North Dakota State Flag Size Guide: What Size North Dakota Flag Should You Fly?

Choosing the right North Dakota state flag size is essential for a display that looks clean, balanced, and capable of handling North Dakota’s famously tough weather. Whether you’re flying the North Dakota flag at a home in Fargo or Bismarck, a farm near Minot or Devils Lake, a business in Grand Forks, an oilfield property in the Bakken region, or a rural home on the open plains, the right size and material make all the difference for long-lasting performance.

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North Dakota is one of the windiest states in the country. Combine that with harsh winters, snowstorms, sub-zero wind chills, and blazing UV exposure in summer, and your flag needs to be the right size — and rugged enough — to survive the elements. Oversized flags add major wind load, leading to fraying, broken grommets, and bent poles. This guide breaks down the best North Dakota flag sizes for homes, farms, ranches, and commercial sites, plus which materials perform best across the state.

Quick Answer — Standard North Dakota Flag Sizes

These are the most commonly recommended North Dakota flag sizes for each type of display:

For broader sizing rules, see our Flag Size Chart & Buying Guide.

Choosing the Right North Dakota Flag Size for Your Location

House-Mount (Wall-Mounted) North Dakota Flags

A 3' × 5' ND flag is the best choice for nearly every home — whether you’re in a neighborhood in Fargo, a small town like Wahpeton or Dickinson, or an older home in Bismarck.

• Standard home display: 3' × 5' flag on a 5'–6' pole
• Small porches or urban properties: 2' × 3' flag
• Wind clearance: Ensure the flag won’t strike siding, brick, decorative railings, or vehicles

On windy days — which are frequent in ND — this sizing protects your brackets and prevents premature flag wear.

Residential In-Ground Flagpoles

Use the standard rule-of-thumb: flag length ≈ one-quarter of pole height.

Wide-open properties — which are extremely common across North Dakota — benefit from the added visibility of a 4' × 6' flag, provided the pole can handle the added wind load.

Commercial, School & Government Buildings in North Dakota

These locations typically use larger flags:

• 5' × 8' on 25'–30' poles
• 6' × 10' on 30'–35' poles
• 8' × 12' on 40'–50' poles

High winds across the prairie — especially in winter — require commercial-strength poles and heavy-duty flag materials.

Best Material for the North Dakota Climate

North Dakota is a state of extremes: cold winters, powerful winds, fast-moving storms, and strong summer sunlight. Choosing the right flag material will dramatically increase longevity.

Nylon North Dakota Flags — Best for Most Homes

Nylon works well for the majority of ND homeowners because it:

• Flies in light-to-moderate wind
• Dries extremely quickly after snow or rain
• Shows vibrant color and crisp detail

Perfect for Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot, and most neighborhoods statewide.

Polyester North Dakota Flags — Best for High Wind, Open Terrain & Rural Areas

If you live in:

• Western ND (Williston, Watford City, Dickinson)
• Open plains with constant wind
• Oilfield regions
• High-wind rural farmland
• Properties exposed to winter storms

…then a heavy-duty 2-ply polyester North Dakota flag is strongly recommended.

It resists tearing, holds up under constant motion, and handles ND’s extreme wind better than nylon.

North Dakota Flag Material Guide: Nylon vs Polyester

Cotton North Dakota Flags — Indoor Use Only

Ideal for:

• Government buildings
• Courtrooms
• Schools
• Indoor ceremonial sets

ND’s climate is too harsh for cotton outdoors — it fades and absorbs moisture quickly.

Browse our North Dakota State Flags — Nylon, Polyester & Indoor Options, proudly Made in the USA.

Flying the U.S. Flag with the North Dakota Flag

• The U.S. flag must always fly above the ND flag.
• The ND flag must be the same size or slightly smaller than the U.S. flag.
• Other flags — tribal, military, or city flags — fly beneath the state flag.

A common North Dakota setup: 3' × 5' U.S. flag with a 3' × 5' North Dakota flag on a 20' pole.

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How to Care for Your North Dakota Flag

Cleaning

• Wash gently in cold water
• Use mild detergent only
• Air dry (never machine dry)

Weather Protection

• Lower flags during blizzards or wind advisories
• Rotate between two flags for longer lifespan
• Trim small frays early

Proper Storage

• Use breathable storage containers
• Store indoors away from humidity and heat
• Fold neatly or store flat

Guide on Cleaning and Caring for North Dakota Outdoor Flags

When to Replace or Retire a North Dakota Flag

• Fading of the blue field or eagle emblem
• Fraying along the fly end
• Tears near header or grommets
• Thinning from constant wind exposure

Most VFW and American Legion posts in ND offer flag retirement services.

FAQs — North Dakota Flag Size & Display

What size North Dakota flag is best for a house?
A 3' × 5' North Dakota flag on a 5'–6' pole is ideal for most homes.

What size flag fits a 20' pole?
A 3' × 5' flag fits perfectly; choose 4' × 6' for farms or large rural properties.

Which material is best for North Dakota weather?
Nylon works well for most neighborhoods; 2-ply polyester is recommended for high-wind rural areas and western ND.

Can the ND flag be flown beneath the U.S. flag?
Yes — the U.S. flag always flies in the highest position of honor.

Shop North Dakota Flags Made in the USA

Explore our collection of North Dakota state flags in durable nylon, heavy-duty polyester, and indoor ceremonial options.

Need help choosing the right size? Contact our flag experts.