With a population of about 17,000, Dickinson is the regional center for Southwest North Dakota with several shopping, eating, and entertainment options.
Dickinson State University, a four-year-university, continues to enrich the Dickinson community academically while promoting cultural diversity and understanding. A global initiative is being carried out at the University. Through partnerships with other universities around the world, almost 400 international students attend DSU, sharing their culture with the region.
Energy, agriculture, and manufacturing are the main economies in and around Dickinson. Various organizations exist within the community to promote collaboration for continually enhancing Dickinson’s economy. Community leaders also join together to develop innovative ways for enhancing Dickinson’s quality of place.
Dickinson is a prime location to live and work. It is a safe community with excellent healthcare, education, and emergency services. The recently built West River Community Center is a state of the art facility for exercising, socializing, and competing in athletic events and a new all-purpose complex, the Badlands Activities Center, will soon be constructed.
Dickinson is the gateway to the majestic Badlands that captivated the interest of President Theodore Roosevelt. Driving, hiking or biking, and horseback riding through the colorful hills provides relaxation for anyone looking for relief from a busy lifestyle.
Dickinson began when the Northern Pacific Railroad saw the wide area of space in the Heart River Valley. Shanties began to emerge along the railroad and in 1881 the population was around 50 when Wells S. Dickinson, who was in charge of land grants for Northern Pacific, visited the town. The name was changed to Dickinson and a post office was established that same year.
Statehood was achieved for North and South Dakota in 1889. From this time on, immigration increased by leaps and bounds. Settlers from every part of Europe poured into the United States and North Dakota received its share. They gathered in communities of their own, providing a variety of cultural influences. These cultural influences continue to grow in the region and the inception of new cultures is helping develop Dickinson into a diverse region with new and innovative ideas.
COST OF LIVING
The cost of living in North Dakota is about 19% less than the national average according to www.bestplaces.net. Over the next ten years, the projected job growth in the region is 24.78% compared to the national average projection of only 11.9% and job growth over the past year is higher than the national average. The national average for homes is $217,200, the average for homes in the Dickinson area is $157,000. With dynamic economic growth in Southwest ND, this is the perfect time to explore the region’s abundant career options.
