Housing assistance in North Dakota for immigrants
North Dakota at a glance
North Dakota is home to about 36,962 foreign-born residents (4.7% of the state’s 784,841 people) and 36,575 residents of Hispanic or Latino origin (4.7%), per the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (2024 5-year estimates). The procedures below apply to everyone in North Dakota regardless of immigration status unless noted.
What rent actually costs in North Dakota — HUD’s official numbers
HUD's Fair Market Rents set the ceiling a Section 8 voucher covers and serve as the official rent benchmark. In North Dakota (FY 2026), the benchmark rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is $873/month (median), ranging from $873 (Adams County, ND) to $1,534 (Divide County, ND) across the state's 51 rent areas.
| Area (largest by population) | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | 4BR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fargo, ND-MN MSA | $768 | $917 | $1,112 | $1,547 | $1,865 |
| Bismarck, ND MSA | $961 | $1,030 | $1,175 | $1,634 | $1,884 |
| Grand Forks, ND-MN MSA | $863 | $868 | $1,089 | $1,515 | $1,827 |
| Ward County, ND HUD Metro FMR Area | $806 | $960 | $1,165 | $1,620 | $1,954 |
| Williams County, ND | $1,042 | $1,068 | $1,196 | $1,578 | $1,745 |
| Stark County, ND | $869 | $874 | $1,056 | $1,469 | $1,771 |
| Stutsman County, ND | $676 | $680 | $873 | $1,214 | $1,464 |
| Richland County, ND | $661 | $665 | $873 | $1,214 | $1,464 |
Source: HUD FY 2026 Fair Market Rents (effective 2025-10-01; 40th-percentile gross rents — Section 8 payment standards are set at 90-110% of FMR). Look up your county at huduser.gov.
Federal programs in North Dakota
Section 8 (Housing Choice Voucher) and Public Housing share the same federal rules: low income (typically under 30-50% of Area Median Income) and at least one household member with citizenship or an eligible immigration status — mixed-status families get a prorated voucher rather than nothing. Undocumented members, DACA recipients, and F-1 students don’t count as eligible members. Full eligibility lists and documents: federal housing rules.
To apply in North Dakota: find your local Public Housing Agency at hud.gov/findpha and get on the waiting list — months to years in tight markets.
Emergency shelters
Available WITHOUT immigration status verification:
- Homeless shelters
- Domestic violence shelters (DV shelters have enhanced privacy)
- Catholic Charities
- Salvation Army
- YWCA / YMCA
- Local churches
National homelessness line: 211 (in many states, connects to local resources)
Do I need ITIN or SSN to rent in North Dakota?
Not necessarily. Many landlords (especially small individuals) do NOT require SSN to rent. May require: income proof, employer letter, prior landlord references, larger security deposit.
Professionally-managed apartments (large complexes) are stricter about SSN.
Related information
Last verified: 2026-06-15.
General procedural information for educational purposes. Not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Laws and fees change — verify with the issuing agency before taking action. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney or other appropriate professional.
Related procedural information
- Federal benefits eligibility by immigration status — who qualifies for what
- Find legal aid in your state — public-benefits appeals
- ITIN for tax-funded benefits — eligibility requires SSN or ITIN
- Consulate of your country — many offer financial-assistance referrals
- Know Your Rights — public-benefits enrollment — agency confidentiality limits
The Section 8 math in one line
A voucher household pays about 30% of adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the rest up to the local payment standard (90-110% of the FMRs shown above). Housing discrimination is reportable regardless of immigration status: HUD hotline 1-800-669-9777 (hud.gov fair housing).