With approximately 53,000 veterans and one of the most outdoor-recreation-friendly states in the nation, North Dakota offers a meaningful property tax credit, free hunting and fishing licenses for 50%+ disabled veterans, and tuition waivers at University of North Dakota and NDSU.
North Dakota is home to approximately 53,000 veterans and has consistently ranked among the top states for veteran-friendly programs relative to population size. The Peace Garden State offers a meaningful property tax credit, free hunting and fishing licenses for 100% disabled veterans, and tuition waivers at North Dakota University System (NDUS) institutions.
The North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs (NDDVA) provides free claims assistance, emergency financial aid, and coordination of state veteran programs through offices in Bismarck and across the state.
North Dakota's property tax credit for disabled veterans is governed by North Dakota Century Code § 57-02-08.8. The credit reduces the assessed value of a veteran's primary residence based on their VA disability rating.
Veterans with 50–69% service-connected disability receive a $2,250 reduction in assessed value. At ND's average mill levy, this translates to approximately $70–$110 in annual tax savings depending on location.
Veterans rated 70–99% service-connected receive a $4,500 assessed value reduction, doubling the benefit for veterans with more significant disabilities.
Veterans with 100% permanent and total service-connected disability receive the maximum $6,750 assessed value reduction — approximately $200–$300 in annual savings depending on local mill levies.
Unremarried surviving spouses of veterans who qualified for the credit may continue to receive it as long as they occupy the property as primary residence.
North Dakota provides free hunting and fishing licenses for veterans with service-connected disabilities — one of the most appreciated benefits among outdoor-loving ND veterans.
North Dakota provides tuition waivers at NDUS institutions — including UND (Grand Forks), NDSU (Fargo), Minot State, Dickinson State, and all ND community colleges — for qualifying veterans' dependents.
North Dakota offers in-state tuition rates at all NDUS institutions for honorably discharged veterans regardless of how long they've been in the state — easing the transition for veterans relocating to North Dakota.
North Dakota offers an important income tax benefit for military retirees: military retirement pay is exempt from North Dakota state income tax for qualifying retirees. Combined with VA disability compensation (federally exempt from all state taxes), this makes ND a tax-favorable environment for retired veterans. Contact the ND Office of State Tax Commissioner for current exclusion details.
North Dakota provides specialty disabled veteran license plates for qualifying veterans. Plates come with reduced registration fees for 100% disabled veterans. Apply through the ND Department of Transportation.
North Dakota provides 5-point veterans preference (10-point for disabled veterans) on state civil service examinations. Veterans who are 100% disabled may receive additional priority in state hiring under ND Century Code § 37-19.1.
The VA Health Care System in Fargo serves ND veterans, with community-based outpatient clinics in Bismarck, Minot, Grand Forks, Dickinson, Jamestown, and Williston — covering veterans across the state's vast geography.
The NDDVA administers an emergency financial assistance program for ND veterans in financial crisis. Aid covers food, utilities, housing, and medical expenses. Contact NDDVA at (701) 239-7165 for eligibility.
The assessed value reduction amounts ($2,250 / $4,500 / $6,750) are set by state law, but the actual dollar savings depend on your county's mill levy rate. Counties with higher mill levies translate the same assessed value reduction into greater dollar savings. Contact your county's director of tax equalization for the exact dollar amount the credit will save you.
The free hunting/fishing license threshold in North Dakota is generally 50% or greater service-connected disability. Veterans rated 10–49% may be eligible for discounted (but not free) licenses. Contact ND Game and Fish to confirm current eligibility thresholds, as these can be updated by the state legislature.
Yes. The North Dakota Veterans Home in Lisbon provides long-term nursing and domiciliary care for eligible ND veterans at below-market rates. Contact (701) 683-6500 for admissions information.
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