North DakotaPop. 131,627Mid-size cities
Is Fargo a Good Place to Live? Fargo, North Dakota: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Fargo ranks #302 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #41 of 256 mid-size cities and #6 of 20 in North Dakota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (15.5 min, #2 of 256) and low unemployment (2.6%, #3 of 241), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Fargo by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Fargo's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Fargo?
Fargo's cost of living index is 90.9, 9% below the US level of 100 and #238 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $946/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $324,126, 11% above the typical North Dakota home ($292,293).
| Measure | Fargo | North DakotaND | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 90.9#238 of 1,308 | 89 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $324,126#448 of 1,187 | $292,293 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,079/mo#47 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $281,900#482 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $946/mo#146 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 4.2x#631 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 16.9%#144 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). North Dakota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Fargo housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Fargo is in the Fargo, ND-MN metro.
North Dakota housing market →Is Fargo safe?
Fargo recorded 378 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 15% above the US rate of 328 and 47% above North Dakota's 257. That ranks #689 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #133 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Fargo Police Department. Property crime runs 3,260 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Fargo | North DakotaND | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 378#689 of 1,085 | 257 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 3,260#983 of 1,085 | 1,698 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). North Dakota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Fargo?
The median household in Fargo earns $66,998, 19% below the US figure of $83,163 and 14% below North Dakota ($77,871). Unemployment is 2.6% (US 4.3%). 12.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Fargo | North DakotaND | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $66,998#877 of 1,312 | $77,871 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 2.6%#33 of 1,058 | 2.6% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 12.9%#725 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.8%#279 of 1,132 | +0.8% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). North Dakota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Fargo?
The median resident of Fargo is 31.8 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 42.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #390 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 43.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Fargo | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 31.8 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 42.9%#390 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 43.7% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Fargo's schools and health?
Fargo's 27 public schools graduate 88.8% of students in four years (North Dakota 85.1%), with 12.2 students per teacher and $17,102 spent per pupil. 34.3% of adults are obese and 8.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Fargo | North DakotaND | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 88.8%#496 of 1,063 | 85.1% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 12.2#104 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $17,102#405 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 34.3%#719 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 8.1%#120 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 14.5%#202 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 6.8%#228 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). North Dakota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 13,487 students are enrolled in Fargo's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Fargo?
The average commute in Fargo is 15.5 minutes (North Dakota 17.5); 0.6% of workers take transit and 9.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Fargo scores 13.5 of 20 (above average walkable), #243 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 68.8°F and winters 12.8°F, with 24 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Fargo | North DakotaND | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 15.5 min#75 of 1,312 | 17.5 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 2.7%#126 of 1,312 | 4.3% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 76.7% | 76.7% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.6% | 0.5% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 3.7% | 3.7% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.4% | 0.3% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 9.8% | 7.1% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 13.5#243 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). North Dakota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 18.2 | 0.2 | 0.7 |
| Feb | 22.7 | 4.1 | 0.7 |
| Mar | 36.3 | 18.1 | 1.3 |
| Apr | 54.1 | 31.9 | 1.5 |
| May | 68.7 | 44.4 | 3.1 |
| Jun | 78.1 | 55.6 | 4.3 |
| Jul | 82.1 | 59.4 | 3.1 |
| Aug | 80.7 | 56.8 | 2.6 |
| Sep | 72 | 48.1 | 2.7 |
| Oct | 55.8 | 35.2 | 2.2 |
| Nov | 38.1 | 20.9 | 1 |
| Dec | 24 | 7.5 | 0.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Fargo Hector International Airport.
| Measure | Fargo | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 42.2°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 68.8°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 12.8°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 24 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Fargo Hector International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Fargo?
Cass County's air had a median air quality index of 37, and 76% of measured days were rated good; 11 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Cass County's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, strong wind, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 57% of US counties.
| Measure | Fargo | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 37#190 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 11#882 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.14%#588 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Cass County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Cass County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Winter weather | 0.0051% | 99% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0098% | 91% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.022% | 90% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0058% | 89% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0081% | 81% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.074% | 41% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Fargo compare with similar-size cities?
Fargo is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #41 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 131,627.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fargo, NDPop. 131,627 | #302 | 62.0 | $66,998 | $946/mo | 378 | 15.5 min |
| New Haven, CTPop. 134,349 | #833 | 52.7 | $56,851 | $1,488/mo | 399 | 21.5 min |
| Sterling Heights, MIPop. 133,573 | #580 | 56.9 | $79,909 | $1,292/mo | 220 | 24.7 min |
| Lehigh Acres, FLPop. 132,353 | #1282 | 39.2 | $66,890 | $1,657/mo | no data | 38.2 min |
| Lewisville, TXPop. 131,080 | #346 | 61.0 | $89,233 | $1,670/mo | 218 | 24.6 min |
| Santa Clara, CAPop. 130,256 | #105 | 68.1 | $178,958 | $3,016/mo | 172 | 22.6 min |
| Meridian, IDPop. 130,138 | #193 | 64.7 | $100,795 | $1,805/mo | 137 | 22.4 min |
| Norman, OKPop. 129,672 | #683 | 55.3 | $67,704 | $1,090/mo | 243 | 22.6 min |
| Columbia, MOPop. 128,548 | #516 | 57.8 | $66,498 | $1,097/mo | 359 | 16.4 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Fargo compare with the rest of North Dakota?
Fargo ranks #6 of the 20 North Dakota cities we track, with a score of 62 against North Dakota's statewide 75.5. Its households earn 14% below the North Dakota median. Violent crime is 47% above the statewide rate. Homes are 11% above the typical North Dakota home.
| City | Rank in ND | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Fargo, NDPop. 40,094 | #1 | 69.3 | $90,665 | $1,111/mo | 185 |
| Horace, NDPop. 4,588 | #2 | 69.0 | $138,578 | $2,146/mo | no data |
| Grand Forks, NDPop. 59,042 | #3 | 63.9 | $63,627 | $980/mo | 270 |
| Dickinson, NDPop. 25,357 | #4 | 62.7 | $82,696 | $957/mo | 183 |
| Minot, NDPop. 47,791 | #5 | 62.1 | $73,219 | $973/mo | 295 |
| Fargo, NDPop. 131,627 | #6 | 62.0 | $66,998 | $946/mo | 378 |
| Bismarck, NDPop. 75,556 | #7 | 61.8 | $78,387 | $999/mo | 241 |
| Watford City, NDPop. 6,039 | #8 | 61.3 | $102,260 | $1,336/mo | 387 |
| Williston, NDPop. 28,056 | #9 | 60.4 | $79,381 | $1,122/mo | 432 |
| Beulah, NDPop. 3,040 | #10 | 60.1 | $76,848 | $1,075/mo | 131 |
| Lincoln, NDPop. 4,381 | #11 | 58.0 | $87,652 | $950/mo | 44 |
| Grafton, NDPop. 4,102 | #12 | 54.9 | $62,679 | $733/mo | 200 |
| Wahpeton, NDPop. 8,010 | #13 | 54.4 | $62,750 | $751/mo | 135 |
| Minot AFB, NDPop. 4,878 | #14 | 53.7 | $62,500 | $1,431/mo | no data |
| Mandan, NDPop. 24,522 | #15 | 53.2 | $71,780 | $1,083/mo | 257 |
| Jamestown, NDPop. 15,787 | #16 | 53.2 | $56,554 | $773/mo | 133 |
| Valley City, NDPop. 6,541 | #17 | 52.2 | $60,339 | $780/mo | 61 |
| Casselton, NDPop. 2,953 | #18 | 52.1 | $73,259 | $814/mo | no data |
| Devils Lake, NDPop. 7,308 | #19 | 50.0 | $43,220 | $711/mo | 191 |
| New Town, NDPop. 2,721 | #20 | 42.0 | $52,500 | $851/mo | part year |
All 20 North Dakota cities we track, by overall score. North Dakota statewide: median income $77,871, violent crime 256.7 per 100,000.
How is Fargo's score calculated?
Fargo scores 62 out of 100, #302 of 1,312 (grade B+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with North Dakota's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Fargo. Similar-size median 52.9.
57.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Fargo's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
59.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Fargo. Similar-size median 53.8.
65.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Fargo's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
71.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Fargo's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
79.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Fargo. Similar-size median 51.2.
45.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Fargo. Similar-size median 42.1.
54.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Fargo. Similar-size median 50.1.
52.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Fargo's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
65.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
61.4 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Fargo's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Fargo has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Fargo
Is Fargo, ND a good place to live?
Fargo ranks #302 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #41 of 256 mid-size cities and #6 of 20 in North Dakota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (15.5 min, #2 of 256) and low unemployment (2.6%, #3 of 241), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Fargo?
Fargo's cost of living index is 90.9, 9% below the US level of 100 and #238 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $946/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $324,126, 11% above the typical North Dakota home ($292,293).
What is the crime rate in Fargo?
Fargo recorded 378 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 15% above the US rate of 328 and 47% above North Dakota's 257. That ranks #689 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #133 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Fargo Police Department. Property crime runs 3,260 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Fargo?
The median household in Fargo earns $66,998, 19% below the US figure of $83,163 and 14% below North Dakota ($77,871). Unemployment is 2.6% (US 4.3%). 12.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Fargo?
Median rent in Fargo is $946/mo (Census), #146 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,079/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 16.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Fargo?
The typical home value in Fargo is $324,126, up 4.2% in a year, against $292,293 for North Dakota and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $281,900.
How are the public schools in Fargo?
Fargo's 27 public schools graduate 88.8% of students in four years (North Dakota 85.1%), with 12.2 students per teacher and $17,102 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Fargo?
The average commute is 15.5 minutes, #75 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 17.5 minutes across North Dakota. 2.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Fargo?
Fargo averages 42.2°F over the year, 68.8°F in summer and 12.8°F in winter, with 24 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Fargo walkable?
Fargo scores 13.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #243 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Fargo at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Cass County's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, strong wind, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 57% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Fargo?
Cass County's air had a median air quality index of 37, and 76% of measured days were rated good; 11 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Fargo?
Fargo has 131,627 residents. The median resident of Fargo is 31.8 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 42.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #390 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 43.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Fargo compare with the rest of North Dakota?
Fargo ranks #6 of the 20 North Dakota cities we track, with a score of 62 against North Dakota's statewide 75.5. Its households earn 14% below the North Dakota median. Violent crime is 47% above the statewide rate. Homes are 11% above the typical North Dakota home.
What cities are similar in size to Fargo?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Fargo's population of 131,627 are New Haven, CT (#833 overall), Sterling Heights, MI (#580 overall), Lehigh Acres, FL (#1282 overall), Lewisville, TX (#346 overall), and Santa Clara, CA (#105 overall). Fargo is #302.