Live

Welcome to Fargo Moorhead West Fargo! You’re going to like it here. We’re happy to boast a quality of life here that’s hard to beat. Our high standard of living at a low cost, with amenities aplenty and countless options to get involved, sets us apart from many other communities. We’re on the grow, and for good reason.

Settle in and see for yourself why so many of us proclaim #ilovefargo and #moorheadproud.

Visitor Information

The information here is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to showing a visitor everything FMWF has to offer. We're fortunate to have the Fargo-Moorhead Convention & Visitors Bureau, which dives even deeper into the profile of this vibrant, lively place to visit. Visit them online at fargomoorhead.org or call 800.235.7654 or 701.282.3653.

Community overview

Our metro includes Clay County in Minnesota and Cass County in North Dakota. Within the cities of Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo, there are over 50 unique neighborhoods! Whether you prefer quiet country life, an established neighborhood on the north side, the bustle of downtown or the boom of our many evolving spots to the south, you’re never far from friendly neighbors and easy access to experiences.

Area demographics

• Population: 249,974
• Total regional employment: 154,987
• Median household income: $62.8K (2018)

We’re growing! As of 2020, the FMWF metro’s population grew by 17,093, or 7.3%, since 2015, and is expected to increase by 4.7% between 2020 and 2025, adding 11,815 people. Jobs grew by 5,448 over the last five years, and are projected to grow by 6,383 over the next five years. Median household income is $2.5K above the national median household income of $60.3K.

Population characteristics

• Millennials (ages 25-39): 58,246. The national average for an area this size is 50,750.
• Retiring soon: 56,906. The national average for an area this size is 72,368 people 55 or older.
• Racial diversity: 37,435. The national average for an area this size is 98,181 racially diverse people.
• Veterans: 11,984. The national average for an area this size is 13,918.

Source: Emsi Q4 2020 Data Set via GFMEDC

Race and Ethnicity

• White: 86.7
• Black or African American: 6.4
• American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.5
• Asian: 3.4
• Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1
• Other Race or Two or More Races: 2.1
• Hispanic or Latino: 2.8
• Not Hispanic or Latino: 97.2

Cass County. Census 2019 data, current as of December 2, 2020. Source: North Dakota Job Service, Labor Market Information.

Age Groups

• Under 25 years: 36.3
• 25 to 44 years: 30.7
• 45 to 64 years: 20.5
• 65 years and over: 12.5

Cass County. Census 2019 data, current as of December 2, 2020. Source: North Dakota Job Service, Labor Market Information.

• Bachelor’s degree or higher education: 38.9% (compared to 31.8% in the nation)
• Median household income: $59.1K
• Median house value: $176,900
• Civilian labor force: 134,359 with a participation rate of 74%
• 16.9 minutes mean commute time (compared to 26 minutes nationally)

*Source: Emsi, 2019, via Greater Fargo Moorhead EDC

Weather

Let’s address the elephant in the room: Yes, it can get quite cold and snowy in our area. But, we think it makes us hearty, and we sure never let a little weather stop us! Don’t worry though, we definitely experience all four seasons, with plenty to do year round.

Taxes

General sales tax

• Fargo & West Fargo: 7.5%
• Moorhead & Dilworth: 7.38%

For current property or residential tax calculators and rates, please contact the Cass or Clay County auditor’s office, or the state for personal income tax information.

Housing

We have a strong housing market with plenty of options, whether you’re looking for a trendy apartment, downtown condo, comfortable family house or even a lake place. You’ll find housing to match your lifestyle and budget, no matter where you settle in. North Dakota is currently ranked first in the nation for homeowners that are housing stable. If you’re looking to buy, you’ll be happy to hear that there are several first-time homeowner programs and mortgage and loan assistance. Area cities offer tax incentives on new construction that offer significant savings. For more information, please contact your city auditor’s office. No matter where you are, you’re never far from something to do.

Home values & rent

Source: GFMEDC Economic Indicators Report, October 2020

• Number of residential homes on the market: 654
• Average days on the market: 62
• Average sales price, year to date: $259,112
• Median sold price, year to date:
  • Single Family: $250,000
  • Twinhomes: $195,000
  • Condos: $138,500
  • Townhomes: $191,500

Source: Fargo-Moorhead Area Association of REALTORS®, data as of December 7, 2020

Building permits, September 2020 year to date

• Total units: 1,488
• Single family: 984
• Multi-family: 504

All up by about 27% from 2019. Twinhomes are included in multi-family numbers.
Source: GFMEDC Economic Indicators Report, October 2020

Health & wellness

Our region offers many options for maintaining a good quality of life. And, we’re home to world-class medical facilities. In addition to numerous independent clinics, Fargo is home to three major health systems: Sanford Health, Essentia Health, and the Fargo VA. In fact, in 2019, Sanford became a Level I Adult Trauma Center, making Fargo the only city with this designation between Minneapolis, Seattle, Denver and Omaha.

For those looking to stay active, we have some incredible local and state parks nearby, (not to mention five dog parks!), numerous gyms, fitness classes, recreation facilities and outdoor activities.

Travel

Getting around the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo area is easy and fast, and nothing is too far away. Our quick commute time and easy-to-navigate roads make travel accessible for all, any time of day. We’re at the intersection of two major interstates, I-94 and I-29, making us a Midwestern hub for transport. And, major cities like Minneapolis, Winnipeg and Sioux Falls are a short drive away.

You might not want to leave here, but if you do, heading out of town is easy, too.

Need a ride?
Uber and Lyft both operate in town for a ride-sharing app option, and several taxicab companies and limo services are available.

MATBUS operates over 20 fixed routes in the metro. Route and program information is available on their website or app.

Bus service outside the metro is available through Jefferson Lines, with access to various states across America. Regular routes and charters are available for trips throughout the U.S. and our neighbor to the north, Canada.

Hop on the rails with Amtrak and head East or West from the downtown Fargo depot.

Fly Far
Hector International Airport offers robust and reliable air service options to fly in and out of Fargo. Five airlines offer non-stop service to 12 cities, and seven car rental companies offer ground transportation on-site. 

Next door, the Fargo Jet Center offers private charter service, aircraft sales and a flight school.

Fly directly from Fargo on Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier and United to these cities:

• Atlanta*
• Chicago
• Dallas
• Denver
• Las Vegas
• Los Angeles*
• Minneapolis/St. Paul
• Nashville*
• Orlando-Sanford*
• Phoenix-Mesa
• Phoenix-Sky Harbor*
• St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport* (starting Feb. 11, 2021)

*indicates seasonal service

Learn more at fargoairport.com.