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The cost of living in Grand Forks is generally lower than that U.S. average. While lower than the national average, housing prices for the average apartment have risen approximately 4-5% in the last couple of years.
The median home price of a home in Grand Forks ranges from approximately $289,000 to $374,000. The average home price is approximately $303,687. The average rent for an apartment in Grand Forks, ND ranges from approximately $1,005 to $1,500 per month depending on size and location. Studio apartments can be found for under $1,000 per month.
Winter Weather Preparation
Grand Forks Air Force Base is a northern tier base subject to severe winter weather. To lessen stress, prior to the arrival of winter (December, January and February), it is strongly recommended that privately owned vehicles are prepared for winter weather. Failure to do so may result in unexpected repairs.
Stock your vehicle with the following provisions:
As you in-process, please remember to ask your CSS abut winter weather incentive pay. For GFAFB and CSFS, a one-time payment of $1,000 for those without dependents, and $2,000 for those with dependents, is authorized to assist you in paying for winter weather related items. This incentive pay went into effect in the summer of 2024 and is only available for those who arrived after initiation.
A winter safety guide can be found here: https://www.grandforks.af.mil/Portals/24/documents/Cold%20Hard%20Facts%202022.pdf?ver=NANCfCHtBffg54_Jz-7cuw%3d%3d.
Childcare
If you need childcare, you or your sponsor can create an account with militarychildcare.com, a War Department program where you will find comprehensive information on childcare programs, conduct a customized search and submit a request for care. We recommend you do this well in advance of your departure from your current location. If you are a single parent this is especially important.
Passports and Visas
If coming from overseas, ensure member and/or dependents have the required passports and/or visa prior to final out-processing. Members and/or dependents are not allowed to final out-process without the required passports/visas in hand for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents. Members electing the accompanied tour will not be permitted to out-process without having the required passports/visas in hand for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents.
These actions are necessary to prevent unforeseen hardships to the military members and their families.
Military ID & DEERS
Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD-12) and Federal Identity Processing Standard (FIPS-201) requires two forms of identification documents for initial issue and replacement of ID cards.
Lost or stolen CACs are accountable government property. A statement of lost or stolen ID must be provided before a replacement CAC can be issued. Lost or stolen CACs must be reported to 319 SFS, Law Enforcement Desk, 463 Steen Blvd.
For initial issue or renewal of any type of military ID card (CAC, dependent, or retiree etc.), all DEERS eligible customers must have two forms of ID to include other specific items for the type of DEERS update being requested. One must be a valid state or federal issued photo ID. The second form of ID can be a social security card, birth certificate, or valid passport. All documents must be original or certified true copies.
Housing
If you are considering living on Grand Forks Air Force Base, contact the Military Housing Office (701-747-3035 for GF, 701-993-3290 for Cavalier) and Balfour Beatty Communities Housing Office at 701-594-8000 as soon as you have orders to request an advanced housing application.
Telephone Access
Grand Forks AFB is in the 701 area code. Commercial base numbers have the prefix of 747. The DSN prefix is 362. The base operator can be reached at 701-747-1110 or DSN 362-747-1110.
Vehicle drivers cannot use hand-held communication devices such as cell phones, two-way radios, or electronic devices such as personal data assistants while driving a vehicle on base. Vehicle drivers may operate these devices only once the vehicle is safely stopped and the vehicle placed in park. This policy applies to all military and civilian personnel who operate a privately owned motor vehicle, government owned vehicle or Government Service Administration vehicles.
Defense Service Network Dialing Instructions
The DSN is the provider of long-distance communications service for the Department of War. Every installation has a special DSN number, and the numbers vary by world-wide location. In order to place a call using DSN, the caller must be using a military phone on an installation. Cell phones cannot dial DSN numbers. When dialing a DSN number from a United States installation to another United States installation, it is unnecessary to dial the 701 area code. When dialing a DSN number to/from overseas locations, the DSN area code must be included. The operator can be reached at commercial 701-747-1110. Please note that long distance charges may be incurred. The DSN for GFAFB is 362.
Attention incoming Airmen:
Grand Forks Air Force Base no longer offers temporary lodging facilities (TLF) on base. Please contact your sponsor for information about hotel accommodations downtown.
Defense Service Network (DSN) Dialing Instructions
The DSN is the provider of long-distance communications service for the Department of Defense (DOD). Every installation has a special DSN number and the numbers vary by world-wide location. In order to place a call using DSN, the caller must be using a military phone on an installation. Cell phones cannot dial DSN numbers. When dialing a DSN number from a United States installation to another United States installation, it is unnecessary to dial the DSN area code. When dialing a DSN number to/from overseas locations, the DSN area code must be included. The operator can be reached at commercial 701-747-1110. The DSN for GFAFB is 362.
Other relevant information
DOD Civilians and retirees are eligible to apply for privatized base housing at Grand Forks AFB if space is available. Contact Grand Forks AFB Homes at 701-594-8000.
Childcare can be difficult to secure on base and expensive off base. The CDC typically has a waitlist so please begin preparing as soon as you receive orders.
Weather: October to April features everything from blizzards and black ice on the roads (watch for ice patches on bridges, ramps, etc.) to freezing rain and snow, (you may have to scrape your windshield in the morning). Winter driving requires diligence, speed reduction and lengthening space between vehicles. Please see the GFAFB Cold Hard Facts on the Grand Forks homepage for more information on winter safety and winter driving.
May to September brings a wide range of temperatures, from the 50s in May to 80+ in August. During this time, be prepared for seasonal allergies (mold, pollen, etc.). The Grand Forks area has a pretty short growing season. Mosquitoes & ticks (active in temps over 40 degrees) are problematic. You and your pets should be protected. Ticks are found in tall grasses, so check everyone over after outdoor activities. It can help to wear light colored clothing. Protect yourself and family members between dusk to dawn from mosquitoes. Stay indoors or check out over the counter products such as mosquito spray.
Grand Forks Air Force Base is an Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance Base.
319th Reconnaissance Wing Priorities:
Mission: To deter aggression, defend the homeland, and decisively win when called upon.
Vision: Innovative Airmen focused on readiness to remain the most lethal fighting force in the world.
In 1954, the Department of War chose Grand Forks as the site for an Air Defense Command base. Community-minded citizens donated $65,000 toward the purchase of a 5,400-acre tract of land. The actual construction of the base began in February of 1956. By 1960, the Air Force had stationed the KC-135 and the F-101 B fighter interceptor. Two years later, the first B-52 bomber arrived and by the end of the decade, Minuteman II Intercontinental Ballistic Missile became operational.
Over the next few decades, the base saw the departure of the fighters and the switch from B-52s to B-1 bombers. Some of the biggest organizational changes included the inactivation of the Strategic Air Command and the re-designation of the base's Bomber Wing as the 319th Air Refueling Wing in the early 1990's. In 1998, all the Minuteman III missiles were shipped to other locations and the silos were imploded, leaving aerial refueling as the base’s primary mission. At one time, the Warriors of the North at Grand Forks Air Force Base supported 48 KC-135 Stratotankers under the Air Mobility Command, making it the first supertanker wing in the Air Force.
Today the 319th Reconnaissance Wing provides decisional advantage to our warfighters and nation's leaders through support of the RQ-4 Global Hawk Block 40 high altitude Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance mission. Ensures strategic command and control through the operation of the nation's High Frequency Global Communication System. Affords Combatant Commanders mission-ready Airmen anytime, anywhere. Provides airmen and families of the 319th RW team, to include geographically separated units and mission partners, with responsive, tailored and mission-focused support. For additional information, see the Grand Forks AFB, ND homepage.
Grand Forks Air Force Base provides base operating and direct operational support to wing personnel and tenant units. Grand Forks AFB also provides logistics, medical, civil engineering, contracting, communications, security, force support services and maintains facilities and equipment in support of the Air Expeditionary Force and combatant commander requirements. Additionally, we provide facilities and equipment support for the base's partners including the following:
Grand Forks Air Force Base is an Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance base located in Grand Forks County, North Dakota, 16 miles west of the City of Grand Forks, and consists of 5,773 acres. The Grand Forks Metro Area has a population of about 104,184 and is home to the University of North Dakota which has an enrollment of 15,844. Grand Forks has been voted the best college town in North Dakota, the best place to live in North Dakota by Time Money, top 10 of America's best hockey town by SmartAsset as well as the Most Secure U.S. Places by Farmers Insurance.
In the past few years, the Grand Forks community was voted best place to live in North Dakota, Money Magazine: Top 100 Best Places to Live, Livability, #1: Best States for Millennials, MoneyRates, #1: Young People Are Moving to These States, U.S. News and #4: Best States to Start a Business, Wallethub. The University of North Dakota is located in Grand Forks and has established an international reputation for Unmanned Aerial Systems, engineering, aerospace, research and scholarship, notably health sciences, nutrition, energy and environmental protection.
Grand Forks AFB is located in the Heart of the Red River Valley at the junction of the Red Lake River and the Red River of the North. The Grand Forks area has 43 miles of biking, hiking and inline skating trails as well as a great mix of sporting events, and an energetic arts scene. The Rural Bicycle Loop is a 100-mile paved route beginning and ending in Grand Forks, including Highway 2 and the cities of Mekinock, Emerado and Mayville. The North Star Trail, planted in the thick woods of Turtle River State Park, is a 10-mile scenic loop that combines rolling hills, flatlands and stream crossings. Grand Forks AFB is also home to Grand Sky, America’s first commercial Unmanned Aerial Systems business and aviation park.
The quality of life in this community has been ranked by Money Magazine as one of the top in the nation. According to Bankrate's rankings, which equally weighted weather, cost of living, crime, quality of health care, state and local taxes and general well-being, North Dakota scored in the top 5 (ranked 4th) in the country for best states for retirees. Plus, its residents report the highest level of general well-being in the country. In addition to the thousands of career opportunities available, North Dakotans enjoy an excellent quality of life. North Dakota offers family-friendly communities, great schools, arts, entertainment and retail options, world-class outdoor recreation opportunities and some of the lowest commute time in the country.
The Grand Forks International Airport is located at 2301 Airport Drive. It is North Dakota's busiest commercial airport and has 1 road to exit the airport which feeds into US-2 W. To get to base, turn right onto US-2W for 7.9 miles. Exit toward Emerado/Grand Forks Air Base/Mekinock and drive for 1.1 miles. Turning left onto the Avenue of Flags will bring you to the Main Gate.
Hector International Airport located at 2801 32nd Ave N in Fargo is another local airport which is 1 hr. and 45 minutes from Grand Forks AFB. To get to base from the airport on 19th Ave N, follow I-29 S/US-81S for 73 miles. Turn left onto US-2W for 16 miles. Exit toward Emerado/Grand Forks Air Base/Mekinock and drive for 1.1 miles. Turning left onto the Avenue of Flags will bring you to the Main Gate.
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport located at 4300 Glunmack Dr., St Paul, MN is located approximately 5 hours from Grand Forks AFB. Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport is a centrally located travel hub revered for its ease of check-in, security, and amenities. Also voted "The 5th Most Reliable Large Airport" by Peter Greenberg MSP is the country’s 14th busiest travel hub with 34 million passengers passing through each year. Compared to other metro areas, only one other U.S. city serves more nonstop markets per capita.
Local bus services are provided by the following: Cities Area Transit (CAT), Greyhound, Triangle Coach Services of East Grand Forks MN. None provide transportation to, or from, Grand Forks AFB. The city of Grand Forks is serviced by rail with Amtrak and is 13.1 miles from the base. All have easy access onto US-2 W from their locations.
The city of Grand Forks is off of Interstate 29. To get to Grand Forks AFB from I29, take Exit 141 and head West on US-2W for 12.4 miles. Exit toward Emerado/Grand Forks Air Base/Mekinock and continue driving for 1.1 miles. Turning left onto the Avenue of Flags will bring you to Grand Forks Air Force Base Main Gate.
If you are driving East on US-2W, take the Emerado/Grand Forks Air Base/Mekinock Exit onto County Road 5. Turn left and go over the bridge. Stay on this road for 1.1 miles to the Avenue of Flags, turn left to the Main Gate.
Local bus services are provided by the following, however, none provide transportation to or from Grand Forks AFB;
The city of Grand Forks is serviced by rail with Amtrak and is 13.1 miles from the base.
At this time, there is no public transportation service between the city of Grand Forks and Grand Forks AFB.