Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fargo, ND
Fargo, ND is a vibrant, fast-growing city with a population of 129,677 and a youthful median age of 31.5. Homebuyers will appreciate the affordable median home price of $287,000 and low rents around $950, complemented by a cost of living well below the national average. Commutes are quick (16 minutes), and the city boasts solid educational options, including North Dakota State University. While Fargo offers a high percentage of sunny days, winters can be very cold, and residents should be mindful of higher property crime rates. With strong healthcare, a diverse community, and a welcoming Midwest vibe, Fargo is an appealing choice for those seeking opportunity and comfort in North Dakota.
Demographics - Fargo, ND
Fargo is home to about 129,677 residents, featuring a young median age of 31.5 and a balanced gender ratio. The city is predominantly White (83.4%), but also includes Black, Asian, and other diverse communities, with 8.2% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density and diversity contribute to a vibrant, inclusive community atmosphere.
Population:
129,677
Density:
2,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
31.5
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
83.4%
Black:
7.7%
Asian:
3.1%
Others:
5.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Fargo, ND?
Fargo offers a cost of living that is below the national average, with a median home value of $287,000 and typical rents around $950 per month. Day-to-day expenses such as utilities and groceries remain affordable, making it an attractive choice for families and young professionals. Low state taxes further enhance the city’s affordability, appealing to both homeowners and renters.
Median House Value:
$287,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,480
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$480
State Taxes:
Low:
1.1%
|
High:
2.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
92.3
Grocery:
98.1
Housing:
81.5
Utilities:
91.5
Transportation:
88.0
Health Care:
96.8
Miscellaneous:
94.0
Crime
Is Fargo, ND a safe place to live?
Fargo experiences a moderate crime rate, with a violent crime rate of 404 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 3,038 per 100,000. Residents have about a 1 in 247 chance of encountering violent crime and a 1 in 33 chance of property crime. While generally safe, newcomers should remain aware of property crime risks and take standard precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
404
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,038
Crime Index:
3,442
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 247
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 33
Weather
What is the weather like in Fargo, ND year-round?
Fargo’s climate features cold, snowy winters with lows around 0°F and warm summers reaching up to 82°F. The city enjoys approximately 60% sunny days annually and receives about 22.8 inches of rainfall each year. Residents experience all four seasons, making it an ideal location for those who appreciate seasonal changes.
Winter
Min:
0°F
Max:
22°F
Spring
Min:
31°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
57°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
36°F
Max:
61°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
22.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Fargo’s neighborhoods benefit from a median household income of $61,200 and a low unemployment rate of 2.2%. Most residents have short commutes averaging just over 16 minutes, and educational attainment is high with nearly 95% holding at least a high school diploma. The community is welcoming and diverse, with a modest poverty rate of 13.1% and a strong sense of local pride.
Median Income:
$39,500
Household Income:
$61,200
Family Income:
$84,000
Per Capita Income:
$36,400
Income Male:
$45,800
Income Female:
$37,100
Poverty Rate:
13.1%
Non English Speakers:
8.2%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
2.2%
Public Transport Usage:
1.3%
Commute Time:
16.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
94.8%
Bachelors or More:
40.3%
Education
How are the schools in Fargo, ND?
Fargo offers strong educational opportunities, including well-regarded public and private schools and higher education options like North Dakota State University. Local schools maintain favorable student-teacher ratios and robust academic programs. The city’s commitment to education makes it appealing for families and students seeking quality learning environments.
Public Schools
Name:
Fargo Davies High School
Street:
7150 25th St S
Phone:
701-446-5600
Students:
1,300
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.8
Name:
Ben Franklin Middle School
Street:
1420 8th St N
Phone:
701-446-3600
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Private Schools
Name:
Shanley High School
Street:
5600 25th St S
Phone:
701-893-3200
Students:
320
Colleges
Name:
North Dakota State University
City:
Fargo
State:
ND
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
12,200
Name:
Minnesota State University Moorhead
City:
Moorhead
State:
MN
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
5,700
Healthcare
Fargo provides excellent healthcare access, supported by major hospitals like Sanford Medical Center and Essentia Health-Fargo, both offering emergency services. There are 2.3 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 92% of the population has health insurance coverage. The city’s robust healthcare network ensures quality care for residents of all ages.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Sanford Medical Center Fargo
Address:
5225 23rd Ave S, Fargo, ND 58104
Phone:
(701) 234-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Essentia Health-Fargo
Address:
3000 32nd Ave S, Fargo, ND 58103
Phone:
(701) 364-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.7%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Fargo, ND?
Fargo’s real estate market is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $287,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment around $950. Nearly half of the homes are owner-occupied, and the area enjoys a low foreclosure rate of just 0.2%. Consistent home appreciation and new construction give buyers and renters a range of options.
Median Home Price:
$287,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
47.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.0%
New Construction Rate:
1.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Fargo residents are served by the North Dakota Department of Transportation, offering convenient access to driver and vehicle services both online and at the Bismarck office. The state's DMV provides user-friendly resources for licensing and registration. For more information, residents can visit the official website or call the department directly.
State:
North Dakota
Department:
North Dakota Department of Transportation
Address:
608 E. Boulevard Ave., Bismarck, ND 58505-0700
Phone:
1-701-328-2500
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.