Your Guide to Living in Jamestown, ND

To many people, Jamestown may not seem like a small town. The population in Jamestown is just under 16,000, which is well over the Census Bureau’s 5,000-person small-town cutoff but below the 25,000 benchmark many people apply. Jamestown has enough people and events to feel like a city, rather than a small town.  

As the county seat of Stutsman County, Jamestown is the cultural hub for the area. The town is slightly southeast of the center of the county, and it has been slowly growing since its formation, in part due to I-94 passing through the town. 

For those considering moving from a more rural location or relocating to Jamestown to continue their careers, learning more about the area first is a smart decision. We’ve put together a basic local guide to help you understand the area and what it has to offer.  

The Climate and Weather in Jamestown  

Like much of North Dakota, Jamestown enjoys a humid continental climate. In other words, there are distinct seasons. Early summer sees much of the area’s rainfall, but every month usually sees two or more days of rainfall, on average.   

Spring can vary drastically from one day to the next. Even as temperatures rise, the risk of late snow is there. As temperatures gradually increase, rainfall does as well.  

Summer sees relatively hot weather, with typical high temperatures in the low 80s°F. This is also the wettest season of the year, but Jamestown generally only receives an average of 20 inches of rain annually.  

Autumn brings cool, crisp weather that prompts changing leaf colors and promises frosty mornings. Snow often begins in late fall and lasts throughout the winter. Jamestown often gets more than 40 inches of snow in a year, and winter temperatures are often well below freezing.  

The Cost of Living in Jamestown  

To determine the cost of living in a specific location, researchers assess local costs for specific needs, such as housing, transportation, utilities, and groceries. They then compare those figures with the national average. When looking at the cost for basic necessities compared with national averages, Jamestown is a very affordable place to live! 

Overall, the cost of living is between 15-20% lower than the national average, and Jamestown is almost 10% more affordable than North Dakota on average as well! Housing and transportation costs show the largest differences when compared to state and national averages.  

The average household income in Jamestown is below the national average as well, but that doesn’t mean there is an issue with employment. Unemployment rates tend to be lower than they are across the state and substantially lower than unemployment rates for the country as a whole. 

There are many job opportunities for those seeking new work or considering relocating to the area. The biggest sectors of the local economy include manufacturing/industrial, health care, education, and retail. The biggest employers in Jamestown include:  

• North Dakota State Hospital 
• Jamestown Regional Medical Center 
• Collins Aerospace 
• Jamestown Public School District 
• Anne Carlsen Center 
• Duratech Industries 
• Cavendish Farms 
• Newman Signs 
• Ave Marie Village/Eventide Jamestown 
• Stutsman County/ City of Jamestown 

Unlike other parts of the state, where oil and gas industry dominance inflates housing prices, the diverse economy in Jamestown helps keep costs low.  

Popular Events in Jamestown 

There are fun annual events in Jamestown that keep locals engaged with the community and bring in tourists from elsewhere. You won’t have to travel to experience something new and create treasured memories when you live here.  

Early in the summer, Jamestown hosts Buffalo Days. This three-day festival involves a car show, a parade, a vendor area, dancing in the street, and a pancake breakfast. There are often extra events, such as mud runs and drag races, to round out the schedule during Buffalo Days.  

The Stutsman County Fair is a beloved local summer tradition. Between the James River Rodeo, local 4-H livestock shows, live music, exceptional food, local vendors, and carnival rides, there is certainly something for everyone during this four-day community event.  

Fort Seward plays a major role in another popular local event. The Annual Fort Seward Wagon Train involves a convoy of covered wagons, people on foot, and others on horseback headed out from the Fort Seward Infantry Post. The wagon train visits historical sites and is equal parts educational and entertaining. This is the closest you’ll get to living like a prairie settler! 

With ties to German settlers, it makes sense that Jamestown hosts a large Oktoberfest celebration each September. Expect Oktoberfest beers, aka märzens, on tap, sausages and other traditional foods for sale, revelers dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing, and live music! There are plenty of other exciting events throughout the year, from the Holiday Dazzle Parade after Thanksgiving to local craft shows.