meet qualifying income limits based on county and household size. You’ll also need to complete a homebuyer education course.

Start Program

The Start program also offers closing cost and down payment assistance of up to 3% for those who have their first mortgage from the NDHFA and can meet the income requirements. Unlike DCA, there are no specific income limits listed for the program.

North Dakota Roots Program

First-time homebuyers who exceed FirstHome program income limits might be able to obtain an affordable mortgage through the North Dakota Roots Program instead. Through the program, the NDHFA offers affordable mortgage loans regardless of income or first-time buyer status.

North Dakota mortgage resources